LMS Band SyllabusCourse Description and Objectives Band students are part of and perform in an ensemble. An ensemble works together to achieve a common goal with all parts being necessary and equal in importance. Being part of a performing ensemble requires musical abilities, a positive respectful attitude, and a desire to be part of a team. Students will choose a band instrument to play as part of the group (please see available instruments listed on the website page). Students will continue to develop their musicianship throughout the year as they learn to read, play, study and understand music. The process will provide opportunities to develop as a person, a friend and as a member of a group that supports, respects, helps and understands each other as individuals.
1) Pre-Requisites
Sixth Grade: Anyone who has the desire to play an instrument and can meet the materials requirement is invited to join the sixth grade band. Please see the band website for rental information and contact Mr. Casale with any questions.
Seventh and Eighth Grade: It is best for students to have been involved in band since sixth grade or have taken private lessons on their instrument as they join band in 7th and 8th grade. However, it’s never too late to start. Some students decide to start playing an instrument and join the band for the first time after 6th grade. It will take some hard work and a positive attitude, but they can catch up and surpass other students if they are motivated to learn. Private lessons are highly encouraged (see the website page). When possible Mr. Casale will offer “Extra Help Nights” for students who need help and are struggling. Note: Students in eighth grade going on the six flags trip must have an A in class, be capable of performing their music correctly and be in good standing behaviorally with both administration and Mr. Casale. 2) Materials Please see the website “Supply List” for specifics. The students will need the following things each day for class: an instrument, their method book, their music folder, a pencil and a positive attitude.
3) Assessment and GradingDaily Participation Grading Daily Participation Grading Student is prepared with their instrument, music and a pencil 60 Points Student participates appropriately by playing music and doing class work 40 Points
Total Participation/Behavior Grade for the Day 100 Points
Quarterly Grading Participation (daily grade average for quarter) 45% Concert Attendance 15% Mandatory Pre-Concert Rehearsals 5% Spot Check Tests 15% Written Assignments 15% Practice Logs (Homework) 5% ________________________________________________________________________ Final Quarterly Band Grade 100%
Participation - This is the largest part of a student’s grade. Participation is clearly the most important factor for our success. If students are organized, ready with their instruments and are engaged in playing there is a great deal to learn. Making a band sound awesome requires a commitment from every player. With everyone participating and trying their best to improve we will continue to develop an amazing sounding band.
Concerts – Concerts and (Parades for eighth grade) are the culminating events for the band. We will be working very hard in our classes throughout the year. All of our hard work will be focused towards putting together a great performance that we can be proud of. This will of course be a group effort and therefore it is very important that everyone is present. We are all part of one team when we perform and all of our players are essential. If an unavoidable circumstance results in your inability to make an event a written excuse should be presented to Mr. Casale and the student can make up the points by doing a written assignment.
Rehearsals: We do not have full band rehearsals built into our schedule so it is very important that students attend them. If students are unable to attend rehearsals they must plan to make it up afterschool at another time when Mr. Casale is available or do a written makeup for credit.
Spot Check Tests – These checks will be the equivalent of a performance quiz to keep track of student development. Spot checks are done in class, but the students may request to do theirs after school if they prefer. Spot checks are graded using a performance rubric.
Written Assignments – These assignments may be music theory, history, composition or performance evaluation and will be given throughout the year.
Practice Logs (Homework) – A student’s homework is always to practice their instrument regularly at home. Parents should be supportive and encouraging of students as they begin to learn to play a new instrument. It isn’t easy to do, but you will be surprised at how good they begin to sound when they practice and are encouraged to do so. Mr. Casale will pass out monthly practice logs beginning in October which will be filled out and collected each month as a homework grade.
Rules and Expectations -Respect all people, instruments and music at all timesDo not talk or play when the teacher is talkingAlways try your bestTake responsibility for your materials and actionsNo Eating in ClassBring a positive attitude and desire to have fun to everything you do
Commitment and Schedule - Band is a regularly scheduled class during the school day. Students who are not in band or are in another academic or related arts class during that time. A member of the band who wishes to quit will be unable to join another class once the school year has started. Therefore, no one will be allowed to drop or add band until the following year.