Excellence in Music Award: Band
Excellence in Music Award: Jazz (coming soon)
Band Lettering (1,2,3)
Falcon Pathways: Band
EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC PROGRAM: BAND
Vision & Purpose of the CHS Excellence in Music Program
Click here to submit Excellence in Music & Lettering Reporting Form.
This program has been patterned after other successful music programs around the state of Utah, and has been proven to increase the level of musicality, individual excellence and understanding of music, and an overall appreciation of the desired culture of a successful band program.
Students who take their musical training beyond the school band experience deserve recognition for the investment of time and energy required to truly excel on their instrument. To this end the “Excellence in Music” award has been created. Recipients of this award will epitomize both the highest individual and group achievement in the Clearfield High band program. The students who meet all the requirements for the “Excellence in Music” award will receive a framed certificate recognizing their achievement at the final concert of the year and will have their name affixed to the Excellence in Music Award plaque displayed in the band room.
The band letter is a part of the excellence in music program. Students may earn a band letter each of their three years in the band. However, lettering is only a step on the path toward the “Excellence in Music” award and should not be viewed as the culmination of the band experience.
The preeminent goal of the Clearfield High Band program is to prepare students for a successful life after they graduate from high school. While the development of music performance ranks high on the list of priorities in the Clearfield High band program, the other goals of developing self-discipline, self-esteem, integrity, leadership skills, self-expression, and teamwork must also be considered in any awards program. To this end, requirements for the “Excellence in Music” award are divided into two distinct areas: musicianship and participation.
MUSICIANSHIP
The musicianship requirements are divided into three levels: one for each year the student attends high school. Students may, however, pass off levels as soon as they are prepared to do so. Pass offs may take place after or before school by appointment or on special days designated “pass off” days during class. With the advent of technology students may submit video recordings (please follow video recording guidelines) as well. Since the technical and musical demands are distinct for each instrument, there are requirements specific to each instrument at each level.
LEVEL 1: Musicianship & Lettering (Wind & Percussion)
I. General Required Pass Offs (wind players) * Percussion Players See Below.
Successfully Demonstrate playing ALL 12 MAJOR SCAELS with a ONE OCTAVE ARPEGGIO through the circle of 4th/5th's.
Prepare and perform an approved etude demonstrating - (a) good tone, (b) proper technique (breathing, rhythmic, articulation, mechanics, notes, phrasing, etc...) including 8th and 16th notes.
Musical skills - students must play with correct articulations, rhythms, notes, and phrasing to pass off this requirement.
Students who play a solo or an ensemble at the School/Region Solo & Ensemble Festival and receive a 2/II (2 rating) or better will pass off requirements 2 & 3. Level 1 Excellence in Music and Level 1 Lettering is the same requirement.
Sight read the selected piece for level 1 musicianship. (audition for Wind ensemble will complete this requirement)
II. Individual Wind Instrument Requirements
Flute - Play a chromatic scale C1 to G3 ascending and descending in eighth notes, mm=80 or faster.
Oboe/Bassoon/Saxophone - Play a chromatic scale in two octaves Bb1 to C3 ascending and descending in eighth notes, mm=80 or faster.
Clarinet (all types) - Play a chromatic scale G1 to C3 ascending and descending in eighth notes, mm=80 or faster.
Trombone/Baritone/Tuba - Play a chromatic scale E1 to F3 ascending and descending in eighth notes, mm=80 or faster.
Percussion Individual Skills
Demonstrate ability to play all 12 major scales and a one octave arpeggio (up and down) through the circle of 4th/5th. Link to Scales Document - complete one two octave scale with one octave arpeggio
Demonstrate ability to play applied lines of required rudiments. Link to Rudiment PDF's
Demonstrate a proper roll-on mallet percussion, snare and timpani.
Accurately tune the timpani to various pitches sounded to you.
