Q&A

Meet the Directors (Steve Cotten and Doug Koleszar): Steve Cotten is in his thirty-forth year as Director of Bands at Harrison High School having previously served a six-year tenure at Brookfield High School in Connecticut. Mr. Cotten also serves as Harrison Performing Arts Department Chair, and is a former President of the Indiana Bandmasters Association. A native “Hoosier”, Steve holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Indiana University where he studied conducting with Prof. Ray Cramer and trumpet with Prof. Charles Gorham. Mr. Cotten also holds a Master of Music Degree from Valparaiso University where he studied under former IMEA and IBA President Dr. Jeff Doebler. Mr. Cotten has been named Harrison High School and Tippecanoe School Corporation Teacher of the Year (2010) as well as Michiana Outstanding Music Educator (2012). Mr. Cotten is Lead Director of the Advanced Concert Band, Advanced Jazz Band, Basketball Pep Band and Co-Director of the Marching Band Doug Koleszar is in his Twenty-second year as Assistant Director of Bands at Harrison High School, having previously served a three year tenure at Rensselaer Central High School. Doug holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from St. Joseph College where he studied conducting with Prof. Rob Thiel and trumpet with applied music instructors Joe Pelozza and Joey Tartell. Mr. Koleszar is Lead Director of the Freshman Concert Band, Intermediate Concert Band, Intermediate Jazz Band and Co-Director of the Marching Band

Band Grading Policy:Although there are some standards all students must meet, it is our policy that students are graded on their improvement rather than a rigid set of standards. This mastery learning approach allows students of all talent and ability levels to be judged fairly, and according to their own efforts. As students’ progress through the various levels of the Band program, more effort is expected of them. Student grades in Band will be based on several different modes of assessment: Concert/Contest Performance is both required and graded. Playing Tests covering instrumental technique over assigned musical passages. Exams covering musical terms and basic information Quizzes/Assignments covering short passages or scales Attitude/Participation will be evaluated by instructors on a weekly basis. Concert Review of a College or Professional level instrumental performance each semester. Bonus Points will be awarded toward Attitude/Participation grade in the following areas: Extra-Curricular Participation (Marching, Pep, Jazz, Musical Pit) Private Lessons (confirmation required) Solo & Ensemble (additional entries beyond required) Honor Bands/Camps/Clinics (confirmation required) Outside Performances (confirmation required) Concert Reviews (beyond 1 required) Quarterly Grades will be computed based on total points earned in these areas: Concert Performance Playing Test(s) Scales/Quizes/Assignments Attitude and Participation A=90% B=80% C=70% D=60% F= 50% or less Exam Grades A 100 point written exam or project will be administered during the Final Exam period each semester. Semester Grades will be worth 20% of a semester grade

Harrison Band Behavior Standards:In any group of people there are rules in place that help to maintain order. We have a few simple rules that will help us to accomplish everything we need to do in band classes. Follow directions the first time asked. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. No insults, name-calling or profanity. Touch only equipment to which you are assigned. Have all necessary equipment ready for rehearsal. No food, drinks, candy or gum in the band room. Cellular Phones, Earbuds, Laser Lights/Pointers, and other electronic devices 1. Students are not to have laser lights or pointers at school. 2. Students may use cellphones during a student's lunch period, passing periods, before, or after school. At all other times between 7:30am and 2:20pm these devices are to be turned off and placed out of sight when school is in session. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the following progressive disciplinary penalty and the item being confiscated and returned only to the parent or guardian. 1st offense: Teacher choice 2nd offense: Student will be sent to the office and an administrator will confiscate the device for the day. Teacher will make parent contact. 3rd offense: Device confiscated by administration and parent/guardian must pick the device up from school. 4th offense: Administration will schedule a meeting with student and parent/guardian to discuss a plan for student success. On the 5th offense and beyond, students may face consequences for insubordination and/or failure to comply. Students who refuse to turn over their cell phone or other electronic device to a staff member when asked are insubordinate and failing to comply with a request from a staff member. If the student refuses to turn over the cell phone or other electronic device to an administrator the result is up to five days of Out of School Suspension. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not the responsibility of the school. If stolen or lost, the student assumes the responsibility. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) allowing students to carry electronic devices to school implies permission to the school to have access to any and all information on the device if confiscated for disciplinary, or investigative purposes. Information contained on devices is subject to inspection. Positive Consequences- Research has shown that it is much better to reward positive behavior when possible in order to bring about learning. We will use a number of positive consequences including: Praise, Positive Parent Contacts, and Opportunity to Participate in Extra-Curricular Bands, Opportunity to Participate in Band Trips, Awards. Negative Consequences- Some behaviors are so detrimental to the class that they need to be addressed with negative consequences. These consequences are applied only when a student chooses not to follow the rules. The more the student makes negative choices, the higher the consequences. Some behaviors are so disruptive that they will lead to immediate removal from class with a discipline referral. Bullying and Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and will be referred to the Administration for investigation.

