Cadet Band
The Thompson High School Cadet Band is our 7th and 8th grade band. The primary objective of this group is to learn and perform music in a large ensemble setting while learning new and reinforcing previously learned fundamentals of each players instrument. This class will prepare the student for participation the Concert Band once they reach 9th grade. The Cadet Band Performs a fall, Christmas and Spring Concert.
CADET BAND SYLLABUS
THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2023-2024
MR. UHLIR
justin.uhlir@tps-k12.org
Course Description and Objectives
Students participating in Cadet Band will be challenged to develop their musicianship by means of a large group ensemble. Students will build on fundamentals and work towards learning where and how their part fits into the ensemble. Tone production, breathing techniques, sight reading, fundamentals of musical knowledge and terms as well as learning to rehearse in a large group will help prepare the student for future Concert Band placement.
Cadet Band Time/Days
1:15 - 2:00
Monday - Wednesday - Friday
Students need to be seated, ready to play at 1:18
Materials Needed
An engaged mind
Instrument
Pencil
Appropriate Accessories (valve oil, reeds, neck straps, sticks, etc)
Music and Folder (provided throughout the course)
Classroom Rules/Expectations
Involvement in a performance based group requires participation of all members of that group. It is expected that all students will participate on a daily basis. An honest effort is expected by all members of the Cadet Band. Mistakes are expected and need to be treated as part of the learning process. A safe environment for all members of the band is vital to our success as a group and it is expected that there will be no negative comments regarding other members' missed notes or rhythms, questions and/or concerns that may arise. An open mind is expected by all students. Please come ready to rehearse, have fun and learn about music!
Typical classroom etiquette is expected at all times. Students that choose to behave outside of these expectations will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Consequences include verbal warnings, written warnings, removal from the classroom, parent/teacher conference and up to and including removal from the program.
Zero cell phone/earbuds/smart watch use during class meeting time is the only acceptable amount of cell phone usage tolerable by Mr. Uhlir. Tech items will be placed in the cell phone holders during class.
No gum is allowed in the music room.
Grading Policy
Attendance and Participation is vital to the success of the group. Students will begin each 9 week period with full credit and lose 2 points per day for any unexcused absences, lack of participation during normal meeting times or general disregard of classroom etiquette discussed previously.
Each student will be tested on the Concert Bb, Eb and the Chromatic scale as part of their final test at the end of the school year.
Concerts and Performances are required by all students. In the event a student must miss a concert performance a makeup assignment will be discussed and assigned. Unexcused absences of scheduled concerts will result in a loss of 30 participation points.
Cadet Band members will be required to attend 2 Pep Band performances during the school year. Please see the “Dates To Remember” Section for more information.
Wind Players
Wind players are expected to have a working instrument at all times. This includes having necessary reeds for woodwind players as well as functioning valves and slides on brass instruments. If the student’s horn isn’t working it is their responsibility to notify Mr. Uhlir so we can get it fixed. Daily points will be lost if a student’s horn is not working and the student has not made an effort to notify Mr. Uhlir to get it fixed.
Percussionists
Percussionists will be expected to have the necessary mallets and/or sticks to perform their assigned parts for each piece. Participation points will be lost if a percussionist does not have the appropriate equipment to perform their assigned part and no effort has been made to notify Mr. Uhlir of the problem. All percussionists will be expected to play mallet instruments throughout the year.
Part Assignments
Part assignments will be based by grade level of the student. 8th graders will play upper parts and 7th graders will play lower parts. In the event a 7th grader is showing the initiative to move up in parts, an audition will be performed for Mr. Uhlir and it will be determined at that time if the student will play the higher part. It is imperative that students begin to learn the importance of each part in the ensemble and understand that all parts must be covered.
*Instrument rentals are available through TPS. Rentals will be dealt with the first day of class
*Individual lessons are also available with Mr. Uhlir. Please meet with me if you are interested.
Thompson Music Department Dates 2023-2024
Oct. 17, 2023 - Gr. 6-12 Band and Choir Concert 7:00pm
December 5th, 2023 - Pep Band Game 1 TBA
Dec. 14, 2023 - Gr. 5-12 Christmas-Holiday Concert 7:00pm
Feb 8th, 2024 - Pep Band Game 2 TBA
April 18th, 2023 - Gr. 5-8 Spring Concert (Band and Choir) 7:00pm
If for any reason a student is unable to attend a concert or performance Mr. Uhlir needs a written excuse from the absent student’s parents. A make up assignment will be required.
All Concerts will begin at 7:00 PM
5-8 grade Concert Dress will be a white shirt, black pants, black socks and black shoes.
The Christmas concert theme will be “Christmas/Holiday Attire”
CELL PHONE AND DEVICE POLICY
Unauthorized cell phone/earbud/smart watch use in class will result in a loss of the day's participation points for the first offense. A second offense will result in loss of the device for the day. Third offense will result in the student being required to leave their devices in the main office prior to class.
Pep Band Schedule 23-24
September 12th, 2023 - Girls VB - Grafton
September 29th, 2023 - Concessions -Home FB
October 10th, 2023 - Girls VB - Park River*
October 26th, 2023 - Girls VB - Larimore
December 5th, 2023 - Girls BB - Four Winds**
December 12th, 2023 - Boys BB - MPCG
December 19th, 2023 - Girls BB - Grafton
January 12th, 2024 - Boys BB - HCV
January 16th, 2024 - Boys BB - EGF*
February 1st, 2024 - Girls BB - Carrington
February 8th, 2024 - Boys BB - Grafton**
February 15th, 2024 - Boys BB - Devils Lake
February 27th, 2024 - Boys BB - Four Winds
Arrival Times will be given prior to the date of the performance
Games listed with an asterisk (*) are required for Concert Band Members
Games listed with a double asterisk (**) are required for both Concert and Cadet Band Members
Participation in the Pep Band is expected of all students. Although all games are not required, it is strongly encouraged that you make an effort to participate.
Required games will be part of your grade for the semester.