Course Syllabus

COURSE TITLE: Beginning Band 

TEACHER: Mrs. Wolf 

CONSULTATION: By appointment before or after school 

Email-cwolf@dsdmail.net 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: To give students the opportunity to learn from the very beginning, how to study and perform instrumental music in a group and solo setting.  Students will be exposed to music notation and theory, rhythm, tone quality, phrasing, and many other performance practices related to playing an instrument that help to create a complete musician. 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES: 

-Rehearsal on instruments in class every day. 

-Technique exercises including reading, rhythm, tone quality, scales, etc. 

-Sheet music rehearsal. 

-Performances at school and abroad. 

CRITERIA AND METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:  (assignments/tests are posted weekly on Canvas.)

Students will be assessed through a combination of in class and at home video submissions as wells as other assignments within Canvas.  All work must be completed by the 11:59pm on the Friday prior to the end of the term.

ASSIGNMENTS - 

Practice Procedures are due every Friday.  Students are required to practice 2.5 hours per week on their instrument. Practice procedures will be completed and turned in on Canvas. 

We will be using the Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician Method Book with the online resources found at www.habitsuniversal.com (Links to an external site.)

We will using a music theory program called Ningenius as well Smart Music.  These are all provided at no cost to the student.

PLAYING AND WRITTEN QUIZZES 

Students will have in class individual playing quizzes on a regular basis.  The students will be informed of the quiz material one week in advance in order to prepare.  THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, THEREFORE, EVERY ASSIGNMENT CAN BE RETAKEN FOR A HIGHER SCORE UNTIL THE WEEK PRIOR TO THE END OF THE TERM.  THIS CAN BE DONE BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL. 

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE

This includes coming to class prepared with your instrument in good working condition with all accessories, music, books, and a pencil.  Instrument repairs are excused if a parent note is sent.  In order to prepare for concerts there will be a few before/after school rehearsals.  Attendance at these rehearsals is expected and will be incorporated into a student’s grade.  

BAND EXPENSES:

Students are expected to have a quality instrument that is in working condition as well as the class method book, a music stand for at home use and the needed accessories for their instrument (reeds, oils, swab etc)

Band uniform:  All Band students will have a performance uniform that is solid white from the waist up and solid black from waist to the toes (including shoes and socks).   The band t-shirt and hoodie are optional.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENT RENTALS: 

There is a $95 for students using District Owned Equipment.  Wind instruments also have a $50 cleaning fee assessed when the instrument is returned.  All instruments are distributed in working condition and any damage or repairs needed during the rental period are the responsibility of the student/parent.

CONCERTS/ PERFORMANCES/REHEARSALS

Performances ARE NOT OPTIONAL. This is a performance group and requires the presence of all students in the ensemble for the best possible performance. For this reason unexcused absences from a performance will result in an automatic two letter grade drop from the student’s final letter grade. A detailed list of performances will be provided at the beginning of the school year to help avoid conflicts. Parents who know in advance of possible absences from a performance must approve the absence with Mrs. Wolf at least three weeks in advance so an appropriate make-up assignment can be given and parts can be reassigned if necessary.  There will always be 2-3 practices before school to put the multiple classes together prior to a concert.  These are graded rehearsals and will be excused or given an alternate assignment when illness or excused absences with advance notice occur.  Illness related absences will be accommodated, of course.

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