Mr.

Josh Martzke
Everything you need to know about band, concerts,
expectations, and more!


WIND ENSEMBLE HANDBOOK 2018 - 2019 1

Introduc)on

Hello! Welcome to Lake Michigan High School’s Wind Ensemble. I am very excited for this year’s band
program. We have some great selecFons of music to prepare and I am confident we will make
wonderful music together. But first, a liIle about myself. My name is Josh Martzke and I am a 2018
Calvin College graduate with a degree in K-12 Instrumental Music EducaFon. I come from a small
town just east of here called Lake Odessa. I aIended Lakewood Public Schools for all of my K-12
schooling and graduated in 2014. Music has been a huge part of my life for several years and has
served as a moFvator to pursue my goal of sharing the joys of music to students of all ages. I believe
music is a powerful force that has the ability to change lives; it gives a voice to people who cannot be
heard. Students in my classroom will be challenged, while parFcipaFng in the joys of music.

“Where words fail, “Music gives a soul to

music speaks.” — the universe, wings to
Hans ChrisFan the mind, flight to the
Andersen imaginaFon and life to

everything.” ― Plato

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s

an explosive expression of
humanity. It’s something we are all
touched by. No maIer what culture
we’re from, everyone loves music.”
― Billy Joel

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Philosophy

Music educaFon has played a huge role in the development of my personality, interests, and my goals
in life. I believe music educaFon to be an important subject that students should have access to no
maIer what the context. I also believe K-12 music educaFon serves a variety of purposes in academic
se]ngs, societal structures, and personal lives. First, in terms of academics, music educaFon allows
students to broaden their knowledge regarding musical informaFon and societal informaFon. Music
classrooms are able to incorporate certain music that is wriIen by various cultures. Taking that music,
we can expand on the implicaFons of the music in order to give students a chance to develop their
worldviews. Second, the societal structure aspect includes bringing groups of people together to
celebrate, mourn, and reflect, on various events through the use of music. I believe music has the
ability to bring people together when it is most needed. Third, the personal aspect incorporates the
effects that music educaFon has on individual students. I understand that not all students will go on
to study music; however, at the minimum, I hope students take away something that they can hold on
to (i.e. understanding what it means to be a leader by being a secFon leader). In my classroom, my
students will be able to successfully play an instrument. This incorporates having a well-rounded
musicianship, which includes, but not limited to, being able to read notes, read complex rhythms,
pitch accuracy, keeping a steady beat, and having an overall solid tone quality. In addiFon, I hope for
my students that they will be confident in both their individual playing and ensemble playing. Lastly, it
my goal for my students to develop an appreciaFon for not just music, but for various cultures, groups
of people, and of themselves. I would like my students to be able to take part in making our society
thrive by being a beIer person and recognizing cultural differences.

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Expecta)ons and Procedures

The Big Five

1. Be posi)ve. Come to rehearsal everyday with a smile ready to make music.
2. Be respec9ul. Respect your neighbors, secFon leaders, and the director. Respect faculty, staff,
and subsFtute teachers.
3. Be on )me. Arrive to class a few minutes beforehand to assemble your instruments, get your
music folders, and find your seat. Rehearsal will start when the class period begins.
4. Be ready to make music. When class begins, there will be announcements followed by music
rehearsal. It is expected you know your individual part for each rehearsal, which means you
need to pracFce.
5. Bring a pencil everyday. Please do not write on your music with anything except a pencil. This
includes pens, highlighters, and markers.

Classroom Procedures Not allowed in the Classroom

1. When you enter the room, assemble your 1. No cellphones. Unless you are tuning at the
instrument, find your seat and warm-up very beginning of rehearsal. Other than that,
individually. silence them and put them away.
2. Leave your cases in the instrument locker 2. No derogatory speech or name calling.
room if it cannot fit under your chair. 3. No fighFng or bullying.
3. Raise your hand to ask a quesFon. 4. No late assignments unless a valid reason.
4. Avoid talking while others are talking. 5. No disrespecFng your instrument.
5. Need to use the bathroom? Quietly leave
the room and return as quickly as you can.
You do not need to ask or use a hall pass, I
understand. Please do not abuse this
privilege or we will resort back to hall
passes.

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Curricular Outcomes

Over the course of the semester and throughout the year, we will tackle many new areas of music.
Through our study of music we will do our best to meet these goals:

- Students will respond through movement to selected pieces in order to understand and describe
various musical elements.
- Students will create and perform their own composiFon that uFlizes a specific purpose/
characterisFc for the piece, as well as musical elements discussed throughout the class.
- Students will criFcally engage the music being prepared by offering suggesFons or ideas that will
help beIer the music making process.

We will also be striving to answer these quesFons related to our goals:

- How does the use of certain musical elements contribute to the overall meaning of the music?
- How would you describe the music using musical terms we have discussed?
- What will be the message or purpose of your piece?
- What do you wish to convey to your audience? EmoFons? A message?
- How will you present the composiFon? Or for whom are you composing? Solo instrument? Small
group ensembles?
- What will be the message or purpose of your piece?
- What do you wish to convey to your audience? EmoFons? A message?
- How will you present the composiFon? Or for whom are you composing? Solo instrument? Small
group ensembles?

