Course Syllabus
Band Manual/Course Syllabus
Mission Statement and Philosophy
Music education is a unique and powerful field of study, especially in our school system. The critical thinking skills of students who are involved in the study of music should be included in the goals of every music educator. Other academic skills resultant from involvement in a comprehensive music program should be the enhancement of reading, writing, aesthetics, critical thinking, and listening skills. The concepts of promoting individual and group intellectual involvement in the learning process should also be considered paramount to any music curriculum. The results of this philosophy, and the design of the curriculum, will incorporate the positive behaviors necessary to complete a well-rounded education. Students studying music have opportunities to apply critical thinking skills to their studies in every academic subject within the school’s curriculum.
The philosophy of education, through the study of music, is to promote every individual student’s understanding of music through the study and application of all academic and psychomotor curricula (Math, Science, Literature, Physical Education, Social Studies, and History). The study of music allows for a hands-on exploration of sound while developing each student’s sense of self-discipline, teamwork, and commitment. The study of music in public schools is vital to the development of each student as they continue to become responsible, informed, and supporting members of their community and the arts.
Grades
Each student will participate in all activities for their grade level. These activities could include practice records, tests/pass offs, individual lessons, full practice, attendance at rehearsal, and performances. Grades will be determined from each of these areas.
The following is how the grades will be calculated each grading period.
20% Practice/Participation Actively participating in class or practicing at home is
essential to development on an instrument.
50% Pass Offs and Lessons Students will be completing pass offs from the Power in
the Progress curriculum, MakeMusic assignments,
tests, quizzes, and written work.
30% Full Band Work Attendance at rehearsals/concerts, daily class
preparedness, music checks, and instrument
inspections.
Power Pass Offs and Lessons
All students naturally progress at different levels and speed. TO facilitate the individual’s learning to the maximum of his/her capabilities, each student will have the opportunities to perform Pass Off requirements and lessons for the director. These performance opportunities are scheduled during the regular class day, as often as possible, however, most band members are also encouraged to stay after school for after school lessons and practices. These lessons are more one-on-one time for the director to work with a student on specific goals and performance characteristics unique to that student. These Pass Off assignments will be calculated into the student’s grade. In addition, each student’s progress, recorded in the Progress Chart, will be used to establish seating within the ensemble. It is the responsibility of each student to be prepare the material for the Pass Offs.
Home Practice/Practice Records
All students are expected to practice outside of class. This practice should consist of scale and tone study, method book practice, and preparation of literature. Sixth grade band students will keep a written record of their practice at home, to be signed by their parent. Seventh and eighth grade band students will be entrusted to manage their own regular at home practice and will only log practice time for specific assignments.
After School Rehearsals
There may be times when it is necessary to schedule extra rehearsals after school in order to perform to the best of our abilities. Students should notify the director in advance if they are unable to attend a rehearsal. Parents will be notified as far in advance as possible.
There will also be opportunities for students to practice in the band room for extra help or to practice with their peers.
Concert Attendance Requirement
The ensemble will perform several times during the year, and all concert performances will be announced well in advance. A performance is the same as a major exam in an academic subject. Any unexcused absence will result in a grade of 0 for the Full Work section of a student’s grade. Students should notify the director in advance if they are unable to attend a concert. Excuses must be written and signed by the parents. As always, personal illness, death in the family, or other extreme circumstances will be considered excused absences.
Uniforms and Concert Dress
An important part of any concert performance is the professional appearance of all ensemble members. Members who are well dressed will display a sense of pride that will carry over into the performance.
The uniform will be determined by the director, based on the nature of the performance, and announced in written form prior to the concert. Following is an example of some ensemble uniforms.
Formal Uniforms:
White, long sleeve, button up shirt
Black Dress
Black Dress Pants/Skirt
Black shoes and socks
Informal Uniforms:
Band T-Shirt
Jeans or School Uniform Pants
Shoes and Socks
General Rules – Classroom Procedures
- All instruments are to be stored in their assigned places in the classroom during the day. Instruments are NOT to be left in the storage room or other areas in the school, after school hours. The school system is not responsible for private property left unattended over night.
- Enter the classroom quietly and quickly. Collect instrument, supplies, music, and pencils, then find your seat in the ensemble set up. Instrument cases and extra books should not be brought to the rehearsal area.
- All rehearsal plans will be outlined and displayed on the board. Begin answering the Essential Question/Warm Up activities that applies to your class.
- When the Director steps on the podium, rehearsal will begin. All talking must stop in order for a productive rehearsal to occur. All questions related to the rehearsal and music will be welcomed and addressed when a student is recognized for raising his/her hand.
- When students are dismissed from rehearsal, all equipment, instruments, music will be taken to the storage areas and properly cleaned and restored. All students are responsible for the cleanliness of THEIR classroom. Students will help each other straighten chairs and pick up objects foreign to the rehearsal environment.
Expectations
All students will:
- Make wise choices so that they and others can learn.
- Use good manners and be respectful of others.
- Speak, sing, and play when directed by the teacher.
- Involve themselves in all activities.
- Care for others and the music equipment.
Consequences
- Warning/Student Conference
- Parent Contact/Parent Conference
- Office Referral
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|