Band

Woodmont High School

Band

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Mrs. Donna Cotter

Room: FA 103

Phone: 355-8670

Planning: 9:30-10:30 am and 7:30-8:30 pm

Email: dcotter@greenville.k12.sc.us

Website: dcotter@greenvilleschools.us and woodmontband.com

Course Description

This course is to develop instrumental musicianship. Our focus will be on rhythmic development and the learning of scales, fundamental and rudiments for our instruments. We will also set individual goals according to our current level of ability. This is a performance based class with many demands placed outside the classroom setting. Part of your grade will be determined by performance attendance.

Course Objectives

  1. Be able to read rhythmic and tonal notation.
  2. Be able to use and define musical performance terms and symbols in a band setting.
  3. Demonstrate proper use and improvement of the following while playing: intonation, tone quality, breath support, range development and posture.
  4. Gain an appreciation of the history of music from various periods of history and the various composers of the music studied.
  5. Be able to read and sing an individual part in a band setting.
  6. Be able to evaluate musical performances using musical terms and to be able to do a written critique and assessment of your performance and participation.
  7. Be able to perform on stage and practice correct concert etiquette.
  8. Be able to play your part independently.
  9. Be able to recognize aurally and notate musical intervals.
  10. Recognize both major and minor chords aurally and notated.
  11. Play individually, small group, and large group.

Course Requirements

A. Attendance Policy: (see student band handbook and school handbook) – Please note: there are afterschool rehearsals and performances that will be graded. Every effort will be made to give you plenty of notice as to when these rehearsals and performances will occur.


B. Tardy Policy: (see student handbook)


C. Classroom Expectations:

Procedures for all:

1. Students will have their notebooks, music folder, all needed materials, and a pencil when class begins.

2. Section leaders will use first 2 minutes of class to distribute work needed for class.

3. At the end of class, sections will be dismissed to put away classwork, instruments, and music in storage shelves.

4. Students know once they have all materials for class they are to remain seated at all times unless permission is given otherwise.

5. Students are not to use the bathroom or leave the room unless it is an emergency, students are to sign out and fill out hall pass with name, date, time and destination and bring to Mrs. Cotter to sign before leaving the room. Upon returning to classroom students must sign in. You are allotted 2 passes to use for the bathroom but once this is gone you may not leave the room, so use these passes wisely. If at the end of the year if you have your passes you will have those 2 points added to your final grade.

CLASSROOM RULES

1) We will observe all school rules.

2) We will respect others, their property & ourselves.

3) We will come to class prepared and on time.

4) We will remain quiet and in our seats.

5) We will follow directions and class procedures.

6) We will never touch anyone’s instrument but our own!

MRS. COTTER’S RULES

  1. You must have a pencil and your folder at all times to number measures, mark music or complete class work.
  2. Your music should be in your binder ready for rehearsals. You are responsible for lost, damaged or music not returned. Report lost or damaged music immediately to the band librarian. If your music has to be replaced the cost is .25 per copy.
  3. Do not talk in rehearsal ESPECIALLY while the director is talking. Use time to practice and study music. You are expected to practice mentally if you are not playing.
  4. Maintain good posture for standing or sitting.
  5. When in performance attire, remain fully dressed while in public. Do not remove any part of your uniform while in public. Be sure to wear your outfit appropriately including all parts/accessories.
  6. If you are at school, you are expected to participate in class. If you are well enough to come to school, you are well enough to play your instrument.
  7. If you wish to speak, please raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
  8. Always do your best!
  9. Do not be afraid to try something new!
  10. No Cell phones during rehearsals except to check tuning.
  11. Food/drink (including gum) is not allowed in the music room unless it is part of a specially approved activity. Bottled water is allowed during rehearsal.
  12. Do not enter the band office without permission. Always knock when the door is open or closed!
  13. Band office phone is to be used only with permission and for approved calls only.
  14. NEGATIVETY SPREADS SO BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ATTITUDE AND THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. YOUR WORDS CAN HURT. In this classroom we encourage and support each other!

SICKNESS

Be mindful of rule # 6 above. If you cannot participate in class, you must go to the office to call home!

** For any offense, the director has the option of assigning IN-REHEARSAL SUSPENSION (IRS). If assigned, you will be isolated from the rest of the class for at least one class period and given written work that will serve as your daily grade.

Leave problems outside the rehearsal room. Once you enter class you are part of a supportive group in which you as an INDIVIDUAL are an important part. Be aware that your BEST is needed daily.

Consequences

Violations of any of the above expectations will result in negative consequences such as parent contact and disciplinary referrals.

1. The student will be warned

2. The parents will be called

3. The student will get a referral for the offense.

Grading Scale

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F 59 or below

9 weeks grade is divided as follows:

Minor Assessments – Playing test, written test, and any homework assignments 40%

Major Assessments – Concerts, contest, performances, rehearsals attendance, daily participation (this includes having materials ready and being on task 60%

If you miss a concert, you must bring a written note and do a research project that will be assigned. The only excused absences will be serious personal illness or death in the family. Each of these will require a parent note and it will be your responsibility to see me concerning a make-up assignment.

What will I need for this class?

Required Supplies:

3 ring 1” black binder

Mechanical Pencils

Instrument supplies such as swabs, reeds, valve oil, sticks, etc.

Instrument


1. Quizzes and Tests that will be given from time to time to assess content areas taught in class.

2. Assigned scale test and playing test will be given throughout the school year. You will have advanced notice of these tests so that you are prepared.

3. Concert Attendance is required and will count a major portion of the grade. In effect, you would probably lower your average at least 1 letter grade if you had an unexcused absence from a performance. An unexcused absence to a performance will be a 0 grade.

Fundraising is a necessary part of our program and everyone is expected to participate. Funds are used in many ways to support our program. Some examples are purchasing music, equipment, instruments, uniforms, paying for staff and extra teachers, travel, and food. Please make plans now to participate.

Donated supplies that are needed:

Everyone is expected to bring one box of tissue and one ream of white 20lb. copy paper.

Other items needed are:

Mechanical Pencils

Hand sanitizer

Parent Support:

Parent support is critical to this program. We will have monthly parent meetings on the first Thursday night of each month to update you on everything from competitions to schedule changes. Please encourage your parents to attend these brief but necessary meetings. We usually meet 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm. You can keep up to date with our programs by checking our website – woodmontband.com. We meet the first Tuesday of every month.