COURSE: Beginning Band

TEACHER: James Smith

ROOM: E1.1

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The beginning band course is designed to introduce students to the following: basic instrumental music techniques such as tone production, articulation, breath control, pitch discrimination; melodic and rhythmic concepts and patterns; practice skills and habits; solo, ensemble, and full group rehearsals; a variety of instrumental repertoire; opportunities for private instruction and experiences in performing.

COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES/STANDARDS: Students should satisfy the following music standards: Perform on at least one instrument accurately and independently, alone and in small and large ensembles, with good posture, good playing position, and good breath support or stick control. Perform with expression and technical accuracy a repertoire of instrumental literature with a level of difficulty of 1 on a scale of 1 to 6. Perform music representing diverse genres and cultures, with expression appropriate for the work. Play by ear simple melodies. Improvise melodies. Compose music within specified guidelines. Read whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and dotted notes and rests in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, and alla breve meter signatures. Listen to, analyze and describe specific events in live and recorded music using appropriate terminology. Understand relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines

outside the arts. Understand music in relation to history and culture.

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE: This course will examine musical concepts following the sequence presented in the Essential Elements lesson book for the Beginning Level. At the conclusion of each nine-weeks, students will record individually from the lesson book during class time. Lessons to be recorded will be announced well in advance of the recording session. The rate of progress through the lesson book depends upon having at least ninety percent of the class prepared to play the materials accurately. Students who are able to play beyond the cut-off lesson will be in a bonus category. Students who are unable to play at the level of difficulty required will be given the opportunity to earn bonus points by learning additional materials on their ability level. These materials will be agreed upon with the instructor.

In addition to the lesson book, students will play a variety of band arrangements and also solo and ensemble literature. PARTICIPATION IN CLASSROOM AND PUBLIC PERFORMANCES IS A REQUIRED ELEMENT IN THIS COURSE. Absences from performances will be dealt with on an individual basis.

This course involves written work that usually can be completed in class and is usually completed cooperatively for a participation grade. Students should always complete the work and make every effort to understand the concepts. Each concept will be presented several times in different class sessions. At the conclusion of each quarter, students will complete a written exam individually. AFNORTH International Middle/High School’s CSP (Continuous School Progress) goal is, “All students will improve their written communication skills across the curriculum.” The 6+1 trait is the model selected to improve school-wide writing in all subject areas. The 6+1 Trait writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as establish a common vision of what “strong” writing looks like. Teachers and students will use the 6+1 Trait model to identify areas of strength and weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement. Success of all students requires that the 6+1 Trait become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at AFNORTH International Middle/High School. In this course students will practice the 6+1 Trait when analyzing and evaluating different performance groups, styles and historical periods in music. These activities will be assessed as part of the classroom written work grade.

COURSE GRADING/ASSESSMENT

Quarter Participation in rehearsals 40%

Classroom written work and activities 10%

Performances (live and recorded) 20%

Written examinations 20%

Self-management 10%

Semester 1^st Quarter Grade 40%

2^nd Quarter Grade 40%

Semester Exam 20%

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/CONSEQUENCES: (1) All equipment in the band room that is not assigned to you is off-limits. (2) All inappropriate physical activity should stop before reaching the band room door. (3) Show respect for other students and their possessions. (4) Practice appropriate rehearsal manners so that you can enjoy but not disrupt. Students who require correcting lose points on self-management and participation in rehearsals. Repeated failure to follow classroom rules results in parent/sponsor coordination. Continued misbehavior results in disciplinary referrals to administration.

TEXTBOOK AND STUDY MATERIALS: (1) Beginning Studies from the Essential Elements Band Method by Hal Leonard. Each student will receive a numbered book which must be returned in a useable condition at the end of study. The cost to replace the book is $6.00. (2) Supplemental full band arrangements in a variety of musical styles. These are practice copies of the music and may be marked on. It is not necessary to return this music. (3) Written music theory exercises from various sources. These materials are normally kept on file and not returned. A review sheet containing every concept covered in class will be distributed prior to quarter and semester exams.

SUPPLIES: Always bring a pen or pencil to class. A three-ring folder with plastic inserts is strongly recommended to keep up with sheet music.

PRACTICE: Students who demonstrate difficulty with the assigned materials will be required to maintain a practice log in cooperation with the parent/sponsor.

VIDEOS: Instructional music videos and movies of high music content are accompanied by a study guide or questionnaire which is part of the classroom written work grade. Cooperative work is allowed, but each student must turn in a completed copy of the assignment.

NO INSTRUMENT: When instruments are forgotten at home on a class day, students must follow the rehearsal and pay attention to instructions about the music. On these occasions, students lose the self-management points for that day along with 20% of the participation grade.

INSTRUMENTS: Students using school instruments are responsible for dame or loss. A diagram showing signs of wear will be completed in the first nine weeks. Pay attention to the care and maintenance instructions given on individual instruments. In general, everyone can follow these guidelines:

1. Report problems to Mr. Smith; do not attempt home repair.

2. The case is a convenient way to carry the instrument; it is not designed to protect the instrument.

3. The case is also expensive and should be treated with care.

4. Clarinets and flutes should be kept in school lockers and never stored in the room.

5. Large instruments should not be left on top of lockers or anywhere that allows another person to play with the instrument---including at home.

6. When you put the instrument down, make sure it cannot be accidentally knocked over or knocked onto the floor.

7. Every small item on the instrument is valuable---mouthpiece, strap, finger ring, ligature, screws, pearls, etc. Keep up with these and protect them from damage.

8. All of the instruments are fragile and should be handled carefully.

9. Do not place music materials or other papers in the music case.

PERFORMANCES: The band will perform in-school concerts for elementary classes in December and January. A Middle School Concert for Beginning and Intermediate Bands will be scheduled for late January on the cafeteria stage. Students will “dress nicely” for this program (a step above daily school dress). No white tennis shoes, no blue jeans, and no dresses that are uncomfortably short for sitting in the front row on stage. All students will be on stage prepared to play at 1800. The concert begins at 1830. Students are not permitted to remain at school between the end of school and the concert reporting time.