Band Syllabus
2015-2016 Marching Band Handbook and
Syllabus
Welcome to the 2015-2016 Marching Stallions. This semester we will be building your knowledge of musical terms and instrumental techniques as well as marching fundamentals. We plan to learn about the state Music Performance Adjudication process and rubric. We will also be studying advanced rhythm patterns as well as more complex time signatures and the Chromatic Scale.
Course Objectives and Goals
A. Perform level IV music in concerts, competitions, and festivals.
B. Perform Modal, and Chromatic Scales for two octaves (wind instruments and mallet percussion instruments). Indefinite pitch percussion students will demonstrate proficiency of 26 essential rudiments.
C. Perform complex rhythmic patterns found in the Music Literature Studies at the IV level, including advanced syncopated and complex rhythms.
D. Demonstrate control of dynamic levels while maintaining appropriate tone control as required by the style of music.
E. Perform level III-IV music as a member of a chamber ensemble(s) as well as large ensemble(s) and as a soloist.
F. Demonstrate an advanced, mature tone quality.
G. Sight read music at level III with 80% accuracy.
H. Listen to, analyze, and describe music.
I. Conduct from a full musical score after preparation and analysis of the musical elements including all transpositions and clefs.
J. Exhibit refinement of intonation and advanced discrimination of pitch.
K. Exhibit awareness of blend and balance within the ensemble.
L. Demonstrate advanced understanding of interval ear training.
M. Evaluate music and music performances.
Material Requirements
· All reed players must have 3 good (no chips cracks or mold) reeds at all times
· Brass players must have their own bottle of valve oil and slide grease/oil for trombones.
· All percussionist are required to own one pair mallets and drum sticks (see Ms. Hairston if you would like to order these)
· All students must bring a pencil and music notebook/folder to class every day
***Concert Formal Wear*** (1st doesn’t need until Christmas Show)
During this semester we will be performing several times. During these performance students will be required to wear the Concert Formal Uniform. This will include a formal black dress for the ladies and a full tuxedo for the gentlemen. Students will need to purchases these from the band boosters. Once purchased, these items belong to the student and can be worn whenever they choose. For seniors, there will be a buy back option in which the band will buy back your Formal Wear for a reduced price based on the condition of the Formal Wear. We know this can be a big expense for many families, therefore students may set up a payment plan to help spread the amount over time. This payment plan can be arranged with Ms. Hairston to best fit the needs of the student. This new policy is not to discourage anyone from participating in band, if there is an issue with purchasing these materials please let Ms. Hairston know and I will do everything I can to work with you. Formal Wear is required to participate in Concert Performances but is not required to participate in the class. If a student does not purchase the Formal Wear, they are still welcome to participate in the class but they will have to complete a written make up assignment for the concerts and performances.
Course Requirements
· Student will be prepared with instrument and/or materials every day for class.
· Participation in all performances and practices. (or written make-up assignments)
· Student will practice at home and complete playing test requirements
· Marching band students will need to order a t-shirt marching, shoes, and gloves. These will be ordered through the band boosters during the first week of school.
Welcome to the 2015-2016 Marching Stallions. This semester we will be building your knowledge of musical terms and instrumental techniques as well as marching fundamentals. We plan to learn about the state Music Performance Adjudication process and rubric. We will also be studying advanced rhythm patterns as well as more complex time signatures and the Chromatic Scale.
Course Objectives and Goals
A. Perform level IV music in concerts, competitions, and festivals.
B. Perform Modal, and Chromatic Scales for two octaves (wind instruments and mallet percussion instruments). Indefinite pitch percussion students will demonstrate proficiency of 26 essential rudiments.
C. Perform complex rhythmic patterns found in the Music Literature Studies at the IV level, including advanced syncopated and complex rhythms.
D. Demonstrate control of dynamic levels while maintaining appropriate tone control as required by the style of music.
E. Perform level III-IV music as a member of a chamber ensemble(s) as well as large ensemble(s) and as a soloist.
F. Demonstrate an advanced, mature tone quality.
G. Sight read music at level III with 80% accuracy.
H. Listen to, analyze, and describe music.
I. Conduct from a full musical score after preparation and analysis of the musical elements including all transpositions and clefs.
