(A detailed version of this syllabus will be handed out directly to students.) Aliamanu Middle School Beginning/Intermediate Band D. Zane, Room M-2, daniel_zane@notes.k12.hi.us Grade 7 & 8 Phone: (808)421-4100, ext. 295 I. COURSE DESCRIPTION Students will learn to play/advance on a band instrument of their choice. Through this class they will learn about music theory & history, instrumental techniques, performance, as well as experience being part of a large performing arts group. They will learn rehearsal and performance etiquette, as well as gain a sense of how their individual work impacts the whole group. Through these experiences, they will hopefully gain a new appreciation for the arts. Students will study a variety of musical literature. II. COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES All goals and objectives will be aligned with the Hawaii Content Standards & Performance Benchmarks for music. The Aliamanu Panther Band believes that self-discipline, working with others toward a common goal, striving for excellence in performance, and developing sensitivity in life are goals for all musicians. We will provide opportunities in music that will enable the students to meet these challenges for a rewarding school year. Objectives: To discover and develop instrumental talent. To instill a knowledge and appreciation of varied music literature. To develop proficiency, skill and knowledge of musical instruments along with music reading skills To analyze and correct tone, rhythm, balance, and dynamics. To develop an understanding and interest of/in a variety of music literature. To provide wonderful concerts for school, family, and community. To develop personal values derived from musical participation: - Self discipline - Independent thinking - Group/personal responsibility - Caring attitudes - PRIDE To inspire curiosity, enthusiasm, and desire for continued music study and enjoyment.
III. COURSE CONTENT Tone production and development of posture, instrument position, hand position. Basic note-reading & rhythm Written music theory & history assignments/assessments Practical playing tests Listening to and evaluating live & recorded performances Self-evaluation IV. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS & MATERIALS Students will learn how to play music with the aid of the following materials: a. John O Reilly & Mark Williams. Accent on Achievement Book 1/2 b. Charles S. Peters & Paul Yoder. Master Theory (worksheets) c. Varied Beginning & Intermediate band literature V. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES/EXPECTATIONS a. Remove shoes upon entry to the Band Room - Please keep the carpet neat and clean b. No eating or drinking in the Band Room, unless otherwise specified by Mr. Zane. - Water is okay c. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices, unless otherwise specified by Mr. Zane d. No running or horseplay in the Band Room e. Students will have their chair, stand, music, instrument, and other supplies ready within five (5) minutes of the tardy bell f. Students will bring pencils to every class period g. Non-music students are not allowed in the Band Room, unless otherwise specified by Mr. Zane h. Do not put body weight on the music stand; it is not a desk i. Students will be given one (1) Handbook for the year - If the Handbook is lost or damaged severely, the student will need to work for five (5) days to receive a new one j. Students will be given one (1) copy of their concert music. - If a student loses the music, he/she will need to print out a copy for themselves from the website k. Students who are not percussionists should not play with the percussion instruments
VI. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Instruments Students are allowed to rent an instrument from the school, free of charge. - Student and parent must read, sign, and comply with a Rental Contract before taking home the instrument - Student must pass an Instrument Care Quiz with a 100% before receiving an instrument Care Kits (which include mouthpiece/sticks/mallets, cleaning/maintenance supplies, reeds, Method Book, etc.) will be purchased through the Band If a student s instrument does not work properly/is missing, please bring it to Mr. Zane s attention immediately. - Mr. Zane will not fix personal instruments - Any damage done to the instrument(s) due to student negligence will be charged to the student - If an instrument is lost/stolen while in the possession of the student, the student will be charged for a replacement instrument for the school - Mr. Zane has the right to deny a student, who has proved to be irresponsible, the privilege of using a school owned instrument Do not try to fix the instruments yourself, unless you are properly trained Do not touch any instrument that you are not assigned to Do not leave your instrument unattended at any time Students who are found not following the guidelines set in this Handbook, Rental Contract, and in the Instrument Care sheets will possibly lose the privilege of using a school owned instrument Students with personal instruments are allowed to store them in a locked Practice Room in the Band Room. Practice Journals Practice Journals are collected and graded every other week on the first day that Mr. Zane sees a class (due to rotating schedule) - If Practice Journal is incomplete (i.e. not in complete sentences, no parent signature) the Practice Journal will not be graded until the student has made corrections or completed the Practice Journal - Practice Journals must be written in the student s Practice Journal/Handbook to be accepted for credit Parent/Guardian/Teacher signatures are needed to verify practicing at home Beginning Students are required to practice for three (3) hours per 2 weeks Intermediate Students are required to practice for six (6) hours per 2 weeks - Practice Journal grades will be reduced accordingly when turned in late or without completing the proper amount of time Class time/afterschool rehearsal does not count toward Practice Journals Practicing must be done before/after school, during recess, or at home
