CONCERT BAND COURSE OUTLINE: Semester course at 2.5 credits

 

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF CURRICULUM

Students in Concert Band perform a wide variety of music selections to learn about the array of techniques and cultural influences throughout the evolution of music.  Performances are given during our Winter and Spring Concerts, our annual music festival trips, and miscellaneous performances for our community throughout the year. In addition to performances, an appropriate level of music theory is presented to focus on the analytical aspect of music. The focus for all warm-up and instruction activities in band is based on the memorization of the twelve major scales using several exercise drills and techniques. Finally, there is an emphasis on working diligently as a group to achieve great success through practice, perseverance, and performance.

GRADES

Each Semester is comprised of two marking periods.  Each of the two marking periods per semester is graded on the following criteria:

  1. Quality of daily participation/attitude-50%
  2. Tests (written critiques/performance)-50%

The final exam for each semester is based on the following criteria:

  1. Concert participation- 50% (Sem. I & II)
  2. Written critique of Winter concert and playing exam(s)- 50% (Sem. I)
  3. Written critique of Spring concert and performance in Grad. Band- 50% (Sem. II)

Students must attend and play concerts to the best of their musical ability that demonstrates their development throughout the semester.  Daily participation includes coming to class prepared with materials (music, manuscript paper, instrument, tuner, and pencil), coming to class well practiced from the evening before, and respectful of the class rules.  Tests will be given monthly or as needed in the form of small group/individual performance or written critiques.  Homework is given daily which is to practice repertoire.  Homework is assessed by daily performance during band rehearsal.

TESTS

Tests will be given individually or in small groups to assess the student’s musical development and competence on repertoire.  Development and execution of proper technique, tone quality, and overall preparedness of the repertoire are the main focus for the tests.  Written critiques of our performances will also be given to test analytical skills.

CONCERTS

Concert attendance is mandatory for the success of the band program. The concerts are the culmination of much work on the part of each student, the group and the instructor and is worth 50% of the student’s final grade.  Students who are unable to fulfill their performance obligation must make-up their grade with a concert observation report.  The student must attend a live instrumental performance (orchestra or concert band) and write a two page critique of the performance with an overview of the repertoire.  A concert program and ticket must be submitted with the report.

HOME PRACTICE

Studies show that a realistic figure for practice is 30 minutes or more on a daily basis to achieve excellence on an instrument.  Students should not only practice their band repertoire, but techniques from method books and daily band warm-ups.  Students are expected to know their parts in each selection.  If the school parts are not challenging enough for you child, they should take it upon themselves to start working on solo repertoire. 

Although practice sheets are not a requirement, they will be implemented if a student shows little or no improvement in their skills.


CONCERT ATTIRE

CONCERT BAND

Gentlemen are expected to purchase and wear a white long sleeved dress shirt with a black tie, black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.

Ladies are to wear a white blouse with a black skirt (at least knee length please) or black pants.

FOR BIG BAND, PIT ORCH, AND  CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

You should already have black bottoms from Concert Band attire so all you need is a black button down long sleeve top.  Jazz guys need a loud colored tie as well.

CLASSROOM RULES & DISCIPLINE

  1. Be in class ready to work at 7:20.  Excessive tardiness and absents will result in loss of class credit, eligibility to participate in our annual trip, and eligibility for Honors status.
  1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
  1. Bring all necessary supplies (instrument, music, tuner, and pencil)
  1. You MUST have a pencil ready to go everyday.  There will be times when we will not need them and times that we will really need them.  Just be prepared at all times by keeping one in your folder.
  1. Respect the rights and property of others.
  1. Discard any garbage before zero period and make sure you discard any garbage accumulated during zero period before you leave.
  1. No hats, bandanas, do-rags, or any type of headgear are to be worn in this room or any other part of the school.
  1. No mp3, CD, or cassette players, cell phones, beepers, or any other type of electronic device besides a metronome or tuner.
  1. No swearing and no offensive or immature physical gestures, at any time.
  1. Do not write or deface any music stand, chair, or any piece of furniture or surface in the band room or anywhere else in the building.  You are above childish vandalism.
  2. Put all instruments and cases away properly and safely into the cabinets after zero period.  DO NOT leave your instruments on the floor!!  I will give you ample time to put your instruments away every morning so please be responsible and take time to clean up after yourselves.
  1. Percussionists must store any sticks, instruments, etc. into the filing cabinet before you leave.  Cover the timpani and depress the pedals after each use.
  1. NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED (except for bottled water). Food and candy is an instrument's worst enemy. Bacteria from decaying food and sugar destroy musical instruments and make them unsanitary for performance. Having food in your mouth will also obstruct airflow to the instrument.

Violations of class rules are dealt with in class. A student is given a verbal warning for infractions and three warnings will result in after school detention.  Students must serve detention by the next school day regardless of other extra curricular activities or it will be referred to the administration.

An automatic 30 minute detention will be issued to students who forget to bring their instrument and/or music to class or who consistently bring food, pop, or chew gum in the classroom.  If detention is missed by the second day, administration will be notified.

Students will be treated with the highest level of respect by the band director and will be taught in a very professional and productive environment.  It is imperative that the students display an equal amount of courteousness and respect for the director, class rules, and environment.

 VARSITY LETTERING

Music department letters are awarded at the end of each school year to the students who have served for THREE years in the music department.

 PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

There are many private music instructors available in the area who are either professional musicians or accredited music educators. All members of the ensemble would benefit from private instruction. Although tone production and technique is generally mentioned in the course of day to day rehearsals, private instruction is a great opportunity for individual attention for your child.  If you are interested in purchasing lessons for your child, please contact the band director for a list of instructors in the area.

CLASS MATERIALS

In order to better prepare your child for the very challenging years to come, please purchase the following items for your children.  All of these materials and services can be purchased at Sam Ash in Edison and various online/mail order vendors.

 ALL REED PLAYERS:

1-2 boxes of size 2.5 or 3 reeds.  A 2.5 Vandoren reed is equal to a 3 Rico Royal. 

Rovner “Light” ligatures

Vandoren B45 mouthpiece for clarinet (optional).

Selmer C star for Alto and tenors (optional).

*Have your instrument cleaned and set up at a repair shop over the summer.

 ALL BRASS PLAYERS:

1 Straight mute (avoid the red and white or fiberglass/cardboard ones.  Aluminum based mutes with copper or brass bottoms are the best kinds to buy.)

1 Cup mute  

*Have your instrument cleaned and set up at a repair shop over the summer.

 ALL PERCUSSIONISTS:

At least 2 pairs of snare drum sticks (5A or 5B) or Vic Firth TG15

1 pair of Medium-hard yarn keyboard mallets

1 pair of General timpani mallets

1 drum key

1 stick bag

Note: Comparable drummer kits are available with these materials as well.

 ELECTRIC BASS:

Have your bass set-up (tuned, re-strung, adjusted, etc.) over the summer.

1 extra set of bass strings

1 instrument cable

 ALL INSTRUMENTS IN PEP BAND:

1 flip folder with at least twelve window sheets and a lyre for your instrument.  You may want to take your instrument to the music store to make sure you get a lyre that fits your instrument.

 ALL INSTRUMENTS:

**1 Tuner (for daily use in band)

**1 Metronome (for home practice)

1 Manuscript paper notebook (staff paper)

*   School instruments excluded.

** There are combination units available that are a tuner and metronome in one.

Online vendors:

Musician’s Friend:  www.musiciansfriend.com

Music 123:  www.music123.com

Woodwind and Brasswind:  www.wwbw.com

Interstate Music:  www.interstatemusic.com

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