Marching Band Course Description, Grading, and Standards

Course Description:

In this class students will develop their musicianship in a band setting. Through this course students will develop answers to the following questions:

  • What are the characteristics of a good musical performance?
  • What are the higher level music skills that improve musical performance?
  • How does listening and evaluating music performances improve musical performances?
  • What ideas are conveyed in musical notation?

In order to develop these answers, students will demonstrate knowledge of:

  • Major and minor scales and the associated key signatures
  • Principles of producing the best musical sounds on their instruments
  • Principles of good ensemble performance

To gain knowledge in these areas, students will focus on the following skills:

  • Playing with expression and technical accuracy a large and varied repertoire of band literature
  • Playing with well developed ensemble skills
  • Sight-reading accurately and expressively
  • Interpreting the technical vocabulary of music
  • Evaluating a performance, composition, or arrangement by comparing similar exemplary models
  • Classifying musical compositions with explanation by genre, style, historical period, and/or culture

 

Google Classroom:

Council Rock is now using Google apps including Google Classroom. To sign in use the following format: Student#@student.crsd.org

FOR EXAMPLE: 1234567@student.crsd.org
Then use your usual login password. I have already invited all of you to the virtual classroom. There is also a smartphone/tablet app for Google Classroom. Download the app and use your CRSD credentials to stay current.

Required Course Materials:

  • 3 Ring Binder – this will contain your Band Portfolio. This will follow you through your career in Band at CRN. Guard it well!
  • Pencil – We will take notes directly on the music you receive. It is IMPERATIVE that you keep a pencil in your Binder AT ALL TIMES!
  • Instrument – Showing up without your instrument on a Band Day will reflect negatively on your participation grade for the week.
  • Music – All music passed out in Band will go immediately into your 3 Ring Binder with your Portfolio. It will remain there until after the final performance of that piece. After that, it is expected that you will destroy all copied music.

 

Grading:

            Attendance: This course centers around performance. As such, after school dress rehearsals and concerts require attendance from every band member. Concert attendance accounts for 50% of the attendance grade.

            Tests: Students will demonstrate scale proficiency, ability to perform concert band literature, and sight reading skills as per the Band Portfolio. Tests will primarily be completed through recordings submitted to Google Classroom. Arrangements can be made to perform tests in person if necessary. Accelerated Students will complete more rigorous IPEs. All grading is based upon growth and completion of goals. Students are generally expected to complete one level of proficiencies per year.

            Homework: Students will complete goal forms and self-evaluations through Google Classroom. From time to time, other forms will require submission for this course, and they will count toward this category. There will also be a project submitted at least once per   Return the parent signature portion of this syllabus for the first homework assignment.

            Participation: Students will earn points in this category by having necessary materials for rehearsal and actively engaging in all class activities. Observation determines this grade on a weekly basis.

  • Attendance – 30%
  • Tests – 25%
  • Homework – 15%
  • Participation – 30%

Classroom Expectations

       Expectations:

  1. Be prepared (music, instrument, pencil)
  2. Be on time (in your seat ready to play at the designated time)
  3. Be respectful of yourself and others
  4. All school rules apply

The following expectations fall under the four main expectations outlined above, but carry enough importance to merit mention:

  1. FINISH ANY FOOD OR DRINKS OUTSIDE THE MUSIC SUITE
  2. GUM IS FOOD (see above)
  3. Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets etc.) are PROHIBITED
  4. Follow rehearsal etiquette (see below)

 

Rehearsal Etiquette:

REHEARSAL IS NOT PRACTICE. Students must practice their individual parts at home so that the ensemble can have a successful rehearsal. Poor ensembles practice together. Great ensembles rehearse as one. Practicing during rehearsal is akin to attempting to learn addition while in Calculus.

When the director steps on the podium at the beginning of rehearsal, all sound stops. When the director brings their hands up, the instruments and posture should follow.

When the director brings one hand in the air, the ensemble silently follows.