Students who play a solo or an ensemble at the School/Region Solo & Ensemble Festival and receive a 2/II (2 rating) or better will pass off requirements 2 & 3. Level 1 Excellence in Music and Level 1 Lettering is the same requirement.
Click Here to Submit Level 1 Lettering Requirements
LEVEL 2: Musicianship & Lettering (Winds & Percussion)
I. General Required Pass Offs (wind players) * Percussion Players See Below.
Complete Level 1 Musicianship requirements
Play all twelve harmonic minor scales and one octave arpeggio in eighth notes in 120 seconds or less (memorized) or 90 or less (with music).
Prepare an approved Solo or Ensemble demonstrating excellent musical skill.
Level 2 Lettering (pin) - Perform the selection at the SCHOOL solo/ensemble festival and receive a rating of 1- (I-/1 minus) or better (Ensemble Score) or a 2+ (II+/2 plus) or higher (solo score)
Level 2 Excellence in Music - Perform the selection at REGION solo/ensemble festival and receive a rating of 1- (I-/1 minus) or better (Ensemble Score) or a 2+ (II+/2 plus) or higher (solo score)
Sight Read the selected piece for level 2, demonstrating proper articulation, dynamic, rhythm, pitch, and phrasing.
II. Individual Instruments
Flute - (a) Double tongue on a B flat scale, four sixteenths to each note mm=120 or faster, and (b) Select, prepare, and play a slow, melodic etude that demonstrates your ability to play with vibrato.
Oboe/Bassoon - (a) rapid tongue on a B flat scale, four sixteenths to each note mm= 104 or faster, and (b) Demonstrate your ability to play with vibrato on any piece of music.
Clarinet/Saxophone - (a) Rapid tongue on a B flat scale, four sixteenths to each note mm=104 or faster.
All Brass - (a) Double tongue on a B flat scale, four sixteenths to each note mm=120 or faster.
Percussion Students
Double stroke any scale, two sixteenths to each step mm=120 or faster.
Play the arpeggio exercise ascending chromatically mm=80 or faster (compound meter).
Prepare and perform a piece of music that demonstrates proper four mallet technique and requires rolls. Select the appropriate mallet hardness for your piece.
Demonstrate the correct method for playing crash and suspended cymbals, gongs, and all other auxiliary percussion. (in class percussion ensemble/concert band pieces will fulfill this requirement).
Click Here to Submit Level 2 Lettering Requirements
LEVEL 3: Musicianship & Lettering
I. General Required Pass Offs (wind players) * Percussion Players See Below.
Play all twelve melodic minor scales in eighth notes ascending and descending memorized in 60 seconds or less.
Clap rhythm patterns utilizing combinations of triplets and sixteenths in all common time signatures.
Prepare and perform an approved solo with accompaniment.
Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Level 3 Lettering (pin) - You must advance to the state festival in either an ensemble (receiving a 1/I at the region festival), or a 2+/II+ or better on a Solo at Region.
Level 3 Excellence in Music - You must receive a straight superior rating, with a SOLO performance, at region and move on to the or state solo/ensemble festival (if you have done so in a previous year (freshman/sophomore/junior) you may count that achievement) to achieve level 3 status.
Level
Demonstrate your ability to recognize intervals by identifying them as they are performed, then by performing them. (basic aural skills)
Fill out the Final Requirement Sheet and complete the two writing assignments. These must be turned into Mr. Bailey by the deadline.
On a separate page, please write an essay that explains the following:
How your involvement in music has impacted your life
What you plan to do with music after you graduate
People in your life who have contributed to your musicianship, and how
Write a letter to one of the people listed in item c above to thank them. Turn in the letter in an unsealed envelope, addressed and stamped.
II. Individual Instruments
Flute - Play a chromatic scale C1 to C4 ascending and descending.
Oboe/Bassoon/Saxophone - Play a chromatic scale C1 to F3 ascending and descending. (Saxophones) Play music that demonstrates your ability to use vibrato.
