JazzRams Band Syllabus Mr. Mike Mitchell, Director of Bands at LMHSSchool phone: 407-320-9650
OverviewThe JazzRams class is structured to be a fun and exciting class separate from the rigors of academic demands. Students will perform a variety of styles of jazz ranging from Dixieland to big band to contemporary. They will learn how to improvise and perform as soloists within a group. The history and basic structure of jazz will also be studied and discussed. In addition, students will be introduced to a variety of composers, styles and terminology and will be expected to have a working familiarity with everything we cover. Members are expected to practice on a regular basis (once a week does not constitute a regular basis). Good practice habits include a minimum of 3-5 days a week, 30-40 minutes per session. They are also expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. The jazz band will perform at school functions, concerts and around the community.Classroom Rules1) treat others the way you want to be treated.2) Work hard and employ a positive attitude.3) Be prepared-Always!4) Maintain your equipment meticulously. If you don’t, it will develop the nasty habit of letting you down when you need it most.5) Clean up after yourself.Materials1) Instrument (or sticks & mallets)2) At least 1 pencil (no pens, please)3) Music4) Extra reeds (woodwinds only, naturally)5) Valve oil (brass only)6) Extra patch cords, strings and picks (for electric instruments only, of course)7) A medium sized binder; 1” – 2” in thickness with loose leaf paper
Concert and Performance Dress CodeOnce the roster is determined, the group will choose the attire for the band.
Grades
Grades will be earned according to effort, preparedness, participation and progress. Each performance is worth 100 points and every after school rehearsal is worth 50 points; each classroom rehearsal is worth 25. Any assigned homework (aside from practicing) will have a value equal to the amount of work involved. Students will lose points for, among other things: not being prepared, excessive absences or tardiness, poor effort, attitude, etc. Students can earn extra credit by attending other concerts, performances approved by the director. Private lessons will be considered as extra credit as well. Other extra credit may be available on occasion. Lastly, if a student is going to miss, or misses a rehearsal or performance, please bring a note from your parents explaining the situation. If the absence is excused, make-up work will be assigned. Otherwise, it will count as an unexcused absence and the student will be given a zero for that assignment.
Performances – 200 points
Rehearsals – 50 Points
Class Participation– 25 Points per class (100 points per week)
9-weeks exam 20% of grade
*** All performances are mandatory. Exceptions will only be made in case of emergency. Forgetting to get time off work or to find a ride are not emergencies. Serious illness, accidents, etc. are examples of acceptable excuses (see the band handbook for specifics). If there are issues or concerns, please let me know as soon as possible. I can be reached at the school at 407-320-9560 (band office) or
Textbook Information (if text books are used)- As per School Board Policy, each student shall be responsible for returning all items issued to him/her in good condition for use during the term. The student and his or her parents are required to pay the purchase price for any lost or unusable textbooks. Payments shall be required on or before 10 days from the deadline for returning all issued textbooks. Students should carefully check book for any previous damage. Damaged textbooks must be returned to the Media Center the same day they are assigned or the student will be held accountable.
Skyward/Family Access - To sign up for Family access please see Susan Booth in the Attendance office at Lake Mary High School. Once you have signed up please go to: for your access.
Textbook Information - As per School Board Policy, each student shall be responsible for returning all items issued to him/her in good condition for use during the term. The student and his or her parents are required to pay the purchase price for any lost or unusable textbooks. Payments shall be required on or before 10 days from the deadline for returning all issued textbooks. Students should carefully check book for any previous damage. Damaged textbooks must be returned to the Media Center the same day they are assigned or the student will be held accountable.
Skyward/Family Access - In an effort to provide parents with easily accessible information about student’s progress, Lake Mary High School will post report cards and progress reports to Skyward’s Family Access beginning the 2013-2014 school year. When report cards are available, parents will receive a reminder email from the school to access the Skyward’s Family Access account so that they may review the student’s report card or progress report.
At any time, if parents need assistance accessing Skyward, please visit the Attendance office, and speak with Ms. Noris Diaz for support. Please visit the Attendance office between the hours of 7:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday for technical assistance. Finally, should parents need to obtain a printed version of a student’s report card, parents can request this through our Guidance Department. Thank you in advance for supporting our initiatives to increase access to your student’s school information through Skyward and Lake Mary High School’s “Go Green” campaign.
Finally, with the JazzRams, we will be asked multiple times to perform throughout the year. Not all dates are set as of yet. I will do my best to keep our performances at a number understanding your other commitments with family and school. I will also keep you up to date as best I can regarding any changes there may be throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding class, performances or anything else, please let me know as soon as possible. Welcome to Jazz Band!Mr. Mitchell
JazzRams Syllabus September 2014-15