J. Exhibit refinement of intonation and advanced discrimination of pitch.
K. Exhibit awareness of blend and balance within the ensemble.
L. Demonstrate advanced understanding of interval ear training.
M. Evaluate music and music performances.
Material Requirements
· All reed players must have 3 good (no chips cracks or mold) reeds at all times
· Brass players must have their own bottle of valve oil and slide grease/oil for trombones.
· All percussionist are required to own one pair mallets and drum sticks (see Ms. Hairston if you would like to order these)
· All students must bring a pencil and music notebook/folder to class every day
***Concert Formal Wear*** (1st doesn’t need until Christmas Show)
During this semester we will be performing several times. During these performance students will be required to wear the Concert Formal Uniform. This will include a formal black dress for the ladies and a full tuxedo for the gentlemen. Students will need to purchases these from the band boosters. Once purchased, these items belong to the student and can be worn whenever they choose. For seniors, there will be a buy back option in which the band will buy back your Formal Wear for a reduced price based on the condition of the Formal Wear. We know this can be a big expense for many families, therefore students may set up a payment plan to help spread the amount over time. This payment plan can be arranged with Ms. Hairston to best fit the needs of the student. This new policy is not to discourage anyone from participating in band, if there is an issue with purchasing these materials please let Ms. Hairston know and I will do everything I can to work with you. Formal Wear is required to participate in Concert Performances but is not required to participate in the class. If a student does not purchase the Formal Wear, they are still welcome to participate in the class but they will have to complete a written make up assignment for the concerts and performances.
Course Requirements
· Student will be prepared with instrument and/or materials every day for class.
· Participation in all performances and practices. (or written make-up assignments)
· Student will practice at home and complete playing test requirements
· Marching band students will need to order a t-shirt marching, shoes, and gloves. These will be ordered through the band boosters during the first week of school.
·
There is a $20 County Arts Fee for this class to help pay for instruments,
instructional materials, and trips during class. Student may pay this directly
to Ms. Hairston or their homeroom teacher. If students pay their homeroom
teacher they must bring
the receipt to Ms. Hairston. This is to avoid students being
charged twice.
Grading
Policy
75 % Evaluation (tests, quizzes, formal, and informal Performances)
75 % Evaluation (tests, quizzes, formal, and informal Performances)
(25%
Quizzes and tests, 10 % homework and notebook, 40 % concerts and Performances)
25% Class Participation, attitude and cooperation, etc.
(Being prepared, on time, with appropriate material)
Every day students can receive up to 20 point toward class participate for a total of 100 points by Friday. If a student is talking and disrupting class the highest they can receive that day is 10 points. Also, if a student is absent they do not receive points for the day. However, students may stay after school to practice and make up time for full grade credit. This is not an “everybody gets an A class” often times band is a harder class to get an A then in a general education class. The reason for this is because my students must work hard every day and come to required events on time to get full credit. If you are just looking for a sit back class to get an A in this is not the class for you.
25% Class Participation, attitude and cooperation, etc.
(Being prepared, on time, with appropriate material)
Every day students can receive up to 20 point toward class participate for a total of 100 points by Friday. If a student is talking and disrupting class the highest they can receive that day is 10 points. Also, if a student is absent they do not receive points for the day. However, students may stay after school to practice and make up time for full grade credit. This is not an “everybody gets an A class” often times band is a harder class to get an A then in a general education class. The reason for this is because my students must work hard every day and come to required events on time to get full credit. If you are just looking for a sit back class to get an A in this is not the class for you.
Weekly
playing test
Each
week students will have to complete one to two playing test. These will be
based the weekly scale and or vocabulary skill. Students will complete these
tests simply by calling our google voice account from any phone and leaving
message with their name the required skill and then playing the exercise or
scale. The number to call is (828)619-0041.
