Useful Student and Parents Links
Music Theory Lessons and Exercises www.musictheory.net
Fingering and Note Name Practice www.musicracer.com
"The Talent Code" Blog www.thetalentcode.com
Music Games for Kids www.musictechteacher.com
Charms Office www.charmsoffice.com
The Midwest Clinic http://www.midwestclinic.org
Kahoot (Interactive Quiz Game) www.getkahoot.com
Videos for Beginning Band www.beginningbandbootcamp.com
Great Articles for Parents www.musicparentsguide.com
Tonal Energy This is a fantastic tuner, capable of switching back and forth between equal and just tuning, playing reference pitches and chords, analyzing pitch and more. But my students' favorite feature? The green SMILEY FACE that lights up if they are in tune!
Bandmate Chromatic Tuner Not only is this tuner app free, but when students play, it shows them the written pitch on the staff transposed and in the correct octave for them. So helpful for young musicians!
Tempo Need a programmable metronome capable of subdivision and multiple meters? Check this one out!
Note Names This app lets your students practice their note reading skills in a timed fashion, much like they will need when reading and performing music. There's even a school mode that keeps data on how your students are doing.
InTune My students have fun playing this game that helps them improve their intonation!
KY Flute Society
http://www.fskentucky.org/
International Clarinet Association
http://www.clarinet.org/
The Saxophone dot Com
http://www.the-saxophone.com/
International Trumpet Guild
http://www.trumpetguild.org/
International French Horn Society
http://www.hornsociety.org/
University of Alabama Trombone Studio
http://www.rollslide.com/
International Euphonium and Tuba Society
http://www.iteaonline.org/2008/index.php
Percussive Arts International Conference
http://www.pasic.org/
Madisonville North Hopkins Marching Maroons www.marchingmaroons.com
Kentucky HS and MS Bands
http://www.kyband.com
Murray State University Racer Bands
http://www.racerband.com/News/News.html
Popular Supply List-
FLUTE: cleaning rod, cloth handkerchief
OBOE: beginner- 1 fibercane reed (a little expensive, but very durable), swab, cork grease
CLARINET: at least four (4) no. 2.5 or 3 strength reeds in good condition (not chipped, cracked or warped), a reed guard, cotton swab, mouthpiece “mouse”, cork grease
SAXOPHONE: at least four (4) medium-soft or medium strength reeds in good condition (not chipped, cracked or warped), a reed guard, mouthpiece “mouse”
TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, BARITONE, TUBA: valve oil, mouthpiece-cleaning brush, cleaning snake
TROMBONE: slide oil or “superslick”, cleaning “snake”, mouthpiece brush
PERCUSSION: percussion kit including BELLS, mallets, practice pad & drum sticks.
I strongly recommend the purchase of a folding music stand for home practice. Students who do not have a proper stand from which to read their music too often develop incorrect posture habits that can impede their development as players. This item and all those listed above can be purchased from H&H Music (www.handhmusic.net, 800.442.1313). They will deliver to JMMS.
James Madison Middle School Band
Band
SYLLABUS
TEACHER ________Mr. Mullins____________________________
Course:
Teacher Information:
Phone:
Email:
Planning Time:
Instrumental Ensemble
Cory Mullins, Band Director
825 – 6160
Cory.mullins@hopkins.kyschools.us
7:40 – 8:40
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to teach the band student the fundamentals of playing an instrument, an introduction to marching band, and provide them with a knowledge base of musical terms, theory and history appropriate for middle school grade level and prepare them for the transition into the high school band.
Course Text:
Measures of Success
Course Objectives and Goals
Course Objectives:
The students will:
A. Learn how to read music appropriate for their grade level;
B. Learn how to play their instrument at the eighth grade level;
C. Identify musical terms and be able to perform them on their instrument;
D. Write musical notes;
E. Explore the different eras of musical achievement and their relationships to history;
F. Perform at least 4 distinguished concerts.
G. Learn how to march and perform in two community parades.
H. Perform at the KMEA Concert Band Assessment.
I. Have the opportunity to perform/participate at the Quad State Music Festival, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and audition for the All District Band.
Expectations:
1. Treat each teacher & student in the room with respect.
2. Keep your eyes on the Voice!
3. Be a responsible member of the Browning Springs Band.
4. Come to class prepared. (Instrument, music, pencil, attitude)
5. Go directly to your seat upon entering the room.
6. Practice so you make a positive contribution to the group.
7. Take care of equipment & help maintain a neat band room.
8. Be 100% Reliable.
9. Attend all rehearsals, performances, and activities.
10. Work independently, in small groups, and in large groups.
11. Follow regulations during trips and special activities
Grading and Grading Scale
Grading Scale and Weight:
The grading scale is:
A 90 - 100
B 89 - 80
C 79 - 70
D 69 - 60
F 59 - 0
The weighting of grades is as follows:
GRADING SYSTEM
- Practice 10% of Grade
Practice Report turned in through Smart Music.
80 minutes a week for an “A”
- Preparation/Work Ethic 10% of Grade
Having Instrument in working condition.