Concert Review Assignment:The purpose of this assignment is for students to attend one of the many live musical performances in our community. Concerts must be at a level above where students currently play. Examples include: Professional, Semi-Professional and Collegiate Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Small ensembles, or Soloists. High School or Middle School Band Concerts are not appropriate. Concert must include their instrument Please note that not every concert involves all instruments: Concert Bands will include everything. Jazz Bands feature Tp, Tbn, Saxes, Drum, Piano, Bass and Guitar. Orchestras typically do not include Saxophones or Euphonium/Baritone. Small Ensembles vary in instrumentation, check that the student’s instrument is represented. Students will complete this Concert Review Form and turn in a Program, Ticket Stub or email a Selfie taken at the concert with the stage in the background. All reviews must be submitted prior to the start of Final Exams. We are fortunate that many community organizations provide free and reduced cost student tickets for concerts:

Harrison Band Communication Methods: Communication is a key factor in the success of any organization. The following modes of communication will be used throughout the year in order to keep families informed and up to date with Harrison Band activities. Please refer to these sources before emailing a question. Harrison Bands Website - updated periodically. Canvas - Periodic announcements and assignment notifications. Facebook- This official fb page is administered by the director. Daily/Weekly Announcements- posted and read daily in all band classes. Email- is sent occasionally for reminders using the student TSC email accounts and the email address provided by parents in the Band Info Google Form sent at the beginning of the school year. Band Notes Newsletter - is published monthly throughout the school year and emailed to parents/students as well as posted on the website. Handouts/Itineraries- distributed in all classes prior to major events.

Harrison High School Co/Extra Curricular Conflict Policy: On rare occasions there may be a conflict between an extra-curricular school sponsored sport or activity and a required event for the curricular band class. Please be aware of the school policy #3 stated below. In the event of a conflict between an extra-curricular band (jazz, marching, pep) and another extra-curricular, 1, 2 and 4 apply. For extra-curricular activities such as Quiz Bowl, Academic Superbowl and Robotics be sure to check the State/National competition dates. Please contact the band office as soon as you are aware of a potential conflict. Every effort will be made to facilitate an equitable solution within school policy. 1.A regular competition takes precedence over a practice. 2.A tournament game takes precedence over a regular competition. (A tournament is any series of competitions where a team, group, or individual moves from one level of competition to another.) 3.Co-curriculars (where class time has been spent preparing for the event) take precedence over extra-curriculars. 4.If all else is equal, the number of possible opportunities to participate will be considered. The activity with fewer participation opportunities will be given precedence.

