SJCCA Band Syllabus 2015-2016

Mrs. Jennifer Wisdom

Band 1-6

Course Description

This year-long, multiple-level course is designed for students who demonstrate proficiency in woodwind, brass, and/or percussion techniques, music literacy, critical listening/aural skills, and ensemble performance skills. Classroom study will involve the cultivation of well-developed instrumental ensemble techniques and skills, and knowledge of each student’s individual instrument. As a member of the band program, each student will be expected to demonstrate group cooperation skills and teamwork; both of which are vital for a successful band program. In addition to being a part of the Concert Band class, each student is required to also be a member of the Marching Band. Together, Marching and Concert Band make up a well-rounded Band curriculum.

Course Objectives

  • To receive instruction in proper playing posture through demonstration and thorough explanation.
  • To achieve proper tone production with emphasis on starting, sustaining, and releasing through proper breath control and articulation.
  • To develop recognition of a variety of rhythmic patterns and articulations through clapping, counting, subdividing, articulating and playing.
  • To develop each student’s individual sight-reading proficiency, and use those skills to learn and read and understand new music.
  • To perform alone, and with an ensemble throughout the school year. Performances may include: football games, competitions, concerts, parades, Music Performance Assessments, Solo and Ensemble Festival etc.

Major Units/Areas of Study

  • Marching Band Field Show
  • Major Scales and Chromatic Scale
  • Posture/Breathing/Fundamental Techniques of Playing
  • Sight-reading
  • Performer and Audience Etiquette
  • Concert Band Literature

State Assessment Information

Each student will be required to participate in all MPA performances (Music Performance Assessment). The SJCCA Band will participate in BOTH the Marching Band MPA and the Concert Band MPA in the 2015-2016 school year.

Grading

40% - Public/Required Performances

40% - Individual Playing Tests

10% - Class Participation/Materials/Preparation

10% - Classwork

Per district policy, semester grades will be Quarter 1/3: 45%, Quarter 2/4: 45% Midterm/Final: 10%.

SAHS Test Re-Take Policy

If a student earns a grade of D or F on a playing test, they will be given an opportunity to re-take that test, or an alternate version of that test. The following guidelines apply:

  • The re-take must be completed before the last day of the quarter of the original playing test.
  • The student must come to the band room before or after school and practice for the assigned playing test for a minimum of 30 minutes to demonstrate that he/she is adequately preparing to re-take the playing test.
  • The student must schedule the re-take with Mrs. Wisdom outside of class time and the student may not be excused from another class to re-take the test.
  • The maximum grade a student can earn on the re-take is a 75.

Materials

  • Each student will be issued two textbooks at the start of the school year.

Student Daily Supply Information

  • Instrument
  • Supplies:
  • Woodwind players: Reeds (all woodwind players must have at least 3 working reeds AND a reed case at all times)
  • Brass players: all brass players must have valve oil, slide grease AND their own mouthpiece.
  • Percussionists: All percussionists must provide their own drum sticks and mallets
  • Music
  • Black 1” binder with 50 clear sheet protectors to house all music and drill
  • Flip Folder and Lyre
  • Pencils (plural)!
  • Lock - each student is required to provide a lock for their instrument locker.

Classroom Rules, Procedures and Expectations

  • Arrive to class on time. All students must be in their seat and warming up individually on their instrument by the time the tardy bell rings.
  • No gum, candy, food, or drink in the band room under ANY circumstances. Water is permitted if in a closed container.
  • The only instrument you are permitted to play is your own. The only locker you are permitted to use is your own.
  • No cell phones.
  • Always be prepared! This means: know your part (practice!), and always have the appropriate materials.
  • Be present at ALL rehearsals.

*Three Step Discipline Procedure:

1)Warning

2)Parent Contact

3)Removal from performance or field trip/will be required to complete an alternate assignment.

