5th-6th Grade Band

St. Helena Arts and Technology Academy

2015-2016 School Year

Mrs. Baxley / School Phone Number
Fax Number / Conference Time
Gym Annex / /
  • Course Description

A course description is a brief synopsis of what students will be taught in a course.

This instrumental music course is designed to help students become skilled in a variety of musical ways. They will develop the needed skills to become proficient in playing an instrument, reading music, and learning the necessary expertise and etiquette to become a successful musician. Most importantly the students will develop an appreciation for the art of music.

I firmly believe each student should improve through regular practice. When the student has lost the will to improve him-or herself or to make a better contribution to the band, he or she is wasting the time and effort of fellow members and the community by continuing in the program. The happiest student is one who improves through regular habits of practice and daily progress. He or she must not only know right from wrong but must be able to stand for principles and develop a high sense of purpose toward which he or she is willing to work. Responsibility is the focus behind any level of achievement within this program. We intend to conduct ourselves in a manner that will facilitate the learning of all students.

Course Goals/Objectives of the Band Program

The course goals are broad statements of what the students will be able to do when they have completed the course

  • To teach music by its actual performance.
  • To develop performance skills on the various wind and percussion instruments.
  • To provide for the musical needs of the school and the community.
  • To develop discrimination with regard to the selection of music.
  • To acquaint the students with music theory/history and how history and musical composition relate to students’ lives and musical experiences.
  • To provide all students with the opportunity for worthy use of their time, a means for self-expression, and a healthy social experience.
  • To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group and enhance interaction.
  • To foster leadership skills within each student.
  • Expected Student Learning Outcomes

An expected learning outcome is a formal statement of what students are expected to learn in a course. Expected learning outcome statements refer to specific knowledge, practical skills, areas of professional development, attitudes, higher-order thinking skills, etc. that faculty members expect students to develop, learn, or master during a course

Upon completing the General Music/Instrumental Music course, students should be able to:

  • Play their instrument at a proficient level.
  • Effectively read and play a variety of rhythms on their instrument.
  • Identify and group instruments according to their timbre.
  • Identify the dynamics in music and have the ability to play them on their instrument.
  • Identify high and low pitches and playing them on their instrument.
  • Identify the different types of form in music (AB, ABA, Call and Response, etc).
  • Recognize music from various cultures around the world.
  • Listen to and play different musical compositions in order describe their musical ideas/opinions.
  • Required Texts
  • Standard of Excellence: Book 1 for their particular instrument.
  • Required Supplies

Each student should have the following items in class everyday:

  • Pencil
  • Instrument (sticks, mallets)
  • Oil/Slide grease/Reeds/Mouthpiece for instrument.
  • Music and textbook.
  • Concert attire: White dress shirt (tie for boys), black dress pants or skirt (girls). Black dress shoes. If a skirt is worn, it must be knee length.

From time to time during the school year your will receive a materials grade. If you have all the items listed above, you will receive a daily grade of an A. Your grade will be lowered one letter for each item you are missing, but students will be given two days to bring in any missing items. The easiest way to avoid this is to have everything you need at all times. After the second day, the letter grade may be lowered.

  • Guidelines for Grading

5th and 6th Grade

Category / Percentage / Types of Assignments
Summative Assessments / 50% / Playing Tests
Unit Tests
Formative Assessments / 20%
10%
10%
10% / Participation/Behavior/Preparedness
Daily Assignments(performance checklists, various worksheets)
Practice Records
Do Now/Exit Slips/Chair Wars

Additional points will be taken away for the following actions:

  • Excessive talking
  • Unexcused missed rehearsal/band class
  • Tardiness
  • Missing Materials/no instrument (See Required Supplies above).
  • Missed Performance
  • Attendance Policy

The only excusable absences are prearranged school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, a death in the family, or a religious holiday. Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the director.

Performance no shows! We will only have 2 concerts for the entire school year (Christmas and Spring). They will be scheduled in advance. The student will receive a lowering of one letter grade on his or her report card if their absence is not excused.

  • Tardy Policy

Students in band are expected to have their instrument together, music on their stand and seated in their chairs when the bell rings. Students will be given 3 Tardy Cards for the entire year. Once the student uses all of his/her cards consequences will be enforced: 1st=parent contact, 2nd= 30 mindetention, 3rd= office referral, 5th+= administrative action

