Concert Band, Issaquah Middle School
InstructorRyan Goodenough
Contact Info
Website
PrerequisitesCompletion of Beginning & Intermediate Band and a positive attitude!
Course Description
This class is for students who have completed both 6th and 7th Grade Band or who have at least 2 years of prior experience on their instrument. The music performed in this class is the most advanced for middle school students. Through this course, we will explore the beginning elements of reading music, proper playing techniques, proper practicing techniques, positive individual participation in a group focused class and how to enjoy music beyond the classroom walls.
Required Materials
Good quality instrument in working order
Standard of Excellence Book 3 for your instrument
Pencils for each rehearsal and home practice
MusicFirst account (free)
Music stand, for home practice
Metronome and tuner (with clip on microphone) for school and home practice
(Suggestion: KORG TM-40 combination tuner and metronome, Seiko Clip-On Pick Up Microphone)
Issaquah Middle School Music Department Polo Shirt, for performances
Black pants, for performances
Black view binder with a 3 hole pencil pouch and 20 sheet protectors
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow all school and district rules and policies at every practice, performance, or event both on and off campus. Everyone will respect all instruments and equipment. If the instrument is not yours, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Students will be assigned responsibilities relating to classroom maintenance on a rotating schedule. Everyone is expected to leave the classroom clean and orderly, but students will be assigned to oversee the process.
Rehearsal Etiquette
The podium is the only place in the rehearsal room from which gestures and suggestions can mold a group of individuals into a musical organization. Whenever the director or any authorized person takes the podium, the group will give them their complete attention. This means total silence when the person is talking and quickness to respond to instruction.
Grading Policy
WEEKLY PRACTICE RECORDS – 30%
Completed Weekly Practice Records are expected each week with a parent signature.
PLAYING TESTS & ASSIGNMENTS – 30%
Students will be required to play exercises, selections of performance pieces, scales, etc. as well as assignments relating to music notation, vocabulary, music theory, etc. both in class and on MusicFirst.
PARTICIPATION – 30%
Students earn points towards their participation grade by actively participating in the daily activities and coming to class with all of the required materials, ready to learn.
PERFORMANCES – 10%
Students are expected to attend all performances relating to their ensemble. Punctuality and appropriate concert attire are required for full credit. Most performances are published at the beginning of the school year, but any other performances added will be given as much notice as possible.
B+ = 87-89.99%C+ = 77-79.99%D+ = 67-69.99%F = 59.99% or lower
A = 93-100%B = 83-86.99% C = 73-76.99% D = 63-66.99%
A- = 90-92.99% B- = 80-82.99% C- = 70-72.99% D- = 60-62.99%
Instruments
Students are expected to bring their instrument to school every day. Participation points cannot be awarded to students who do not have their instrument in class, and therefore, are unable to fully participate.
All students are expected to keep their instrument in top working order. If repairs are necessary, students should take the instrument to be repaired as soon as possible. If it is a school-owned instrument, please notify Mr. Goodenough immediately so that appropriate repairs can be made. If the repairs are extensive and take more than two days, the student should make every effort to borrow an instrument from the music store or the school, if one is available.
All students will be assigned a locker or designated area to store their instrument. Storage facilities are not extra lockers for books and personal items. Storage space is in high demand, so please keep it clear for this purpose.
Every effort will be made to provide an instrument for those students who need it. School instruments can be rented for a fee. Please see Mr. Goodenough for rental information. All damages and repairs are the responsibility of the student after the instrument has been issued to them. Please take great care of your instrument.
Attendance
Attendance at ALL rehearsals and performances is mandatory. A current calendar of performances can be found on Mr. Goodenough’s website ( under the “Calendar” tab. It is impossible to replicate the learning in a rehearsal or performance as there often is only one performance of any given music. It is the responsibility of the student to alleviate conflicts with the schedule. For this reason, it is not possible to offer make up work for a missed performance. However, extenuating circumstances do come up on occasion, so please speak to Mr. Goodenough if you feel you have an extenuating circumstance.