Proficient
and Advanced Band (Honors) Requirements
Student will prepare and audition for All-County Band, and will participate in solo opportunities. Honors students must also pass a competency check list to ensure they have all the skills and required knowledge to receive honors credit. If a student does not participate in these activities they will not receive honor credit for the class.
Student will prepare and audition for All-County Band, and will participate in solo opportunities. Honors students must also pass a competency check list to ensure they have all the skills and required knowledge to receive honors credit. If a student does not participate in these activities they will not receive honor credit for the class.
Missed
Performances and Friday Morning Practices / Make-up Work
If a student misses a performance for any reason other than a prior approved school function, they are required to complete a written make up assignment. This assignment will be given out the day after the performance. Students will have five days to complete this assignment. There will be no make-up for a make-up assignment and late work will not be accepted. Failure to do this make up assignment will result in a zero for the performance.
If a student misses a performance for any reason other than a prior approved school function, they are required to complete a written make up assignment. This assignment will be given out the day after the performance. Students will have five days to complete this assignment. There will be no make-up for a make-up assignment and late work will not be accepted. Failure to do this make up assignment will result in a zero for the performance.
Friday Morning Practice
Marching
band will have Practice every Friday morning at 7:30. We have these practice
before school to allow students to have the opportunity to participate in any
other school sport or activity they might choose. Because we only have one
practice a week it is critical for every member to be there the entire time.
During these practices we will be putting the flag movements with the band,
because of the close proximity of spinning flags it is the upmost importance
that everyone be a practice to check for unsafe movements and conditions. For
your child’s safety and the safety of others they must be at practice in order
to participate at the next game and or competition, the only exceptions that
will be made will be made for prior approval and on an individual basis. Tardiness will not be tolerated at
Friday morning practices or any other band event students will do a
tardiness make-up assignment or be lowered 30 points for the activity. Students
will receive a grade for every Friday morning practice if they miss a practice
they must complete the makeup assignment.
After
School Help
After school help is offered every Monday-Thursday afternoon until 3:30. If you need to make up class participation time, help, or a lesson feel free to stay after school. Please do not wait till the day grades are due to try and make up three weeks’ worth of class participation grades. Make up time is based on the amount of time you say.
Our classroom expectations are as follows:
1. Do not talk or play while Ms. Hairston is talking
2. Always be respectful
3. Always show class
If these expectations are not met the following consequences will result.
1. Student will be given a warning and points will be removed from Daily Class Participation Grade.
2. Students will be moved to a different seat and may receive an alternate book assignment for the day. Parent contact will also occur for first time offenders.
3. Written referral to the office.
Students may receive a parent notice at any point during this process, if this notice is not signed and returned the next day students will automatically be referred to the office. All consequences are at the discretion of the Band Director and may change as Ms. Hairston sees appropriate.
Performance Ineligibility
If a student misses any of the required practices, has repeated class disruptions, and or lack of participation they will be notified of their ineligibility to perform. When students are ineligible for a performance, they must still do the make-up written assignment to receive credit for the performance. Failure to do this make up assignment will result in a zero for the performance. Any and all performance ineligibility decisions will be at the digression of the Band Director and will be on an individual basis.
After school help is offered every Monday-Thursday afternoon until 3:30. If you need to make up class participation time, help, or a lesson feel free to stay after school. Please do not wait till the day grades are due to try and make up three weeks’ worth of class participation grades. Make up time is based on the amount of time you say.
Our classroom expectations are as follows:
1. Do not talk or play while Ms. Hairston is talking
2. Always be respectful
3. Always show class
If these expectations are not met the following consequences will result.
1. Student will be given a warning and points will be removed from Daily Class Participation Grade.
2. Students will be moved to a different seat and may receive an alternate book assignment for the day. Parent contact will also occur for first time offenders.
3. Written referral to the office.
Students may receive a parent notice at any point during this process, if this notice is not signed and returned the next day students will automatically be referred to the office. All consequences are at the discretion of the Band Director and may change as Ms. Hairston sees appropriate.
