JSHS Band

• Provide students with high quality performance opportunities.

• Perform engaging and challenging repertoire.

• Provide an environment for artistic development, as an individual and as an ensemble.

• Provide opportunities to learn about music and performance; its development, construction and expression.

• Increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature, particularly non-verbal aspects. Our case studies are the works we perform.

• Provide a place of belonging, a sense of unity, and a source of fellowship for students.

• Engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence. The ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic expression.

• Develop and refine musicianship skills, i.e. dexterity, endurance, musicality, and other aural abilities.

• Develop self-motivated and independent musicians.

• Collaborate with peers to create works that are larger than an individual.

• Compose and produce works of music in a variety of styles and means.

Daily Participation Grade – 20%

• Obeying classroom rules and etiquette, explained below.

• Participation in independent work, group work, etc.

• Ask questions if you have any confusion.

  • Teaching and learning through screens is not ideal for most; however, it is what we have to do.

  • If you are having tech difficulties or did not understand what happened — raise your hand!

Assignments – 20%

• Can be assigned in the form of surveys, vocabulary, notation, history, short writings, and many other facets.

• Most assignments will be due at the end of class or the beginning or the next class session.

Tests — 20%

• Can be assigned in the form of vocabulary, musical notation, short writings, proficiency on a certain section of the music, or performance on an instrument.

• Can be retaken at the teacher’s approval.

• CANNOT be retaken if the student cheats.

Performances – 30% - Full of No Credit

• There can be as many as 5 performances and as few as 1. Regardless, you MUST perform. After all, music is a performing art.

• Performing is stressful especially for newcomers; however, it does get easier with time.

• For those unable to perform, there is an alternative project for students. Please see me for more details.

Final — 10%

• Throughout the semester you will create, edit, and polish a final portfolio of all your creations via a Google site.

• While you are required to include specific material in your portfolio, you are allowed to format and make it aesthetically pleasing to your heart’s content.

• A guide and grading rubric for what is needed in your portfolio will be provided soon.