Seating and Band Placement: Seating Placement in all bands is based on playing tests and attitude & participation in class. Periodic review and adjustments to seating may be necessary, and will be based on band class and sectional performance. All parts are necessary and important to the mature band sound. All incoming 9th grade students are placed in Beginning (Freshman) Brass, Woodwind or Percussion Class for at least a semester, usually the full freshman year. Concert Band Placement for Soph. Jr. and Sr. band members is based on musical ability (as assessed by playing tests, Honor Band selection and ISSMA Solo Contest results), work ethic, attitude, participation and the instrumentation needs of the ensembles. In most cases, students will progress from Beginning (Freshman) Concert Band to Intermediate Concert Band before being considered for Advanced Concert Band. Students wishing to be considered for Advanced Concert Band: Would consistently be seated near the top of their section Would likely be studying with a qualified private instructor on their instrument. Would likely be performing G2 or G1 Solos at the ISSMA contest. Contest results are highly considered in decisions for advancement. The faculty reviews band placement every semester.

Private Lessons:Members of the Harrison Band program are highly encouraged to seek private instruction on their individual instrument. This is truly the best method for rapid advancement on any instrument. Students wishing to advance to the Chamber Winds should be studying their instrument at this level. Also, those students wishing to audition for All-State Band, or take Solos to contest at the Group 1 level should be taking lessons. Private lessons are available at a reasonable cost through a number of local teachers. The Children’s Music Foundation can provide lesson scholarships based on Free/Reduced Lunch status. This list is not comprehensive. Please let us know of others we should add. Flute *Celeste Edwards 765-532-0485 Oboe/Bassoon Jan Applegate ob 463-4337 Janet Priest ob 765/296-4102 Tyler Long *Samantha Wagner bsn (765) 269-6449 Clarinet *Kaitlin Wright 421-7306 *Stephanie Mauer 412-2449 Amanda Goodspeed 490-9558 Beth Purkhiser 427-1355 Saxophone *Stephanie Mauer 412-2449 Beth Purkhiser 427-1355 Ned Boyd 412-4918 (Jazz Improv - Logansport) Trumpet Bruce Knepper 765-532-1278 Chris Moser mosertrumpet@gmail.com Dr.Paul Geraci 765.490.9349 Marilyn Renner 765 532-8613 Horn *Jim Wells jwellshorn@hotmail.com Kevin Cooney 765-252-7464 Low Brass *Lynn Colwell 430-2171 (TB/E/TU/Jazz Bass) *Ryan Burnette rburnette@tsc.k12.in.us (E-TU) Don Issacs 474-6778 (E) Mike Plake 414-3816 (TU, E, Bass Tb) Connor Granlund granlundc@wl.k12.in.us (TU, E, Bass Tb) Percussion Larry Guentert 572-2940 Brad Harner 765-447-0009 bradleyharner@gmail.com Janine Reinhart 765 430 1389 Dr.Pam Nave 494-3952 (PU adv only) *denotes HHS Sectional Instructors or TSC Teachers-

Performance Wear: Uniform Concert Dress is required for all Harrison Band members at every performance. Please purchase needed items as inexpensively as possible and have them available for the first concert performance. Please contact a director in case of financial need. Beginning (Freshman) Concert Band and Intermediate Concert Band Navy Blue ‘Harrison Bands’ Polo Shirt (available to order in Sept.) Tan (Khaki) Dress Pants (Girls may wear a tan dress skirt-knee length or longer) Dress Shoes (not Tennis Shoes) Dark Socks (not white) Advanced Concert Band (Wind Ensemble) Informal Concert Wear Navy Blue ‘Harrison Bands’ Polo Shirt (available to order) Tan (Khaki) Dress Pants / Tan (Khaki) Dress Skirt (knee length or longer) Dress Shoes (no Tennis Shoes) Dark Socks (not white) Formal Concert Wear White Dress Shirt w/Collar Black Dress Tuxedo (Provided) Black Dress shoes and Black Socks or Black Concert Formal Dress (Provided) Black Dress Shoes Marching Band Two uniforms are worn depending on the performance. Summer Uniform Marching Band T-Shirt (included in MB fee) Tan (khaki) Shorts Tennis shoes/Socks Full Dress Uniform Harrison Militia Band Uniform Marching Band T-Shirt (under Jacket) Light Colored (White/Lt. Gray) Gym Shorts (under Jacket) Black Oxford style lace up Dress shoes Black calf length socks Jazz Band Informal Concert Wear (Same as Concert Band) Pep Band Polo Shirt (same as Jazz/Concert), Jeans, Tennis Shoes