Performance Ineligibility
If a student misses any of the required practices, has repeated class disruptions, and or lack of participation they will be notified of their ineligibility to perform. When students are ineligible for a performance, they must still do the make-up written assignment to receive credit for the performance. Failure to do this make up assignment will result in a zero for the performance. Any and all performance ineligibility decisions will be at the digression of the Band Director and will be on an individual basis.
Tobacco Use
Zero Tolerance policy if a
student is found in possession of or using any form of tobacco, drug or alcohol
on the first offence the school policy will be followed in addition to the
student no longer being eligible to participate in any band events or functions.
(School
policy)
The possession or use of tobacco and non- tobacco products at school is a violation of the Columbus County Board of Education policy. (See attached policy.) Penalties are as follows:
First offense: 3 days ISS/OSS, Parent notification
Second offense: 5 days ISS/OSS
Third offense: 10 days OSS, Recommendation for Alternative Academy
Field Trips
In the event that we take a field trip, students who frequently disrupt class and do not complete assignments and tasks will be ineligible to participate. Anyone ineligible for the field trip will be notified by Ms. Hairston. As the Band Director, I reserve the right to leave any student I feel cannot behave or has not earned the right to participate in a field trip, at school. If the trip is accompanied with an assignment, all ineligible students will have to complete an alternate written assignment to receive credit.
CONDUCT DURING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
When students are given the privilege to participate in any extra-curricular activity sponsored by the school, they are representing the school. Students are expected to obey all rules and regulations governing student conduct.
Students who fail to abide by school rules and regulations may forfeit their privilege of attending school events and/or participating in school events for a designated period of time.
**Prior to taking any trips we will discuss all expectations and restrictions as stated above and in the school hand book. If students do not follow regulations and expiations during the trip the loss of trip privileges will result.
Levels
This year the state has change the course curriculum and titles from band I,II,II,IV to levels that are based on student achievement. Before with the old system, students would automatically move up a level each semester regardless of ability sometimes resulting in student’s taking honors who still read music at a beginner level. Now students must prove that they are ready for higher level classes and honors band classes. One benefit to this new system is that students may repeat levels until they are ready to move on. Also, with the old system students could not be in honors until their third semester of band. Now if a student proves they are ready, they can be placed in any level the teacher see fit. The Proficient and Advanced levels are honors classes. Students may choose to stay in the Intermediate level if they do not wish to complete the honors requirements.
Beginning Band
This level is for any student who is still learning to read basic music, note names, basic instruments techniques, and fundamental tone on their instrument.
Intermediate Band
This level is designed for students who have a good foundation in Music Education and have achieved beginning level High School standards for music.
Proficient (Honors)
This level is designed for students who are proficient at playing their instrument and reading music.
Advanced (Honors)
The Advanced level is for students who have achieved above and beyond the normal classroom performances. These students perform with strong fundamental tone and proper playing techniques, understand, analyze, and use musical vocabulary throughout their practices and performances. Advanced students participate in outside music opportunities whenever possible and practice at home on a regular basis. Advanced students also evaluate their performances and use these evaluations to make improvements.
Keep Your Section Clean
Last semester we had issues with people leaving food, drinks, trash, books, cloths and music around the Band Room. It is not my responsibility to clean up after you. If you leave your things in the room they will be thrown out. And if I have to clean up after you, your class participation grader will be lowered each time you leave your area a mess.
Food/ Drink Policy
No food or drinks in the band room, this includes gum and candy. Your parents did not pay hundreds of dollars for an instrument for you to blow sugar into and destroy. Eating food while you play is not only bad for your instrument it is a health hazard. The food partials get trapped in your instruments and begin to grow unhealthy bacteria and mold.
Tardy Policy
We will follow the schools tardy policy that is as follows:
Tardy 1: Warning
Tardy 2: Warning
Tardy 3: 1 day ISS
Tardy 4: 2 days ISS
Tardy 5: 3 days ISS
1. If a student reports to a class ten minutes late or later, the student will remain with Mrs. Hemmingway in ISS.
2. The student will be marked absent for the period missed.
3. If a student reports to class late, but within ten minutes after class has started, the student will be admitted to class and marked “Tardy” on the SIMS report.
