Course: Instructor: Course Objective: Descriptions: Materials: Rules: Advanced Band (1st and 3rd Block) Ms. Flake To provide students with positive musical and educational experiences through the process of musical fundamentals, instrumental rehearsals, and performances. This course provides a mixed group of musicians the opportunity to advance their study of instrumental music through selections of literature from a variety of genres and styles. This course is designed to introduce and develop advanced playing techniques and sight reading skills in the performance of more advanced literature. This class will ask students to begin exploring composing/arranging music on different levels through studying music theory. This class will be required to meet after school on occasion students will be given two weeks notice of rehearsals ( attendance at dress rehearsals is mandatory ). This group will perform several concerts this semester (Fall and Winter Concerts). Instrument and Accessories (some provided by school) *see materials sheet Folder (provided) Music (provided) Scales Sheets (provided) Electronic Device on Fridays for Fish Bowl PENCIL All students will be required and expected to do the following: 1. Follow all school wide rules (see discipline plan). 2. Bring instrument and other materials to class. 3. Raise hand to ask a question. 4. Be respectful of those around you. 5. No GUM, FOOD, or DRINKS (other than water) in the classroom. Consequences for not following classroom rules: 1. See Discipline Plan Important Dates 10/19 10/26 11/2 12/5 12/11 12/17 Fall Concert Dress Rehearsal (after school) Fall Concert (6pm arrival) Valley Honor Band Auditions SDMS (4:30pm arrival) All District Honor Band Auditions TAHS Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal (after school) In School (during the day) and Winter Concert (6pm arrival) Grade Breakdown 20% 25% 25% 15% 15% Playing Tests Written Work Concert Attendance/Performance and Dress Rehearsal Participation Practice Logs Daily Participation and Cooperation in Rehearsal Advanced Band fdhsbands.weebly.com 1
Grading Breakdown: Playing Tests (20%): Playing tests will be given through the semester to test a student s understanding and ability to play their instrument. Students will be give advanced notice of these tests and they will take place during class time. For example, students will be asked to be able to play all 12 major scales by the end of the semester. This will also include fish bowl performance and participation. Written Work (25%): These assignments will happen periodically through the class. Students will be given ample time to finish assignments. These assignments will consist of music theory assignments, practice log reflections, listening logs, signed progress reports, etc. Practice Logs (15%): Students will be asked to complete practice logs every week, which need to be fully completed by the student and signed by a parent or guardian. Daily Participation (15%): This includes coming to class on time, bring his or her instrument (including mouthpiece, reed, and ligature), and following classroom rules. Concert Attendance/Participation and Dress Rehearsal Attendance (25%): These events are equal to the students unit exams students must be present, dressed appropriately (concert black), and participate in the concert as well as dress rehearsal to receive full credit. The dress rehearsal is VITAL as we meet in separate classes. It is equivalent to a football team playing a game where the offensive line, wide receivers, tight end, fullback, running back, and quarterback have never practiced together. Dress rehearsal sets students up for a great experience and performance! EXTRA CREDIT: Go to a Concert (Possible 50 points total): Attend a concert subject to approval. Each concert attended counts as 10 extra credit points toward your final term grade. The student must bring a program from the concert to class as proof of attendance. Professional, Collegiate, High School, or Middle School concerts are suggested. See Ms. Flake for suggestions. Try out for Any Ensemble (Possible 40 points total): Students are given ample opportunities to try out for various ensembles. Trying out for 1 will get you 10 points extra credit toward your final term grade. For example, Valley Honor Band, All District Honor Band, Fort Jazz Band, and Fort Wind Ensemble. If you make it, FANTASTIC; if you don t, you still get points. Concert Attire: CONCERT BLACK: All students are expected to wear all black to concerts black shirt, pants, skirt, socks, tights, and shoes. ALL SCHOOL DRESS CODES APPLY. Contact: Feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or concerts that you might have. I am always willing to meet with both students and parents. Please email me and let me know if you would like to schedule a meeting. Office Hours: Planning during 3 rd Block 11:35pm to 1:35pm Contact Information: (Recommended) Email: flake.cm@augusta.k12.va.us Phone: 540 245 5050 Fax: 540 245 5054 fdhsbands.weebly.com Advanced Band fdhsbands.weebly.com 2