  • Assignment/Make Up Policy
  • I AM NOT INCLINED TO ACCEPT LATE WORK. However, I do understand that emergency situations may prevent a student from turning in an assignment on time. In these emergency situations, a student may submit their practice records no more than 5 days late. Records turned in later than that will not be accepted. Playing tests can be made up anytime within the current 9 weeks. Students will have 5-6 playing tests every nine weeks depending on the schedule. CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED. All of our hard work throughout the year culminates to these events and every student plays an important role. If there is an extenuating circumstance please contact me as soon as possible. Any unit test given throughout the year can be made up within 2 days after the initial test date.
  • MISSED ASSIGNMENTS ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! If you have an excused absence that keeps you from either turning in an assignment or receiving instructions for an assignment, it is your duty to talk to me about the assignment as soon as you return. You may also email/text/rCampus me.
  • MAKE UP WORK is designated for students who have excused absences. If you are absent and it is excused, you must speak to me about any make up work the day you return.Please see me privately to discuss your assignments. Otherwise, there will be no opportunity to make up assignments not turned in on time.
  • Plagiarism/Cheating

Please read carefully and sign, along with your parents, the attached consent form regarding academic integrity. Plagiarism and/or cheating will not be tolerated. There are severe consequences for those involved with academic dishonesty.

  • Resources
  • My teacher webpage on the district website ( will be one of the most important resources for you this school year. You will be able to locate your class page for handouts, reminders on assignments, and websites that may help you throughout the school year.
  • Use your rCampus online platform to access online assignments, missed work due to absences, extra credit assignments, etc.
  • Private Lessons

As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument are the best way to improve performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from individual attention as opposed to being one in a class of more than thirty. Students are generally more inclined to practice diligently for a weekly music assignment, and this discipline increases the student’s enjoyment with the instrument. The band director will be more than happy to assist in the selection of a private teacher.

  • Duties of the Band Member
  • Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Early is on time-on time is late.
  • Proper concert attire must be worn to the concert! If a student arrives in something other than what is required (see supply list above) the student will not participate. If you cannot get the attire, please contact the director before the concert.
  • Upon entering the rehearsal setting, get your instrument, and go directly to your seat. Take out your music.
  • When the director steps on the podium or asks for your attention, all talking should cease.
  • Come to rehearsal with a good attitude.
  • There should be no excess playing (e.g., horsing around on the instrument), only good, solid material.
  • Make a real effort to improve on a daily basis, and establish a good practice routine.
  • At the end of the rehearsal, put all materials in their proper place.
  • Maintain a strong academic standing in all course work.
  • Become responsible for and assume responsibility for your own actions. Admit when you are wrong.
  • Have proper respect for yourself and those in authority.
  • Read and play music with insight—have musical expectations.

Parents’ Responsibility to the Band

It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the syllabus are followed and that the forms in the back are signed and returned. This states that you understand the policies set within and that any questions are to be directed to the band director by emailing or making an appointment. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of his or her child at all band functions. It is the responsibility of each parent to see that the child practices his or her instrument daily. The hands of the director are tied without the help of the parents.

How Parents Can Help

  • Show an interest in the musical study of your child.
  • Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.
  • Find a quiet place where he or she can practice without interruption.
  • Be patient! Do not expect your child to become Mozart in a year. Many musicians have been playing their instrument for 40+ years.
  • Listen to performances of practice material when asked to do so.
  • Help the student keep a daily record of practicing.
  • Come up with a reward system for daily practice.
  • Keep the instrument in good repair, and keep at least three reeds in the case; get a metronome!
  • Be EXTRA careful with school-owned instruments. Repair costs are high!
  • Teach your child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal or lesson.
  • Provide private instruction.
  • Make faithful attendance at all band activities important.
  • Keep the syllabus in a safe place and refer to it often.
  • Notify the teacher if the student is to be absent for rehearsals or lessons.
  • Double-check to make sure students have their instruments.
  • Visit rehearsals occasionally.
  • Join the Band Boosters!!! We need lots of volunteers to raise money for this program!
  • Turn in fund-raising money on time.

School-Owned Instrument Rental

Each student who uses a school-owned instrument is completely responsible for the care of the instrument. If an instrument is damaged due to negligence, the student is responsible for the entire cost. An instrument check-out form must be filled out and on file with the director.

Lost Music

If the textbook or any music is damaged or lost due to negligence, the student is responsible for the entire cost.

Practice

As with any activity, you get out of it what you put into it. Band will not be fun unless you practice. There are many values in the study of music as a discipline that transfer to other areas of life. Although this will not immediately happen, persistent practice will lead to enthusiastic, driven practice. Remember: “Perfect practice makes perfect!” Here is a suggested plan of study:

  • Pick a set time each day.
  • Have a non-boomy place of practice.
  • Increase dynamic range (work on pianissimo-playing soft)
  • Increase range (highest note with a good tone)
  • Increase endurance (5 minutes of full-tone playing).
  • Take several breaks within your practice session.
  • Use a metronome for part of the time.
  • Work on technique (articulations, accents, etc.)
  • “I will start with __ minutes and increase to __.”
  • Use the Practice Record Chart below. Your child will receive a sheet once every 9 weeks. It will be checked every Monday by the director.