Assignment/Homework/Late Policy

When written homework is assigned, students must turn in homework on time. Each day after the due date, the maximum amount of points that can be earned drops by 10% each day. Any assignment that is late by more than a week may still be completed for half credit. Zeros are not acceptable on any assignment.

Make Up Procedures

It is the responsibility of the student to make up all work missed due to absence from school. Students may request work from their teachers while they are absent via email or may contact the teacher directly upon the student’s return to school. The time available for a student to complete the make-up work is the number of class sessions missed (in other words, if a student misses three class sessions, the student must submit the make-up work at the beginning of the fourth class session after the student’s return). Any work that was due on the day of the absence is due on the day of the return. Students whose absences are excused are permitted the opportunity to receive full credit for make-up work. Students whose absences are unexcused are permitted the opportunity to receive a maximumof 50% credit for classroom and homework. Quizzes andtests are made up for 100% credit. Coursework, quizzes and tests not completed and submitted within the allotted time frame will receive no credit.

After School Rehearsals

There will be after school rehearsals and sectional rehearsals as an extension of instruction and to prepare for upcoming performances. The Marching Band will rehearsal each Tuesday and Thursday evening throughout the fall. At the conclusion of Marching Season, there will be once-per-week combined rehearsals for the Concert Band. Parents are responsible for students’ transportation following all rehearsals. All students must be picked up at the stated end-time for rehearsals.

Fair Share/Financial Responsibilities

  • Band Fair Share: $370.00 for the school year. This includes Marching Band and Concert Band combined. This expense goes to cover items such as: travel to football games and performances, music, drill for the marching band show, instrument repair etc.
  • Instrument Rental Fee: $75.00 for the school year. All students that plan to check out an instrument from the school must pay the instrument rental fee. All students that wish to check out a school-owned instrument must first sign an Instrument Check-Out contract.

Band 5 and 6

Band 5 and Band 6 course codes are for Juniors and Seniors wishing to earn an honors credit for Band. In order to get the Band 5 and Band 6 honors credit, all students registered must complete a few extra projects throughout the school year.

1)Audition for All-State

2)Audition for the All-County Honor Band

3)Apply to participate in the Tri-State Honor Band

4)Participate in Solo and Ensemble in some capacity

5)Attend 4 Band/Chorus/Orchestra concerts – (one per quarter)

Performance/Event Dates

  • Friday Night Football Games (see below)
  • FSU Band DayTallahassee, FLSept. 5
  • Saturday Rehearse-A-ThonSAHS Band FieldOct. 3
  • First Coast Marching InvitationalNease HSOct. 17
  • Marching MPAFleming Island HSOct. 24
  • FSU Prism Concert SeriesRuby Diamond AuditoriumDec. 1-4
  • St. Augustine Christmas ParadeDowntown St. AugDec. 5
  • SJCCA Band Winter ConcertSAHS AuditoriumDec. 10
  • District Solo and EnsembleCreekside HSJan. TBA
  • Concert MPAFlagler Palm Coast HSFeb. 25, 26, 27
  • Jazz Ambassadors/Murray Jazz ConcertSAHS AuditoriumApr. 5
  • SJCCA Band Spring ConcertSAHS AuditoriumMay 3

Football Game Schedule

  • Aug. 28 – Home vs. Baker Co.
  • Sept. 4 – @ Pedro Menendez HS
  • Sept. 11 - @ Creekside HS
  • Sept. 18 – Home vs. Melbourne HS
  • Sept. 25 – Home vs. Bartram Trail HS
  • Oct. 2 – Home vs. Engelwood HS
  • HOMECOMING
  • Oct. 16 - @ Ed White HS
  • Oct. 23 - @ Nease HS
  • Oct. 30 – Home vs. Middleburg HS
  • Middle School Night with Murray/Sebastian
  • Performing Arts Senior Night!
  • Nov. 6 – Home vs. Palatka HS
  • Football Senior Night

______

I have read and understand the policies outlined in the course syllabus, and agree to uphold all expectations throughout the school year.

Student Name (printed): ______

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent Signature: ______Date: ______