Letter/Pin/Bars Name: Date: Try out for an FDHS Ensemble or Choir ( 50 each ensemble/choir ) Participate fully in an FDHS Ensemble or Choir ( 50 per semester ) Participate fully in The Marching Indians ( 350 ) Try out for Valley Honor Band, All District Band/Choir, SRO, and/or All District Jazz Band ( 50 ) Make Valley Honor Band, All District Band/Choir, SRO, and/or All District Jazz Band ( 50 ) Participate in Virginia Tech Honor Band and/or All County Choir ( 50 ) Try out for All Virginia Jazz/Choir/Band/Orchestra ( 75 ) Make All Virginia Jazz/Choir/Band/Orchestra ( 75 ) Music Volunteer Hours ( 10 per hour, max of 350 points per year ) Instrumental or Vocal lessons ( 10 per lesson, max of 200 points per year ) Extra Musical Ensemble, Productions, and/or Choirs outside of FDHS ( 75 ) Attend a choral, instrumental, or theatrical production not sponsored by FDHS Fine Arts (10 with signed program, 20 with signed program and 1 page written musical critique, max 50 points per year) TOTAL Letter: 1,250 points 1st Bar: 2,750 points (+1,500) 2nd Bar: 4,250 points (+1,500) 3rd Bar: 5,750 points (+1,500) 4th Bar: 7,250 points (+1,500) Band Pin: Make Valley Honor Band, All District Band, and Tryout for All State Band ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Music Cords Requirements The student must fully and positively participate in music ensemble(s) at FDHS all year, every year of their high school career. Example (minimum) 9th grade: Fall Marching Band, Spring Concert Band 10th grade: Fall Marching Band, Spring Wind Ensemble 11th grade: Fall Bella Voce, Spring Bella Voce 12th grade: Fall Marching Band, Spring Wind Ensemble 9th Grade: 10th Grade: 11th Grade: 12th Grade: Advanced Band fdhsbands.weebly.com 3
Materials Percussion Requirements Stick bag 1 Pair of Medium Strength Marimba Mallets 1 Pair of Concert Snare Sticks 1 Drum Pad Woodwind Requirements: 1 Box of Reeds ( NO Orange Box RICO REEDS Blue Box Vandoren RECOMMENDED ) Key Oil/Cork Grease/Clean Kit Cleaning Swabs Saxophones Neck Strap Brass Requirements: Valve/Rotor Oil BERP Buzz Extension/Resistance Piece Trumpets Cup and Straight Mutes Links for these are available on our website ( fdhsbands.weebly.com/resources ) UPGRADES (NOT REQUIRED): Other things students can purchase to improve their overall sound: Mouthpiece For example, go from a 7C to a 3C on trumpet or from a Yamaha 4C to a Selmer Paris C* (S80) on saxophone. Barrels Sometimes a mouthpiece isn t really the issue for a clarinet, in terms of tone and intonation, it s more about the barrel. Mutes The red and white mutes do the job, but aren t the best mutes out there. Also, trumpets there are more than just the straight and cup mute, especially if you re looking to play some jazz. Mallets/Sticks Look at getting timpani mallets, a wider variety of marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, glockenspiel (bells) mallets, better concert snare sticks, better drum pad, etc. New instrument This is the most expensive option, but beginner instruments are truly meant for beginners. By the time they reach high school they are ready for an intermediate or professional instrument. I recommend just buying the professional instrument, it will most likely save you money in the long run. ****If you are looking to upgrade any part of your instrument, it is HIGHLY recommended that you try that upgrade first. For example, if you re looking for a new mouthpiece, go try a couple first. This will save you lots of money!!**** Advanced Band fdhsbands.weebly.com 4
Syllabus Signature Page: I have read the syllabus and understand the classroom rules, course outline, grading breakdown, and materials needed as described. I understand that NO LATE WORK will be accepted in Advanced Band except in documented emergency situations. Student Name (Printed) Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent/Guardian Contact Information: What is the best way to contact a parent/guardian? (Circle best method) Email Cell Phone Home Phone Email: Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Email Cell Phone: Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Cell Phone Number Home Phone: Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Home Phone Number Advanced Band fdhsbands.weebly.com 5