Music and pencil in folder
Teamwork/Effort/Attitude (Students will be given class participation grades every day. This grade includes having all materials and participating in class. Students receive 20 points a day, averaging 100 points per week.)
- Performance 30% of Grade
School/Festival Performances (Attendance)
Late Work Policy
- Playing Tests 50% of grade (the main goal for the test is that the student performs at a high level. If the student would like to arrange a time to meet with Mr. Mullins to retake the test; the student may do so any many times as they would like to reach a satisfactory grade.). They may also retake any grade through Smart Music
Grades are based on a 100 point scale.
Extra credit is given for participation in honor bands and any concert you attend that is approved by Mr. Mullins. Students must bring a program back from the performance for credit.
Supplies Needed
(Bring to class everyday)
Classroom Materials:
A. Instrument
B. Band Book
C. Agenda
D. Folder and Music (provided by the teacher);
E. Pencil (No Pens);
Supplies recommended by instrument:
FLUTE: cleaning rod, cloth handkerchief
OBOE: 1 fibercane reed (a little expensive, but very durable), swab, cork grease
CLARINET: at least four (4) no. 3 strength reeds in good condition (not chipped, cracked or warped), a reed guard, cotton swab, mouthpiece “mouse”, cork grease
SAXOPHONE: at least four (4) medium strength reeds in good condition (not chipped, cracked or warped), a reed guard, mouthpiece “mouse”
TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, BARITONE, TUBA: valve oil, mouthpiece-cleaning brush, cleaning snake
TROMBONE: slide oil or “superslick”, cleaning “snake”, mouthpiece brush
PERCUSSION: percussion kit including BELLS, mallets, practice pad & drum sticks.
I strongly recommend the purchase of a folding music stand for home practice. Students who do not have a proper stand from which to read their music too often develop incorrect posture habits that can impede their development as players. This item and all those listed above can be purchased from H&H Music (800.442.1313). They will deliver to BSMS.
One element that is vital to your child’s musical development is home practice. Students will be expected to complete 4 practice journals per week. Practice journals can be picked up in the band room or downloaded from our band website.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with your questions and be watching for future e-mails with band information and concert performances!
Timeline (Pacing Guide)
The following timeline is a guide detailing the subject matter to be covered as well as the Kentucky Core Standards to be mastered within each unit. Time frames are subject to change due to missed class time (weather, school activities, etc.) and student progress in mastering the content.
UNIT ONE
Core Standards:
Review of basic elements of instrumental music
Learning how to play “basic Band Warm-ups”
1.1.1, Rhythm, Melody, Form, Timbre, Harmony, Tempo, Dynamics;
1.12 Students speak using appropriate forms, conventions, and styles to communicate ideas and information to different audiences for different purposes.
1.13 Students make sense of ideas and communicate ideas with th arts.
1.14 Students make sense of ideas and communicate ideas with music.
2.23 Students analyze their own and others' artistic products and performances using accepted
standards.
4.1.3 sing or perform on instruments
UNIT TWO
Core Standards:
Example:
Concert Festival Rep Prep
Concert Festival Rep “Lexington March”
Concert Festival Rep “Celebration for Winds”
Concert Festival Rep “The Tempest”
1.1.1, Rhythm, Melody, Form, Timbre, Harmony, Tempo, Dynamics;
1.12 Students speak using appropriate forms, conventions, and styles to communicate ideas and information to different audiences for different purposes.
1.13 Students make sense of ideas and communicate ideas with th arts.
1.14 Students make sense of ideas and communicate ideas with music.
2.23 Students analyze their own and others' artistic products and performances using accepted
standards.
4.1.3 sing or perform on instruments
Exploratory CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR CONTRACT
Classroom Expectations
1. Respect: Each other, school equipment we use and your teachers.
2. Be prepared: Bring a pencil, your instrument, your band book and any sheet music given to you every class.
3. 5/5 Rule: All class business will be taken care of before any personal business will be addressed.
4.Encourage each other: Pay compliments; offer your help and support.
5. Be Positive: Think, before you speak.
If You Choose to Not to Follow Expectations
First Offense: Classroom Intervention
If your actions affect your work, you will be given extra work.
If your actions affect your classmates, you will be asked to do work that repays the class for the time you took away from them, such as cleaning.
Second Offense: Classroom Intervention and lunch detention
Same as above but the extra work and cleaning will be completed during your social time, before classes begin, during lunch or other free time.
Third Offense:
Detention after school
Fourth Offense: Parental Contact and a 2 days of after school detention
Fifth Offense: Office Referral
SYLLABUS/BEHAVIOR CONTRACT SIGNATURE SHEET
STUDENTS: I have read this classroom syllabus and behavior contract and understand it. I will honor it while in this classroom.
Signature___________________________________ Date____________________
PARENTS: My child has discussed the classroom syllabus and behavior contract with me. I understand it and will support it.
Signature___________________________________ Date____________________
TEACHER: I will be fair and consistent in administering the syllabus and behavior contract.
Signature___________________________________ Date____________________