Music Theory/History Assignments Theory/History Assignments can be assigned at any time during the course of the Quarter To receive an E the student must turn in the Theory Assignment on time and 100% correct - Students grades will be reduced accordingly if the Theory/History Assignment is late or incorrect. Sectional Rehearsals (Beginning & Intermediate Students) To help adequately assess the students progress, the students are required to attend sectional rehearsals Students who play the same instruments will meet with their section and Mr. Zane to work on music and techniques specific to their instrument Rehearsals will be held during Homeroom - Mr. Zane will email the Homeroom teachers with a list of students who will be pulled from Advisory (they will not be marked absent) Sectional Rehearsal schedule will be announced during class and posted on the board in the front of the room Class Period Non-Participation It is the students responsibility to bring all supplies needed to class If a student does not bring supplies that he/she needs to participate he/she will fill out one (1) Class Non-Participation Reflective Writing Student is to get their Reflective Writing signed by Mr. Zane as well as a Parent/Guardian If a student does not participate for 3 days, the student will call a parent in the presence of Mr. Zane VII. ASSESSMENTS & GRADES Playing Assessments Mr. Zane will assign students up to four (4) Playing Assessments every Quarter - Students will have at least one (1) week to practice/prepare for each Assessment - All Assessments will be posted online, students must go online to check - All Assessments will be taken in front of the rest of the class Assessments will be graded using the rubric in this Handbook Students are able to ask Mr. Zane for help during recess or before/after school, but he will not play it for them Students will be graded using the Assessment Evaluations with comments or concerns by Mr. Zane
If a student is absent during the time of the Assessment it is the student s responsibility to make arrangements to take it during his/her own time (i.e. recess, before/after school, lunch) Assessments can be re-taken until the end of the Quarter for a higher grade - Students who receive a MM, AP, or WB are encouraged to retake until they receive a M or E If a student refuses to play he/she will receive a No Attempt (NA) grade for the Assessment and will lose the privilege of retaking the Assessment Playing Quizzes Mr. Zane may give Playing Quizzes at any time during the course of the year to adequately assess if the student(s) are keeping up with the class - All Playing Quizzes will be taken in front of the rest of the class Playing Quizzes may not be re-taken for a better grade Written Assessments/Quizzes Written Assessments/Quizzes may be issued at any time during the course of the year Written Assessments/Quizzes may not be re-taken for a better grade Grading Student grades will be based on their ability to meet the proficiency of the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards III and benchmarks. Each assignment will be weighted equally. 100% (A) = Meets Proficiency with Excellence (E) 90% (A) = Meets Proficiency, all benchmarks (M) 80% (B) = Meets Proficiency, Majority of benchmarks (MM) 70% (C) = Approaches Proficiency (AP) 60% (D) = Well Below Proficiency (WB) 0% (F) = Not Attempted (NA) Grades are NOT based on averages; semester and year grades are based on completion of Standards for the semester and year. VIII. CONCERT PERFORMANCES Concert Participation All concerts are mandatory and will count towards the students grade Students are expected to stay for the entirety of the concert to support the rest of the performers
- Students will be allowed to leave before the end of the concert if there is a valid reason as to why they cannot stay Students will have two (2) required rehearsals before each concert - Students must have a valid reason accompanied by a signed note if they are to miss one of the rehearsals Students must attend these rehearsals to perform/participate in the concert A concert form will be sent home with the students about one (1) month before the concert/rehearsals - Students must have a valid reason accompanied by a signed note if they are to miss the concert If a student is unable to perform at the concert, and gives prior notice to Mr. Zane, they will have one (1) week upon their return to school to make up the concert - Student will play all concert selections for Mr. Zane and be graded on their performance individually according to the rubric in this Handbook IX. SUPPLIES a. 3-ring Binder/Folder (to be used ONLY for Band related papers) b. Blank folder paper (for any notes to be taken) c. Pencil (student must have this at EVERY rehearsal/class period) d. Band Handbook (student must have this at EVERY rehearsal/class period) e. Method Book (to be purchased through the Band, with the Care Kit) - Students will be responsible for replacing their own Method Book, should it be lost/stolen f. Sheet protectors (for music/notes) g. Instrument (rented or personal), mouthpiece, spit container (if applicable), neck strap (if applicable), reeds, etc. h. (Optional) Personal tuner (to be purchased on own) X. CONSEQUENCES The following procedures will be used if students do not comply with class or school rules: First Offense: Verbal Warning Second Offense: Student/teacher conference Third Offense: Recess/Lunch Detention Fourth Offense: Parents Notified/Referred to Administration
Parent/ Student Beginning/Intermediate Band Class Contract Student Name (print): Period: Teacher Name: My child and I have read the Aliamanu Middle School Beginning/Intermediate Band Syllabus and understand what is expected. We have read the classroom procedures and expectations, and understand how the students will be graded for this class. Student Signature: Date: Email: Parent/ Guardian Name (print): Parent/ Guardian Signature: Date: Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Parent/ Guardian Name (print): Parent/ Guardian Signature: Date: Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: Email: *** Return this Contract to your child s Beginning/Intermediate Band teacher by: ***