**Students will have 3 min after the bell to collect their materials for the day and take their seat. If they are not in their seat and ready 3 min after the bell(,) 5 points will be removed from their class participation grade that day.
Cell phones and other electronic devices
We will also follow the school policy that does not allow electronic devices during the school day. If an electronic device is seen in class the student will be told put it away first if the device is seen again the consequences will be as follows:
First offense: Take up and return to parents
Second offense: Keep until end of school year
Bathroom Policy
I do not mind allowing students to use the bathroom when necessary but I have found that some students take advantage of this freedom. Students need to use the bathroom on the way to class not come in the door as the bell rings then ask to go to the bathroom every day. Students will not be permitted to use the bathroom until midway through the class and they will not be permitted to leave class for the bathroom every day.
Daily Routine
Ø After the bell you have three minutes to collect your sight-reading book, music, materials and instrument
Ø Once you have all items begin your personal warm-up and review from previous day
Ø Class will begin with a vocabulary notebook assignment
Ø Group warm-up
Ø Sight read
Ø Class activity for the day
Ø Pack up, clean area, return sight reading book
Band Boosters
The Band Boosters is a group of band parents that help with band functions, help make decisions about the band related topics, and raise money for the band. Band Boosters help keep parents informed of all the bands activities and participation is highly encouraged for ALL band parents. We are currently in desperate need of new parent involvement. We will be changing officers in a few weeks and now is a perfect time to become a new member. The Band Boosters usually hold a meeting once a month. These meetings are encouraged as a member but are not mandatory. We have some current members that are not able to attend all meetings but are a big help in other ways. We would love for all parents to come out and support the band program.
2015-2016
Marching Band Handbook/Syllabus The possession or use of tobacco and non- tobacco products at school is a violation of the Columbus County Board of Education policy. (See attached policy.) Penalties are as follows:
First offense: 3 days ISS/OSS, Parent notification
Second offense: 5 days ISS/OSS
Third offense: 10 days OSS, Recommendation for Alternative Academy
Field Trips
In the event that we take a field trip, students who frequently disrupt class and do not complete assignments and tasks will be ineligible to participate. Anyone ineligible for the field trip will be notified by Ms. Hairston. As the Band Director, I reserve the right to leave any student I feel cannot behave or has not earned the right to participate in a field trip, at school. If the trip is accompanied with an assignment, all ineligible students will have to complete an alternate written assignment to receive credit.
CONDUCT DURING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
When students are given the privilege to participate in any extra-curricular activity sponsored by the school, they are representing the school. Students are expected to obey all rules and regulations governing student conduct.
Students who fail to abide by school rules and regulations may forfeit their privilege of attending school events and/or participating in school events for a designated period of time.
**Prior to taking any trips we will discuss all expectations and restrictions as stated above and in the school hand book. If students do not follow regulations and expiations during the trip the loss of trip privileges will result.
Levels
This year the state has change the course curriculum and titles from band I,II,II,IV to levels that are based on student achievement. Before with the old system, students would automatically move up a level each semester regardless of ability sometimes resulting in student’s taking honors who still read music at a beginner level. Now students must prove that they are ready for higher level classes and honors band classes. One benefit to this new system is that students may repeat levels until they are ready to move on. Also, with the old system students could not be in honors until their third semester of band. Now if a student proves they are ready, they can be placed in any level the teacher see fit. The Proficient and Advanced levels are honors classes. Students may choose to stay in the Intermediate level if they do not wish to complete the honors requirements.
Beginning Band
This level is for any student who is still learning to read basic music, note names, basic instruments techniques, and fundamental tone on their instrument.
Intermediate Band
This level is designed for students who have a good foundation in Music Education and have achieved beginning level High School standards for music.
Proficient (Honors)
This level is designed for students who are proficient at playing their instrument and reading music.
Advanced (Honors)
The Advanced level is for students who have achieved above and beyond the normal classroom performances. These students perform with strong fundamental tone and proper playing techniques, understand, analyze, and use musical vocabulary throughout their practices and performances. Advanced students participate in outside music opportunities whenever possible and practice at home on a regular basis. Advanced students also evaluate their performances and use these evaluations to make improvements.