Band Incentive Awards: Awards will be granted once a year prior to the end of the school year. Recognition of awards will take place at the Spring Concert. Students must complete an application for awards form made available prior to awards presentations. Band Jackets Letterman Style Navy wool jackets may be purchased from any vendor and worn by any band member who has earned their letter. Style shown below Navy/Orange: Band Letters Students may earn one Band Letter (orange Block H) which will be awarded for extra-curricular involvement after accumulating 5 points on the following scale: Marching Band 2pts/yr Jazz Band 1pt/yr Pep Band 1pt/yr Pit Band 1pt/yr Insert Pins Students will receive all applicable insert pins after their letter is awarded. Additional pins may be applied for as they are earned. One pin may be earned in each category. Marching Band Pep Band Jazz Band Pit Orchestra Other Awards Students in the Harrison Band program are eligible for a variety of awards and scholarships during their High School careers. Awards are given in the areas of Concert, Marching, and Jazz Bands. Awards are presented at our Spring Concert and Awards night.

Necessary Equipment: WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS Flute: Cleaning rod and soft cloth Oboe/Bassoon: 2 good cane reeds* Recommended: Jones Medium Film canister/reed soaker Cork grease Cleaning swab Clarinet/Saxophone: 3 good cane reeds or 1 Legere plastic reed (last longer than a box of cane reeds). Reed guard (holds 3-4 reeds) Cork grease Cleaning swab Neck strap (sax and bass clarinets only) * Note: You must have at least 3 working cane reeds or a Legere plastic reed, at all times. Legere reeds should be .25 weaker than your normal strength. HS Students should play on at least 2.75 Legere or a 3 regular Cane reed. Use your reed guard to rotate your reeds.They will sound better and last longer. As soon as a reed is chipped or cracked, throw it away. Cane reed brands to consider include Mitchell Lurie and Vandoren. Rico reeds are not recommended. BRASS INSTRUMENTS Trumpet, Horn, Euphonium, Tuba: Valve oil (Rotary Oil for Horn) Tuning slide grease Trombone: Slide cream and small spray water bottle (Slide oil is NOT recommended!) Tuning slide grease Percussion Stick bag with name tag, Medium hard rubber mallets (such as Balter BB1) Medium hard Yarn wound Xylo/Marimba mallet One pair of WOODEN snare sticks (such as Vic Firth SD-1) One pair general Timpani mallets (such as Vic Firth T1) PERCUSSION* Stick bag with name tag, Medium hard rubber mallets (such as Balter BB1) Medium hard Yarn wound Xylo/Marimba mallet One pair of WOODEN snare sticks (such as Vic Firth SD-1) One pair general Timpani mallets (such as Vic Firth T1) *You MUST label your sticks and mallets since most students end up with similar equipment.

