The Band Handbook

 

 

 

 

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Grading System (CLASS BANDS)

                                                    Syllabus Example (All bands follow this example)                                                   

1.0 Credits / 1.5 Credits with Marching Band

 

Course Description:

Students will study music and all of its elements through the performance of band literature.

 

Course Goals:

· Mastery of the following concepts as they pertain to the performance of band literature.

· Language art of reading and interpreting music notation

· Individual and ensemble concepts

· Music theory

· Critical thinking skills

· Music in its historical context

· School and Community involvement

 

Course Outline:

· The following are broad topics for study in the performance class for the year. Since all of these topics are inherent in the performance of music, they will be covered daily in varying degrees during the class meeting.

· Develop skills which will enhance the participation in music.

 

Understand music as organized sound containing various characteristic elements:

· Rhythm and melody patterns

· Harmonic organization

· Musical forms

· Appropriate tempi and dynamics

· Creation of mood

 

Understand the interaction of music and history:

· Characteristics of various musical styles

· Interaction of historical development and musical styles

 

Appreciate music as a means of self-expression and communication:

· Produce musical sounds to communicate feelings and ideas

· Interpret emotions and ideas through music

· Value musical experiences as an integral part of continuing self-development

 

Course Requirements / Special Projects:

· Individual rehearsal of music

· Study of assigned materials on musical skills

· Completion of assigned drills and exercises

· Participation in all rehearsals and performances, marching and concert

· Participation in District Festival

 

Materials Needed:

· Instrument and support supplies

· Method Book (provided)

· Percussion should have a mallet bag with sticks and mallets for snare, xylophone, marimba, and timpani

 

Grading Policy:

· Objective – 60%

· Rehearsal participation 20%

· Tests & Quizzes 20%

· Practice sheet (twice a week for 20 min each time) 20%

· Subjective – 40%

· Evaluation of individual and ensemble skills as related to music performance - 20%

· Public performances – 20%

 

             Only sickness or family emergencies will be accepted for any absence. WORK is not an acceptable excuse. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in the students grade being lowered one letter grade at the end of the 9 weeks period. Furthermore, after missing a performance, the student misses another scheduled rehearsal or performance, he/she will be subject to being dropped from the course with the possibility of receiving an F for the remainder of the year.

            

             There is no way of making up a missed performance, and since the student is important to the organization, their absence can be detrimental to the performance. Performances are an outgrowth of this type of organization and a natural function of it. Each members contribution is extremely important and the individual should not consider joining such an organization without making this commitment.

 

Sign, detach and return bottom portion. Retain main body for your records.

 

Students signature____________________________________Date_________________

 

Parents signature_____________________________________Date_________________