Band is a year long course of study and worth one credit.  Students will experience many different instrumental playing situations throughout the year.  

What you can expect this year:

Student Behavior in Rehearsal

Your Objective:  To model excellence, both as a person and as a group.

The truly great band student is one whose objective is to pursue musical learning by seeking to expand their knowledge, understanding, appreciation, skills and experience in music.  One must develop an initiative to lead and be an “example” with an attitude of cooperation, maturity, dependability, honesty, friendliness, dedication and commitment to excellence.

Key points:

Listen: To the instructor, to each other, as well as to the music that is created. (tone, dynamics, articulation, accuracy, intonation, etc.)

Respect: Each other, the conductor, guests, other ensembles and teams, and all property entrusted to the ensemble.  Everything and everyone in band should be treated as an irreplaceable treasure

Focus: Give your full attention; keep electronics put away, leave  distractions at the door.  Use each rehearsal to better your musicianship and your team.

Model excellence: Be the 1st in place for rehearsal, enable your section to succeed, bring all equipment and materials needed to rehearsal, and be the one that others can count on.  You are someone who can lead from any chair and model the qualities of a servant leader.  (The golden rule applies here)  We are on display to our school and our community.  What will they see?

“Band success – Starts with ME”

A Band is successful when the "I/ Me" focuses on the "we/ us"

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA HIGH SCHOOL BAND

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Course Description: 

Students will develop their musicianship through performance in a large and small ensemble setting.  The bands will perform periodically throughout the year in formal concerts and as a Pep Band in the Fall and Winter sports season.  Practice at home and performances are required. Students will be exposed to a variety of literature and compete as a large ensemble at a Class I/Class II level.

Students interested in a Jazz experience will have the opportunity to audition for Jazz Band.  Jazz Bands will meet during the zero hour. Two to three rehearsals each week are required. 

Students will be asked to participate in Fund – Raising activities and will have the opportunity to travel every other year. 

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Texts/Materials Required: 

Music and large instruments (for a modest rental fee) will be provided by the school.  Proper care, maintenance and storage of music and all instruments is expected. Lyres and folios for pep band, reeds, valve oil, slide and cork grease, brass mouthpieces, and a complete stick bag and concert attire (black, semi-formal) are all the responsibility of the student. 

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Essential Questions/Course Objectives: 

Students will develop their

Tone Quality: clarity, consistency, control, focus, warmth;

Intonation:  accuracy to printed pitches, consistency of pitch, with accompaniment/ensemble;

Rhythm:  accuracy of note and rest values, correctness of meters, duration, pulse, steadiness;

Balance, Blend:  accompaniment, awareness of ensemble, likeness of qualities, matching of registers; 

Technique (facility/accuracy):  attacks, releases, control of ranges, mechanical skill; 

Interpretation/Musicianship: dynamics, emotional involvement, artistry, phrasing, style, tempo; 

Articulation – Winds and Execution – Percussion 

through performance in a large ensemble (with small ensemble experience).

Students will deepen their knowledge of musical elements such as form, timbre, interpretation/style, melody, harmony and musical expression through performance in band.  In addition students will gain valuable twenty-first century skills such as collaboration with others, higher order thinking, self reflection, goal setting, prioritizing and time management.  They will come to understand the cultural and global importance of music and apply it directly to their existence within the community.

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Curriculum Content: 

See the calendar of events at the High School Band website. https://sites.google.com/isd624.org/whitebearlakebands/home

 These events are our major projects throughout the year.  Each event is important. Please clear your personal and family calendar for these events.

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Grading, Evaluation and Assessments: 

Grades:  UNDER CONSTRUCTION  as we move to standards based grading 

Course Policies: 

Rehearsal Contribution/Participation:   

In a performance based class students are expected to perform frequently (in alignment with the State and National Music Standards) within the public realm as well as daily rehearsal and practice.   The White Bear Lake band student is therefore expected to display the higher standard of an ambassador to the community. As a member of a performing ensemble it is each student’s responsibility to fulfill the performance and activity commitments on the calendar; the success of each ensembles’ performance depends on the full attendance.

Your Objective:  To model excellence and focus both as a person and as a group.

The truly great band student is one whose objective is to pursue musical learning by seeking to expand their knowledge, understanding, appreciation, skills and experience in music.  One must develop an initiative to lead and be an “example” with an attitude of cooperation, maturity, dependability, honesty, friendliness, dedication and commitment to excellence.

Late Work: Under Construction 

Redos and Retakes:   Under Construction 

Academic Integrity:  Student academic integrity expectations will align with the school’s policy and practice found in the student handbook.

Cellphone and Electronics:     Under Construction - there will be a new policy in fall 2024

Bathroom and Hallway Passes:   Under Construction