Purchasing an instrument: Owning your own instrument allows you to continue and advance your musical journey. Now that you are in high school, you may wish to consider purchasing an upgraded instrument. There are several different options to purchase a step-up instrument. Option 1 - Purchase or Rent to Own a quality new instrument We recommend contacting our school music dealer, Quinlan & Fabish Music Co. (Eastway Plaza-Lafayette) www.qandf.com or another reputable full service dealer. These instruments have a warranty and after purchase support from the Music Retailer. Beware of Purchasing New Instrument “Internet Specials” Please do not waste your money on these low quality instruments. Often a quality used instrument can be found for around the same price or a little more. These are cheaply made imports, often with vaguely Italian sounding names. They are often advertised as “Director Recommended” of “Professional” They are often available in a variety of colors and come with gloves… They are sold at clearly “too good not to be a scam” prices They have playability and intonation problems which impair student progress. They break easily and cannot be repaired due to inferior materials and lack of replacement parts Most become unusable in less than a year Option 2 - Purchase a quality used instrument Here is a process recommended by our school instrument Repair Tech Brent Laidler for finding a decent used instrument on Ebay: Ask your Band Director or Private Teacher for a specific Brand and Model of the instrument(s) they think will be appropriate and search for those.Don’t just search “Silver Trumpet” or “Wood Clarinet” Once you look at the comparables and find an instrument at a price you are comfortable with, check out the seller. Good Ratings? Do they have full return/refund policies? Do not buy if either of those are No. Look at what else the Seller has listed. You want to buy from a band instrument reseller with some knowledge of instrument quality and condition. Not someone who has one used trombone and a lot of other garage sale junk. Purchase a quality used instrument from a private party. Please check with Band Director for quality brand names and models Used Instruments are often listed on FB Marketplace or Craigslist etc Check “Instrument for Sale” notices in your band room . Ask the private party to meet at Brent’s Bench Instrument Repair in Lafayette and have Brent evaluate the instrument's condition prior to purchase. Final Word - Please be sure to check with the band directors, sectional instructor or your private teacher concerning name brands and models which can be trusted prior to purchasing any instrument.

Fund Raising: Our fundraisers are managed by the Band Booster organization and consist of the following: Ongoing Donations fundraising FLA Citrus and Fanny May Chocolate sale Band Booster Craft Show Individual and Corporate Sponsorships As a 501c3 Tax Exempt Corporation, the band boosters fundraising supports all students in the Harrison Band Program in a variety of ways. Concert Band Financial Support $6000 per year for music and supplies. Purchase and maintenance of equipment used for the Band program (Trailer, sewing machines, washer/dryer, uniform racks, hat racks, refrigerator, freezer etc. Purchase and maintenance of Concert and Marching Uniforms Trip support based on dedicated fundraising. (Marching Band) Scholarships associated with Senior Awards Scholarships to cover Free/Reduced lunch student’s Marching Band Fees Scholarships to cover Free/Reduced lunch student’s Band Concert Uniforms Build and maintain uniform fund for replacement of MB uniforms as needed. Other support as needed

Instrument Repair:We recommend that personal instruments needing repair be taken to: Brent’s Bench Instrument Repair 229 South 4th Street, Lafayette. 765 742-7428. Brent Laidler is the contracted instrument technician for all TSC owned instruments, and he will be happy to help you with your personal instrument repair needs. During the school year his public hours are weekdays from 11am to 6pm and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. You can drop in with an instrument during those times without an appointment. The hours CHANGE in the summer due to a massive surge of school repairs during the summer break and the need for additional time to work uninterrupted during that time. During June, July and August they are open to the public on weekdays at 1pm and close at 6pm. Saturdays remain 10am to 3pm

Band BoostersThe Harrison Band Boosters is a parent-run 501c3 charitable organization which plays a vital role in supporting all the Harrison Bands. They provide meals, uniforms, organize fundraisers, host events like the ISSMA solo/ensemble contest, support band trips, and much more. None of this would be possible without the dedication of the many parent volunteers who has given their time to support these students. 2024-2025 OFFICERS: Co-Presidents: Diane Kelley & Jackie Knotts Co-Vice Presidents: Chris Peck & Cara Wetzel Treasurer: Kim Schoonmaker Communications Secretary: Terra Kline Recording Secretary: Alyson Welch Band Boosters are much more than the officers and committee heads. Their mission succeeds with all the parents who give of their time,in any amount,to support these student musicians. Let’s face it, everyone is busy, but even small contributions of time can make a big difference. Look for volunteer opportunities this year that fit your schedule. Your involvement truly enhances your child’s band experience, and the memories can last a lifetime.