Course Description: Symphonic Band is an elective for students who gained experience for at least two years on their instrument. This Class is by evaluation only. This class will cover the basics of playing as an ensemble, sight-reading music, performance etiquette, and music theory. There are six required performances per school year.
Goals: In this class, students will:
Demonstrate technical skills that include instrument fingerings and reading rhythms.
Increase their knowledge of musical terms and symbols.
Display proper concert etiquette throughout the year.
Develop skills necessary to work together through rehearsals and performances.
Concert Dress Information: Concert attire is black pants or skirt, white dress shirt, black socks and black dress shoes. Please see Mrs. Zamora if you need assistance in obtaining concert attire.
Music: The text for Symphonic band is Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book Two. It can be found at local music stores. Please see Mrs. Zamora if you need assistance in obtaining books. Students will be issued sheet music for the school year. You are responsible for this music for the entire school year. If a piece of music is lost, a fine will be charged. The cost for one sheet of music equals $1. Music must be returned in good condition.
Chair Placement and Challenges: At the beginning of the school year, I will evaluate the student's playing ability and create a chair placement for the band. This chair placement will hold for the first month. After this month, within the course of each semester, a student may challenge another student for their seat in their section. Challenges are in class, before their peers, in order for the teacher to adequately assess the student’s progress and development on their instrument and the mastery of their concert music. If a student does not accept the challenge that student automatically forfeits their seat.
Grading Policy: The following requirements will assess student grades:
Performances - Please make sure to add these dates to your calendar.
December 10 – Winter Concert
February 6 - Winter Music Showcase
April 17 and 18 - CMEA Large Ensemble Festival
May 13 - Spring Concert
Students who miss a performance without a justifiable reason (severe illness or family emergency) will receive a lowered grade for the quarter. If a conflict arises after the year starts, advanced notice must be given to the teacher .
*In the case of a missed performance, the student will be offered a makeup performance assignment in accordance with Canyon Electives Retake, Redo, Reassessment Policy.
Individual Playing Tests (I.P.T) - Each month students will be called on randomly to play scales and a portion of their school music in class for a grade. This will be used for assessment. A practice card will be assigned to those students who do not demonstrate proficiency to make sure the students are practicing at home and learning their concert music. Retakes will be available online for a week after each test.
Practice Cards - Students will be assigned pratice cards throughout the year. Practice is an essential part of learning to play an instrument. Students are required to practice 30 minutes dailiy to help ensure progress in learning thier instrument.
Daily Participation - Students are expected to remember their instrument and music on a daily basis. Students who continuously forget to bring their equipment to class will be asked not to perform in concerts. As this is a performance-based class, student behavior directly impacts the productivity and success of the ensemble. Any student who consistently interrupts or disrupts rehearsal will be reassigned to the Intermediate Band class. Maintaining a focused and respectful rehearsal environment is essential for the growth of the group and individual musicians.
Teacher’s Note: I look forward to a fun and educational year at Canyon Middle School. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me. My e-mail is czamora@cv.k12.ca.us
Sincerely,
Carina Zamora
Instrumental Music Teacher
Canyon Middle School
*After reading the syllabus, please print and sign the Advanced Band syllabus signature page on the Forms and Documents Tab.