Edison Middle School
Instrumental Music
Doug Styers, Instructor
High School Room 26
2017-2018
E-mail – styerja@tulsaschools.org
Textbooks and Google Classroom Codes:
Beginning Band 5th Hour – Google Classroom Code: 355vea
Essential Elements Book One. Tim Lautzenheiser, John Higgins, Charles
Menghini, Paul Lavender, Tom C. Rhodes and Don Bierschenk
Hal Leonard Music Company, Milwaukee: WI
Intermediate Band 4th Hour - Google Classroom Code: s11c6xx
Essential Elements Book Two. Tim Lautzenheiser, John Higgins, Charles
Menghini, Paul Lavender, Tom C. Rhodes and Don Bierschenk
Hal Leonard Music Company, Milwaukee: WI
Advanced Band 2nd Hour – Google Classroom Code: nhcwe0f
Essential Technique Tim Lautzenheiser, John Higins, Charles Menghini, Paul
Lavender, Tom C. Rhodes and Don Bierschenk
Hal Leonard Music Company, Milwaukee: WI
Supplies:
Course Objectives:
1. To instruct the student in the fundamentals of playing wind or percussion
instruments and develop these skills to the highest level possible for the student.
2. To develop social skills to the extent of working together for a common goal.
3. To develop to the highest level possible: Self-discipline, Self- Motivation and
Self Esteem.
4. Encourage and motivate the student for continued participation in High School band
and encourage participation in All-District and Solo and Ensemble contests.
Grading and Evaluation:
Grades will be based on the following percentages:
60% = All Performances and Practice Records
20% = Tests, Quizzes and Written Assignments.
20% = Daily Attendance and participation in class.
90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
59 – 0 = F
We will have written tests, playing tests and quizzes periodically during the Semester. Students will be notified well in advance.
Every student is responsible for a practice record each week. The student will be responsible for practicing 100 minutes per week that is 20 minutes per night for five nights you pick which five. For every 10 minutes you go over the required 100 minutes you will receive 5 bonus points up to 50 points extra. The maximum amount of points you can acquire per week is 150.
If you need extra help or want one-on-one assistance, I will be available after school by appointment every day except Tuesdays and HS Football Games. If I cannot make appointments another day I will announce them in class.
***PARTICIPATION IN CLASS EVERDAY IS MANDATORY. I MUST HAVE A DOCTORS OR PARENTS NOTE TO EXCUSE YOU. IF YOU MISS AN ASSIGNMENT YOU HAVE ONE DAY FOR EACH DAY ABSENT TO MAKE IT UP***
I. Have a place for your child to practice where they can CONCENTRATE. Call it “The Practice Zone”
II. Make sure they warm-up (1-4 minutes). Warm-ups sound like: Long Tones, Lip Flexibilities (Brass), Scales, etc. If it sounds like they jump right into a song, remind them to warm up.
III. Make sure they are breaking things down and repeating.
IV. Make sure they are playing it slowly and not practicing mistakes.
V. Encourage them when it sounds like they are struggling. It is out of this struggle that they will become successful. Make sure they take breaks between the struggles and let their brains unwind.
VI. Help them strive for perfection and be proud of it. Don’t let them settle for just okay.
I. “You played that last year! Practice the music that your teacher gave you for your lesson!”
II. “Why are you playing such big chunks of music?” (Run-throughs are important but should not be used as a regular method of practice.
III. “Is it supposed to sound like that? Maybe you should listen to a recording.”
IV. “That sounded great! Now do it five more times to show me it wasn’t magic” (Repetition encourages muscle memory)