Band
Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Teacher: Amber Willard
Cell Phone: (308) 660-4323
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://awillardmusic.weebly.com/
Office Hours: 7:45-8:10; 9:20-9:51; 3:30-4:00 (other times available upon request)
Class Time: Mon. - Fri. 9:53am-10:46am
Course Description and Purpose:
The band consists of students in 7th-12th grade. This course is both skill- and performance-based where students work on instrument fundamentals, learn to play pep band songs and concert band music, and read band literature. Students in this group will have the opportunity to audition for solos, small ensembles, and honor bands. Performances include pep band at sporting events, winter concert, spring concert, music contest, and community events. This band will perform a variety of styles of music throughout the school year including marches, classical, jazz, and pop, among many more.
Course Materials:
Bring the following items with you to all rehearsals:
Equipment Policy:
School Instrument Rental: School instrument rental costs $20 per semester. This fee helps fund the maintenance and repair or instruments which normally costs over $50 per instrument per visit to a repair shop. *Students are responsible for the upkeep of their instrument and equipment at all times.*
Consumable Instrument Materials: Reeds, valve oil, and other consumable products will be the responsibility of the band member to purchase for their instrument. I will purchase these items in bulk from the music store, the students will then have the opportunity to purchase these from me. The cost will be: Clarinet Reeds: $1.50; Saxophone Reeds: Alto: $1.75, Tenor: $2.50, Bari: $3.00; Cork Grease (Woodwinds)/Valve Oil (Brass Instruments): $1.50.
Pep Band:
The band students will be playing pep band for home football games this year. All students are expected to play in pep band, unless they have another commitment during the game: football player, spirit squad member, etc. In this case, I need a written note from your coach/activity sponsor excusing you from pep band. Students will also be encouraged to play or sing the National Anthem before home volleyball and home basketball games.
Duties of Band Members:
Rehearsal Requirements:
We don’t have a lot of time together to rehearse, so it’s important that we utilize every minute. In order for us to conduct efficient band rehearsals, make sure that you do the following:
Grading in Band:
Your grade will be based on participation in class and in outside of class performances. Because this is a performance based class, you must be present to participate and be graded. Throughout the semester we will also occasionally have assignments and worksheets on music theory or music history. These will all count toward a student's overall grade in band.
Participation/Effort:
Students are encouraged and expected to participate in all scheduled activities in band. If a student is not able to be present at an event outside of school, I must have a note from the parent/guardian. In the event that a student misses a required performance for band, there will be an alternate assignment for the student to make-up that missed event. This is just like the need to make up assignments in other school subjects when absent.
Students are expected to strive for and produce quality work by consistently doing their best and working to improve in music. Students are required to show respect for the teacher, others, and music materials. Students will be given a grade based on the their participation and effort once a week in band. Participation will be worth 2 points per day throughout the semester. This is because the students need to be held accountable for their behavior in music class in order to succeed in music.
Grading Scale:
100-93 A
92-86 B
85-78 C
77-70 D
Below 70 F
Honor Bands:
Throughout the year, the opportunity will arise for students to participate in various honor groups. I will highly encourage students to attend these to gain the experience of performing with much larger groups, meeting students from other schools who may sometime be their friends in college, as well as being conducted by highly skilled and talented conductors.
Student’s Name ________________________________________(please print)
Class Name ______7-12 Band___________
Student’s E-Mail Address _________________________________________________
(This is used for communication purposes only)
Parent/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________(please print)
Parent/Guardian’s Phone Number ____________________________________
(number that you can be reached at the easiest)
Parent/Guardian’s E-Mail Address _________________________________________
(Used for communication and announcement purposes only)
By signing this, you and your parents have read the syllabus and understand the requirements for the course. After you have signed, please return to Miss Willard during your band class, by Friday, August 19, 2016.
Student Signature _____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________
Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Teacher: Amber Willard
Cell Phone: (308) 660-4323
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://awillardmusic.weebly.com/
Office Hours: 7:45-8:10; 9:20-9:51; 3:30-4:00 (other times available upon request)
Class Time: Mon. - Fri. 9:53am-10:46am
Course Description and Purpose:
The band consists of students in 7th-12th grade. This course is both skill- and performance-based where students work on instrument fundamentals, learn to play pep band songs and concert band music, and read band literature. Students in this group will have the opportunity to audition for solos, small ensembles, and honor bands. Performances include pep band at sporting events, winter concert, spring concert, music contest, and community events. This band will perform a variety of styles of music throughout the school year including marches, classical, jazz, and pop, among many more.
Course Materials:
Bring the following items with you to all rehearsals:
- Instrument and Music!
- Pencil – you WILL need to take notes on your music at every rehearsal. In order to remember everything from rehearsal to rehearsal, you need to WRITE IT DOWN!!
