2012 13 Name: Junior High Band Notebook
Junior High School Band M-F: Fourth Period Pikeville High School Band Room, 217 Scott Bersaglia, DMA 606.432.0185 Pikeville High School, Room 217 scott.bersaglia@pikeville.kyschools.us http://pikeville.kyschools.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=1164 Required Texts (provided): Lisk, Edward. The Creative Director. Student Supplement, Book 1. Meredith Music Publishing. O Reilly, John and Williams, Mark. Accent on Acheivement. Book 2. Alfred Music Publishing.. Accent on Acheivement. Book 3. Alfred Music Publishing. Ployhar, James. I Recommend. Alfred Music Publishing. Swearinger, James. Strictly Technic for Band. Alfred Music Publishing. Course Description: The Junior High School Band class will provide students with knowledge of their instrument, other instruments, elements of music, proper fundamentals of breathing and posture, study of age appropriate band literature, and rehearsal techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on developing musicianship and ensemble responsibility through performance in a variety of settings. Course Objectives: 1. Each student will be able to demonstrate the fundamentals of performing on their respective instrument. 2. Approach to and care of the instrument a. Students will name and identify the main parts of their instrument. b. Students will demonstrate proper assembly and disassembly of instrument. c. Students will explain proper care and maintenance of their instrument. d. Students will demonstrate correct posture and playing position. 3. Elements of Music a. Students will name and identify the elements of music. 4. Rhythm a. Students will demonstrate knowledge of meter signatures. b. Students will demonstrate an understanding of counting rhythm patterns (whole notes and rests through sixteenth notes and rests). c. Students will perform various rhythmic patterns on their instrument. 5. Tone Production a. Wind students will demonstrate correct embouchure and correct hand positions. b. Percussionists will demonstrate correct playing technique. c. Both groups will demonstrate a characteristic tone quality on instrument progressing in difficulty based on grade level. 6. Technique a. Students will demonstrate the correct basic fingerings for their instrument. b. Students will demonstrate knowledge of all twelve major scales. c. Students will also demonstrate a chromatic scale with appropriate alternate fingerings. 7. Articulation a. Students will demonstrate proper basic articulations: slur, accents, staccato, legato and tenuto. 8. Balance and Blend a. Students will demonstrate ability to control the quality and volume of their tone, in combination with other students. 9. Musicality a. Students will demonstrate a musical performance of appropriate literature. 10. Flexibility a. Brass students will demonstrate correct method of lip slurs. 11. Percussion a. Percussionists will demonstrate knowledge of melodic instruments and basic snare drum rudiments
b. Percussionists will perform same scales as wind instruments on appropriate keyboard instrument. c. Percussionists will also name, identify and demonstrate proper technique of various instruments. 12. Response to Conductor a. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of the teacher/conductor in guiding and directing the ensemble. b. Students will demonstrate knowledge of various basic meters and the conductor s role in the ensemble. 13. Affective Domain a. Students will demonstrate their appreciation of the value of their participation in band. Grading and Attendance 30% Daily Participation 30% Quizzes 40% Major Exams and Performances General Grading Policies Grades are based on a 100-point scale. Refer to syllabus for specific percentage breakdown. Each student is issued his or her own copy of music for rehearsal. Replacement parts will cost 10 daily points per page. There will be very little written homework in band. You are expected to take your instrument home daily to complete your 20-30 minute practice (homework). Practice reports may be required to verify. Grades will be issued as indicated in the school calendar. Additional credit is given for participation in private lessons, District, All-County, Solo and Ensemble festival and honor bands. Assessments Performances (100 points): All performances are required. Dates are provided on the band website. Daily Participation (30 points): Student must have all required materials to receive full credit. o Instrument = 10 points o Music = 5 points o Pencil = 5 points o Supplies = 5 points o Behavior = 5 points o Failure to have instrument = 0 points awarded o Daily Participation points are awarded at the end of the week = 150 points per week. Individualized playing quiz (30 points): Every Friday, unless announced otherwise. Pop quizzes (30 points): Given by asking a student to play his/her homework assignment. Basic music theory and history tests Attendance Policies: Tardy is defined as being physically absent or not ready at the ringing of the tardy bell. Each unexcused tardy results in a five-point deduction from the student s daily grade. Absence is defined as being late by seven (7) minutes or more. An excused absence is defined as one of the following: extreme illness; family/personal medical emergency or death; school function. For every unexcused absence, three (3) total percentage points is deducted from the student s overall class average. Private Lessons: Private lessons are the vehicle to make sure your child is getting the most of his/her band experience. The one-on-one attention is paramount to our success. Please check the band web site for a complete list of private instructors. Opportunities for Further Development include County Band, District Band, All-State Band, band clinics, as well as solo and ensemble. Success comes when we understand that you PRACTICE at home, we REHEARSE at school. Your job is to come prepared every day!
