Course Description:

This course emphasizes basic musicianship and performance techniques on individual woodwind brass and percussion instruments. Students concentrate on developing techniques such as breath control, tone quality, range, and proper posture. Students participate in small and large ensembles in which quality traditional and contemporary literature reinforce important musical concepts. The major emphasis of this course is on traditional concert literature. Students will have the opportunity to perform as soloists and members of ensembles. PREREQUISITE: Participation in the middle school program or private study and teacher recommendation.

Honors Course Students:

Band Honors is an independent study beyond the classroom instruction. Students earning Honors Credit will have a checklist of multiple activities they can participate in order to enhance their overall learning on their instrument and about the band as a whole. Honors Credit will be rigorous and students will need to keep up with it individually.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Perform a variety of music with fluency and expression

2. Use the elements of music to communicate new musical ideas and works

Course Outline

Semester 1 - First Quarter Semester 2 - Second Quarter

Unit 1 Band Music Fundamentals Unit 3 Fall and Winter Concerts Preparation

Unit 2 Marching Band Fundamentals Unit 4 Honor Band Audition Preparation

Semester 3 - First Quarter Semester 4 - Second Quarter

Unit 5 Preparing for SCBDA CPA Unit 7 Spring Concert Preparation

Unit 6 Solo and Ensemble       Unit 8 Music in Other Disciplines

Required Materials:

1. Habits for Superior Performance (provided)

2. Rehearsal Music (provided)

3. Instrument in good working condition

4. Reeds/Valve Oil (Purchase from local music store)

5. Plastic Sheet Protectors 

6. Pencil 

7. 3 Ring Binder Notebook with sheet protectors

Class Expectations:

• BE ON TIME. Early is on time, on time is late, late is unacceptable. Tardies will be counted and school discipline procedures will be followed. Come into class, get your instrument, folder and pencil, and be in your seat 2 minutes after the bell rings.  Bell work or playing assignments should begin promptly.

• BE PREPARED.  Have a pencil (NOT PEN), instrument, music, and folder for every rehearsal. Leave backpacks, bags, and other belongings at the back of the room.. Study and practice your music before rehearsal officially begins. 

• BE RESPECTFUL of your director, your peers, and the property of others. There should be no talking during rehearsal time, with the exception of breaks/transitions, unless given permission.  Encourage, NEVER DISCOURAGE ANOTHER!  We are in this together!

• BE ORGANIZED. Keep your room clean and organized.  Put away materials in an orderly fashion. If you see trash, pick it up.

• BE FOCUSED. Pay attention to your director at all times. Cell phones should remain in book bags at the rear of the room and are only to be used during breaks or transitions. Seek EXCELLENCE every day!  Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.

• BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Play out!  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and be passionate about what you’re singing. We are here to learn and grow together.

• BE ACCURATE. Don’t guess!  Play what is written on the page unless told otherwise. Ask questions if you are unsure of what you should be doing or playing.  Mark your part!

• BE PROFESSIONAL. Practice excellent stage and rehearsal etiquette at all times. Be a musician while in this room.  You are what you repeatedly do.

Try our best at all times.  Period.  Practice like you're performing.

Level of Consequences:

1. Verbal/Visual Warning

2. Verbal/Visual Warning (private conversation)

3. Parent Contact, Lunch Detention

4. Parent Contact, Written Referral

Course Policies:

Grading Practices

• Grades will be categorized in one of two categories: Major or Minor

• Major grades are 60% of the student’s quarter grade.  There will be a minimum of 4 major grades each quarter.

• Minor grades are 40% of the student’s quarter grade.  There will be a minimum of 12 minor grades each quarter.

Late Work Policy

• Major:  Students will have three school days to turn in a missed major assessment without academic penalty. After 3 school days, the student will receive a zero.

• Minor: Students will have three school days to turn in a missed minor assessment with a ten point deduction each day. After 3 school days, the student will receive a zero.

• Concerts: If a student misses a concert and has an appropriate excuse approved by the school, students will receive an alternate assignment.  If a student misses a concert without excuse, the student will receive a zero without ability to make up the assessment grade.

Retake Policy

• Retake is available for major and minor grades (excluding concerts) in a quarter when a student’s major assignment grade is below 80%.   Students have five (5) school days to complete the following and retake the assessment.

• To retake an assessment, the student should do the following:

  1. Consult with the teacher to plan next steps for remediation

  2. Make contact and complete the retake within five school days.

Makeup Work Policy

• Once a student returns to school after an absence or consecutive absences, the student has 5 days to make up any work from the time period they missed.