Date:

Day / Minutes practiced
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Minutes for Week ______

Recordings

An instrumentalist cannot duplicate a characteristic sound on his or her instrument without an appropriate model to emulate. Below are suggestions of artists for each instrument. Every student in the band program should own at least one recording of the following artists. YouTube is also a great resource to use.

FluteJean-Pierre Rampal, Jim Walker, Paula Robison

Clarinet Harold Wright, Larry Combs

SaxophoneJean Rousseau, Joseph Lulloff, Steven Mauk

TrumpetPhil Smith, Adolph Herseth

Trombone Joseph Alessi, Christian Linberg

Contract of Mutual Consent

I, the undersigned student, accept membership in the St. Helena Arts and Technology Band and understand I am responsible for all policies set forth in the band syllabus. I fully agree to carry out my responsibilities to the very best of my ability.

______

Student signatureDate

I, the undersigned parent or guardian, have read and understand the policies as set forth in the band syllabus. I also grant full permission for my child to be an active member of the St. Helena Arts and Technology Academy Band. In addition, my child has full permission to attend all band functions. Furthermore, I understand that I must meet all financial obligations if my child’s school-owned instrument, textbook, or any music is damaged by negligence.

______

Parent signatureDate

Parent e-mail address______

Parent Phone #______

To be filled out by the band director:

Type of instrument______

Manufacturer______

Serial number______

Academic Integrity Consent Statement

Course: 5th/6th Grade Band

Teacher: Tabitha Baxley

Term: 2015-2016 School Year

DIRECTIONS: (1) Read through this statement carefully. (2) Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand. (3) Return it to your teacher.

I have heard the teacher's discussion of plagiarism, and I understand that I must use research conventions to cite and clearly mark other people's ideas and words within my paper. I understand that plagiarism is an act of intellectual dishonesty. I understand it is academically unethical and unacceptable to do any of the following acts:

  • To submit essays written in whole or in part by another student as if it were my own.
  • To download an essay from the internet, then quote or paraphrase from it, in whole or in part, without acknowledging the original source.
  • To restate a clever phrase verbatim from another writer without acknowledging the source.
  • To paraphrase part of another writer's work without acknowledging the source.
  • To reproduce the substance of another writer's argument without acknowledging the source.
  • To take work originally done for one instructor's assignment and re-submit it to another teacher.
  • To cheat on tests or quizzes through the use of crib sheets, hidden notes, viewing another student's paper, revealing the answers on my own paper to another student, through verbal or textual communication, sign language, or other means of storing and communicating information, including electronic devices, recording devices, cellular telephones, headsets, and portable computers.
  • To copy another student's homework and submit the work as if it were the product of my own labor.

I understand that the consequences for committing any of the previous acts of academic dishonesty can include a failing grade for the assignment or quiz with no opportunity for make-up, failure in the class as a whole and possible removal from the Advanced Placement course in extreme/repeat offenses. I understand that my enrollment in this AP course will help me develop skills necessary for college-level writing. Therefore, I will not plagiarize or cheat.

______

Student SignatureDate

Assignment Policies

DIRECTIONS: (1) Read through this statement carefully. (2) Ask questions if there areanything you do not understand. (3) Return it to your teacher.

I have heard the teacher's discussion of the policies that will be enforced in this class, and I understand that I must be aware of due dates and submit my assignments at the time they are due. I understand that if I have an excused absence, it is my responsibility to ask for my make up work the day I return to class. If I forget to ask for my make up work, I understand I will miss my opportunity to complete the assignments I missed while absent. I further understand that if I need additional explanation or help with any assignments, I can seek tutorials from my teacher. I have read and agree to abide by the policies set forth by my instructor:

  • All assignments must be submitted at the time they are due, if not earlier. If an assignment is a day late, it may not earn a grade higher than a 70. If an assignment is two days late, it may not earn a grade higher than a 50. On the third day, the assignment will not earn credit.
  • If there are extenuating circumstances preventing a student from submitting an assignment on time, the student must speak privately with the teacher to explain the circumstances surrounding a late assignment beforehand. The teacher will discuss private issues with students on a one-to-one basis only.
  • When a student shows proof of an excused absence from the attendance office, it is his/her responsibility to ask for make up work or missed assignment on the day he/she returns to class. As per district guidelines, the student will have as many days as he/she was absent to submit make up work. (For example, if a student was absent two days, he/she would have two days to turn in assignments).
  • If a student does not show proof of an excused absence from the attendance office, the student will not be able to complete make up work or turn in any work that was due on the day the student was absent. Make up work is available for students who have excused absences only. Student must take care of his/her make up work within 2 days of absence.
  • If a student is going to be absent for a school related function, it is the responsibility of that student to turn in any assignments before leaving for the function. Otherwise, the assignment may be considered late and receive penalties.
  • As the teacher, I make myself readily available to any student who needs additional explanation or help getting started on assignments. If a student contacts me, I will make myself available for tutorials as soon as possible.

SHATA 5th-6th Grade Band