Equipment Policy:
School Instrument Rental: School instrument rental costs $20 per semester. This fee helps fund the maintenance and repair or instruments which normally costs over $50 per instrument per visit to a repair shop. *Students are responsible for the upkeep of their instrument and equipment at all times.*
Consumable Instrument Materials: Reeds, valve oil, and other consumable products will be the responsibility of the band member to purchase for their instrument. I will purchase these items in bulk from the music store, the students will then have the opportunity to purchase these from me. The cost will be: Clarinet Reeds: $1.50; Saxophone Reeds: Alto: $1.75, Tenor: $2.50, Bari: $3.00; Cork Grease (Woodwinds)/Valve Oil (Brass Instruments): $1.50.
Pep Band:
The band students will be playing pep band for home football games this year. All students are expected to play in pep band, unless they have another commitment during the game: football player, spirit squad member, etc. In this case, I need a written note from your coach/activity sponsor excusing you from pep band. Students will also be encouraged to play or sing the National Anthem before home volleyball and home basketball games.
Duties of Band Members:
- Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. EARLY IS ON TIME!!
- Each member is responsible for his or her music. DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S MUSIC OR EQUIPMENT!
- Make a real effort to improve daily.
- Maintain a strong academic standing in all other coursework.
- Plan ahead and do not “double book” yourself. Consult your calendar!
- Be responsible for your actions.
- Follow all rules and when rules are silent use good judgment!
- Cooperate with fellow members and share with them the responsibilities and privileges that are a part of the band program.
- Contribute positively to the music education of others by the best use of your talents.
- Read and play music with insight and expression.
- During a rehearsal only speak when invited.
- Avoid negative chatter or gossip.
- Respect staff, parents, chaperones, bus drivers and directors.
- Keep instrument in good working order.
- Keep music room neat and clean. It is a reflection of our program.
- The music office is not a student lounge, if door is open, knock, and then come in.
- Only use the instrument that you have been assigned, do not use or practice with someone else’s instrument or equipment. Do not carelessly damage school equipment.
- When you are here expect to work to your fullest potential!
- We can only be successful if we all are successful.
Rehearsal Requirements:
We don’t have a lot of time together to rehearse, so it’s important that we utilize every minute. In order for us to conduct efficient band rehearsals, make sure that you do the following:
- Be in the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is left.
- Do not waste rehearsal time by talking. There will be plenty of breaks when you can socialize with your buds. If you do have a comment or question during a rehearsal, wait until the appropriate time to be heard.
- Rehearse the way you would perform.
- Give the same respect to all people who may be conducting a rehearsal, whether it’s Miss Willard, a substitute teacher, or a guest conductor. Respect yourself and respect each other.
- Clean up after yourself!! Do not leave any trash behind. All students should assist in caring for equipment and maintaining a clean music facility. No food or drink is allowed in the band room during rehearsals except water.
- Come to rehearsals with a positive attitude. It’s a proven fact that both positive and negative attitudes are contagious.
Grading in Band:
Your grade will be based on participation in class and in outside of class performances. Because this is a performance based class, you must be present to participate and be graded. Throughout the semester we will also occasionally have assignments and worksheets on music theory or music history. These will all count toward a student's overall grade in band.
Participation/Effort:
Students are encouraged and expected to participate in all scheduled activities in band. If a student is not able to be present at an event outside of school, I must have a note from the parent/guardian. In the event that a student misses a required performance for band, there will be an alternate assignment for the student to make-up that missed event. This is just like the need to make up assignments in other school subjects when absent.
Students are expected to strive for and produce quality work by consistently doing their best and working to improve in music. Students are required to show respect for the teacher, others, and music materials. Students will be given a grade based on the their participation and effort once a week in band. Participation will be worth 2 points per day throughout the semester. This is because the students need to be held accountable for their behavior in music class in order to succeed in music.
Grading Scale:
100-93 A
92-86 B
85-78 C
77-70 D
Below 70 F
Honor Bands:
Throughout the year, the opportunity will arise for students to participate in various honor groups. I will highly encourage students to attend these to gain the experience of performing with much larger groups, meeting students from other schools who may sometime be their friends in college, as well as being conducted by highly skilled and talented conductors.
Student’s Name ________________________________________(please print)
Class Name ______7-12 Band___________
Student’s E-Mail Address _________________________________________________
(This is used for communication purposes only)
Parent/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________(please print)
Parent/Guardian’s Phone Number ____________________________________
(number that you can be reached at the easiest)
Parent/Guardian’s E-Mail Address _________________________________________
(Used for communication and announcement purposes only)
By signing this, you and your parents have read the syllabus and understand the requirements for the course. After you have signed, please return to Miss Willard during your band class, by Friday, August 19, 2016.
Student Signature _____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________