Course Description: Beginning Instrumental Music is an elective for students who are beginners to instrumental music. This class will cover the basics of playing as an ensemble, sight-reading music, performance etiquette, and music theory. There are two 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.
Schedule and Attendance: Canyon zero period 6th grade music students meet every morning before school. Students who miss music on a regular basis, but are in attendance for the remainder of the school day, will receive notices and ultimately be dismissed from class. Students wishing to participate in choir will be scheduled into the 4th period choir class in lieu of the exploratory wheel
Concert Dress Information: Concert attire is black pants or skirt, the Canyon Middle School Music Polo Shirt (Information on ordering will follow soon), black socks and black dress shoes. Please see Mrs. Zamora if you need assistance in obtaining concert attire.
Music: The two texts for 6th grade band are Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book One and Two. They can be found at local music stores. Please see Mrs. Zamora if you need assistance in obtaining books. Students will be issued a folder and 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.
Grading Policy: The following requirements will assess student grades:
Performances - Please make sure to add these dates to your calendar.
December 9 – Winter Concert
May 6- 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 quarter 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 20 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.
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
Canyon Middle School
*After reading the syllabus, please print and sign the 6th Grade Beginning Band syllabus signature page on the Forms and Documents Tab.