Keep Your Section Clean
Last semester we had issues with people leaving food, drinks, trash, books, cloths and music around the Band Room. It is not my responsibility to clean up after you. If you leave your things in the room they will be thrown out. And if I have to clean up after you, your class participation grader will be lowered each time you leave your area a mess.
Food/ Drink Policy
No food or drinks in the band room, this includes gum and candy. Your parents did not pay hundreds of dollars for an instrument for you to blow sugar into and destroy. Eating food while you play is not only bad for your instrument it is a health hazard. The food partials get trapped in your instruments and begin to grow unhealthy bacteria and mold.
Tardy Policy
We will follow the schools tardy policy that is as follows:
Tardy 1: Warning
Tardy 2: Warning
Tardy 3: 1 day ISS
Tardy 4: 2 days ISS
Tardy 5: 3 days ISS
1. If a student reports to a class ten minutes late or later, the student will remain with Mrs. Hemmingway in ISS.
2. The student will be marked absent for the period missed.
3. If a student reports to class late, but within ten minutes after class has started, the student will be admitted to class and marked “Tardy” on the SIMS report.
**Students will have 3 min after the bell to collect their materials for the day and take their seat. If they are not in their seat and ready 3 min after the bell(,) 5 points will be removed from their class participation grade that day.
Cell phones and other electronic devices
We will also follow the school policy that does not allow electronic devices during the school day. If an electronic device is seen in class the student will be told put it away first if the device is seen again the consequences will be as follows:
First offense: Take up and return to parents
Second offense: Keep until end of school year
Bathroom Policy
I do not mind allowing students to use the bathroom when necessary but I have found that some students take advantage of this freedom. Students need to use the bathroom on the way to class not come in the door as the bell rings then ask to go to the bathroom every day. Students will not be permitted to use the bathroom until midway through the class and they will not be permitted to leave class for the bathroom every day.
Daily Routine
Ø After the bell you have three minutes to collect your sight-reading book, music, materials and instrument
Ø Once you have all items begin your personal warm-up and review from previous day
Ø Class will begin with a vocabulary notebook assignment
Ø Group warm-up
Ø Sight read
Ø Class activity for the day
Ø Pack up, clean area, return sight reading book
Band Boosters
The Band Boosters is a group of band parents that help with band functions, help make decisions about the band related topics, and raise money for the band. Band Boosters help keep parents informed of all the bands activities and participation is highly encouraged for ALL band parents. We are currently in desperate need of new parent involvement. We will be changing officers in a few weeks and now is a perfect time to become a new member. The Band Boosters usually hold a meeting once a month. These meetings are encouraged as a member but are not mandatory. We have some current members that are not able to attend all meetings but are a big help in other ways. We would love for all parents to come out and support the band program.
In an
attempt to conserve paper and be a little more eco-friendly we have placed a
copy of our handbook/syllabus online on our new blog. Simply go to schsmarchingstallions.blogspot.com
and click on the syllabus on the left side of the screen. If you do don’t have
access to the webpage hardcopies are also available upon request. We will also be using this blog to keep
parents updated on any upcoming activates, important notifications, forms, calendars
and schedules, as well as pictures from our recent experiences. If you have any
photos of the band that we can put on the blog feel free to email them to me at
chairston@columbus.k12.nc.us.
I have read and agreed to the requirements for 2015-2016 Marching Band Handbook/ Syllabus, and I will adhere to the conditions of this contract.
Student’s Name________________________________Signature__________________________
Parent's Signature_________________________________ Date__________________________
Teacher's Signature_________________________________Date_________________________
Parent Contact Number
(Initial each)
I understand and agree to the Friday morning practice and competition requirements
I understand and agree to the Friday morning practice and competition requirements
I understand and agree to the class grading
policy
I understand and agree to the field trip
and tobacco policy and regulations
Note:
A copy of this contract will be kept in the student's file.