Clarinet - Play a chromatic scale G1 to G4 ascending and descending.
Trumpet/Horn - Play a chromatic scale low F# to C3 ascending and descending. (Trumpets) Play music that demonstrates your ability to use vibrato.
Trombone/Baritone/Tuba
Play a chromatic scale low E to Bb3 ascending and descending.
Select and play a slow, melodic etude that demonstrates your ability to use vibrato.
Percussion
Prepare and perform an approved timpani solo requiring at least one pitch change. (if any percussion ensemble/concert piece requires this and is done correctly that will complete this portion of the requirement).
Prepare and perform an additional 4 mallet etude from book 2
Click Here to Submit Level 3 Lettering Requirements
Participation
Students may earn points through participation in the various ensembles offered through the Clearfield High band program or by participating in extracurricular music experiences such as All State. Students who earn a total of 300 points by the conclusion of their senior year qualify for the “Excellence in Music” award. Following is a breakdown of the participation point system.
Group Participation (60 points maximum per year) - Ensemble Participation
1st Large Ensemble - (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble): For each qualifying term you must have a B or better to receive points. (20 pts per year)
2nd Large Ensemble - (Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble): For each qualifying term you must have a B or better to receive points. (20 points per year)
Fall Marching Band - 20 (this includes participation in Summer Band)
Summer Parade Band - 15 points Per year (if participation in marching band you can not count these points)
Full Orchestra - 10 points per year (5 points per full orchestra participation). In order for this to be counted you must attend 90% of rehearsals, and each concert performance.
School Musical - 10 points per year
All-State Band or Orchestra - 20 points per year
College Honor Bands - 5 points per honor band (15 points maximum per year).
Other - (ensembles may include but are not limited to Davis Youth Orchestra, HYPE)
Leadership Points (20 points maximum per year) - Leadership Participation
All student leaders must attend the band leadership seminar and demonstrate effective leadership and dedication to qualify for these points.
Band Council - 20 points per year
Section Leader/Assistant Section Leader (any group): 10 points per year
Teacher's Aid for Band: 5 points per year
Individual Music Activities (60 points maximum per year)
Private Lessons - 20 points for a full year
Region and State Solo & Ensemble Festival
Solo - 10 points (3 point bonus for a I or I- rating) - points applied for each level.
Ensembles - 5 points (3 point bonus for a I or I- rating) - points applied for each level.
"Outstanding Soloist" jazz festival awards - 15 points
Superior rating at any entered festival (state fair, federation, PAS, etc.) - 10 points
Miscellaneous Points (20 points maximum per year)
Music Scholarship Offers - 1 point per $200.00 offered.
EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC PROGRAM: JAZZ
Coming Soon
MUSICIANSHIP
LEVEL - J1
LEVEL - J2
Wind Players
Play all 12 ii-V-I (2-5-1) progressions with a one octave M7 arpeggio pattern
Prepare and perform (video recording is fine) an approved jazz etude demonstrating good tone, technique, with the correct jazz voicing (both played AND written), and musical skill. Students who play an approved Jazz Etude for solo and ensemble can accomplish this by receiving a 2+ or better at the Region Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Solo over a 12 Bar F, C, or B flat Blues
Rhythm Players
Drum Kit
Piano
Guitar
Bass
LEVEL - J3
Wind Players
Play all 12 Blues Scales with Dominate 7 arpeggio
Transcribe 16 to 32 bars of a recorded solo of your choice. Submit a recording of you playing the solo with the written transcription. Be sure to include the correct jazz voicing writings in your transcription.
Rhythm Players
Drum Kit
Piano
Guitar
Bass
Participation
Students may earn points through participation in the various ensembles offered through the Clearfield High band program or by participating in extracurricular music experiences such as All State. Students who earn a total of 300 points by the conclusion of their senior year qualify for the “Excellence in Music” award. Following is a breakdown of the participation point system.