Performances

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Assessments and Grading

Some General Items

1. Throughout the year, I will assign playing tests. These will not be a “pop quizzes,” but rather
well-prepared performances. I will give you ample amount of Fme to prepare and I will clearly
arFculate what is expected.
2. Because you are in the top band, I will not assign pracFce records. HOWEVER, you are sFll
required to know your part and pracFce outside of the classroom. The playing tests will serve
formal assessments for your pracFce accountability.
3. ParFcipaFon will be graded. This includes knowing your part, being present for rehearsal, and
bringing a posiFve, focused a]tude to class.
4. AIendance will be graded. However, you will receive one free unexcused absence. Any
unexcused absence that follows will result in a 5% grade reducFon each day. ExcepFons will be
made in case of emergencies, illness with a doctors note, or school sponsored event.

Projects
1. There will be two major projects throughout the year. The first major project is a composiFon
project. You will receive a more detailed handout when we get closer to the project, but a
general overview is you and a group will create an original composiFon using a variety of
instruments. This includes tradiFonal instruments and nontradiFonal instruments (electronica,
trashcans, etc.) Your group will present your final composiFon to the class.
2. Second, you will write a formal research paper on a piece of your choosing. It can be an
instrument, band piece or a pop song that is school appropriate. You will research the piece
and develop a list of quesFons you would to answer regarding its emoFonal intent, message or
meaning of the music, and what purpose does it serve in society.

Final Exam
Together, your two projects will serve as your final exam plus a wriIen reflecFon that is due by the
end of the school year.

Grade Breakdown
Concerts = 50%
Projects = 15% each
WriIen ReflecFon = 10%
ParFcipaFon (pracFcing, aIendance, etc.) = 10%

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Performances

Over the course of the year, we will perform four (4) concerts.

Dates:
November 6th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
December 11, 2018 at 7:00 pm (Holiday Concert)
February 12, 2019 at 7:00 pm (Pre-FesFval Concert)
May 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm

A]re:
The school will provide uniforms for each students. For men, the school will provide black tuxedos
(coat, shirt, pants). It is your responsibility to provide black dress shoes and black socks. For women,
the school will provide black concert dresses. It is also your responsibility to provide black, closed-
toed shoes. If you need assistance will acquiring these items, please do not hesitate to contact me to
discuss some opFons. We will be fi]ng uniforms the week of October 8th, 2018. Please be sure you
are present during rehearsal to ensure you receive a uniform.

Concert AIendance ExpectaFons

Please mark those dates on your calendars! Remember, concerts are 50% of your grade and
aIendance is mandatory. We are in this together as a team and we have a commitment to provide
excellent music to our audience. Just like any sports team, teamwork is vital to the success of our
program. Therefore, it is crucial that each and every student give it their best effort to be at each of
our concerts. However, I do understand that each of you have lives outside of band. If you are unable
to aIend the concert, you are required to give me at least two (2) weeks noFce from the concert day.
ExcepFons will be made in case of a family emergency or extremely illness. If you are unable to aIend
a concert and have noFfied me, we will work together to make alternate arrangements for you to
perform your music in the form of a playing test. If you miss a concert and have not noFfied me or it
was not due to an emergency or illness, then you will receive a failing grade for that concert.
AIendance will be taken before the concert. Remember, this is a team effort. Only together can we
think big and make wonderful music.

Audience Behavior ExpectaFons

On occasion, students will be expected to sit in the audience while they are listening to other bands.
Therefore, I would like to go over some basic audience behavior expectaFons. First and foremost,
PLEASE remember to silence your cell phones! Always double check before the the concert.
Furthermore, please refrain from using your cell phone during the concert. This is very disrespecuul
to the students on stage who worked very hard to prepare their concert. Second, please refrain from
talking to your friends during the performance. Once the a piece has concluded and the audience is
clapping, then you can make a quick comment. Third, be respecuul and considerate. There may be
chance that you hear a band make a mistake. Please do not laugh or make fun of that band.
Remember, it takes a lot of courage to get in front of people and perform music! And also, not
everyone is perfect. BoIom line is, you are represenFng Lake Michigan Bands when you are in the
audience. It is expected you display respect and consideraFon to our music colleagues. Remember to
applaud their hard work, as well!

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Resources

Teacher Contact InformaFon

Mr. Joshua Martzke
Lake Michigan Public Schools
Office: (616) 902-3375

Instrument Repairs and Private Lesson InformaFon

Meyer Music (Repair, Lessons, and Sheet Music)
2855 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: (616) 975-1122

Southtown Guitar (Repair and Lessons)

1533 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: (616) 250-3193

Calvin College Music Department (Lessons)

Calvin College, Covenant Fine Arts Center
1795 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616) 526-6253

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 Top 10 Music Websites

1. Michigan State Band and Orchestra AssociaFon (hIp://www.msboa.org) for concert dates, fesFval
dates, and other music related informaFon.

2. Meyer Music (hIp://www.meyer-music.com) for instrument repairs, music, lessons, instrument

supplies.

3. Marshall Music (hIps://www.marshallmusicweb.com) for instrument repairs, music, lessons,

instrument supplies.

4. Woodwind Brasswind (hIps://www.wwbw.com) for instrument supplies, music, etc.

5. JW Pepper (hIps://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welcome.jsp) for sheet music.

6. Alfred Music (hIps://www.alfred.com) for sheet music.

7. Hickey’s Music Center (hIp://www.hickeys.com) for instrument supplies and music.

8. SpoFfy (hIps://www.spoFfy.com) FREE access to our concert pieces and more. Smartphone app
opFon as well.

9. IMSLP (hIp://imslp.org) for public domain sheet music.

10. Noteflight (hIps://www.noteflight.com) for free online music notaFon. Useful for one of your
major projects.

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