Classroom Rules and Expectations Entering a Classroom Enter the rehearsal room in a quiet, courteous, and orderly manner. Treat fellow students and staff members with respect. Students are to be on time to class and are to be ready to play at the designated time. Most assignments, parent forms, etc. should be turned in the Collection Box. Accessories (reeds, valve oil, etc) may be purchased from a music store, or the director before school. The floor must be clear at all times: no school backpacks/materials allowed in rehearsal room. Smaller instrument cases and equipment should be placed directly under your chair.. Quickly get your instrument and music and take your seat. Instruments are stored in CLOSED, LATCHED cases on designated shelves; no music left on stands. No trash on the floor. Each student is provided a music folder that is required for each class. You are to take it home for practice each day. It easily fits inside a backpack. Have a sharpened pencil at all rehearsals. Failure to have a pencil (not a pen) will result in loss of daily points. Keep it in your music folder. Each day begins with announcements either via PA announcement or from the instructors. There is no talking allowed during this time. Rehearsal Etiquette Students will check the SMART board for the daily agenda. Good posture is of great importance at all times. Always raise your hand to ask a question. On a daily basis, all students must have a pencil, instrument and method book/music, and instrument cases with ID tag. An identification tag is a requirement. No book bags or instrument cases can be left on the floor at any time. (small cases under seats) The rehearsal begins when the conductor steps to the front of the classroom and raises his hand. No playing should occur prior to the director s downbeat. Students will not play other student s instruments. This includes percussion and district-owned instruments. No horseplay in the rehearsal room at any time. NO GUM, CANDY, FOOD or DRINKS IN THE REHEARSAL ROOMS. Take pride in our rehearsal area. If your instrument is being repaired, please bring a note from home. Bring your mouthpiece and music, as there is always the possibility that we might provide a temporary instrument. Expected Behaviors All students will give whoever is speaking attention and respect. All students will respect each other s personal space and property. All students will come to class each day well prepared (this means practicing at home). All students will participate in performances, class activities and discussions. All students will protect their personal property and the property of the school. IF IT IS NOT YOURS, DON T TOUCH IT. Consequences of Inappropriate Choices First offense: verbal warning Second offense: loss of daily participation points Third offense: loss of daily participation points and parent contact Fourth offense: referral to the principal s office
Concert Attire (All Concerts are REQUIRED) It is unwise to wait until the night before the performance to tell your parents you need concert attire. Please make sure that you have the following for each performance: Dressy/plain white shirts/blouses (no markings) Dress black trousers/skirts. Ladies, appropriate length of skirt: knees must be covered when standing and sitting. Dress black shoes and socks/tights. Gentlemen will be provided a black bow tie. Remember, the reason to be uniform is so that the whole group looks the same. Concerts are formal occasions and the performers should be dressed accordingly. Rehearsals & Performances and Your Grade There may be an occasion, when leading up to a performance, where we will need to have an extra rehearsal after school. You will be given advance notice and are expected to attend. Unexcused absences will negatively affect your grade. Band is considered a curricular class and performances outside of the school day are considered an extension of the school day. Therefore, PERFORMANCES are MANDATORY. A performance is considered a final exam in a unit of study. Our band depends on every student and YOU are important to an outstanding performance. If you should have to miss a performance or special rehearsal, you must present a note from a parent to the director the NEXT school day. An excused absence will require a make-up assignment, even though a performance can never truly be made-up. An unexcused absence could result in a nine-week grade being lowered one letter grade from the students current average. Please refer to the website for the latest information, dates, etc. concerning the Pikeville Sixth Grade Band to avoid conflicts. Required Concert/Activity Dates for the 2012-2013 academic year may be found on the Pikeville Bands calendar on Dr. Bersaglia s teacher page through the school website. Please check the site regularly as some dates may have to be altered due to sports tournaments and other events not yet finalized. There is typically one major performance each grading period. Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones are strictly prohibited during class. Furthermore, cell phones or other electronic devices during performances must be turned off. Please be quiet during the performance, respect the performers. BAND SUPPLY LISTS Class Materials Each student must have the following equipment: Instrument (in good working condition) Band method book Pencil ½ inch binder to hold the music and handouts Instrument care kits (see below) Chromatic tuners and metronomes are also very useful. Instrument Care Kits Students are to have all materials needed to keep their instrument in good playing condition. These items may be purchased separately or sometimes in a kit. Graded instrument checks will be done randomly throughout the year to insure the students are properly caring for their instrument. Students will learn proper care and maintenance procedures for each instrument during classes. Specific requirements for each instrument are as follows:
Flute swab Oboe and Bassoon cork grease reed case with Name on it reeds (students must have 2 good reeds in their reed case) Clarinet silk swab cork grease reed guard with Name on it reeds (students must have 4 good reeds in their reed case). Recommended Vandoren, 2 ½ - 3. Saxophone silk swab cork grease neck cleaner reed guard with Name on it reeds (students must have 4 good reeds in a reed case) Trumpet valve oil tuning slide grease valve casing brush French Horn cleaning cloth rotor oil tuning slide grease Trombone super slick crème small spray water bottle Slide-O Mix grease Euphonium and Tuba valve oil tuning slide grease valve casing brush cleaning cloth Percussion stick bag for drums sticks and mallets All instrument cases MUST be labeled with a name tag! Make sure your instrument case lists your name, address, etc. Parents make sure you have the make, model, and serial number of your child s instrument written down at home. Additional (optional items) Wire music stand for home practice Metronome Tuner Recording device for individual assessment purposes Additional Resources The Music Shop Max Robert, Owner and Technician 25 E. Helena Avenue Meta, KY 41501 606.631.9574 866.580.7151 (toll free) Don Wilson Music Company 275 Southland Drive Lexington, KY 40503 859.278.7459 Other websites include: www.weinermusic.com (woodwinds) - www.drumsinthewind.com - www.steveweissmusic.com (percussion)