Grading Format
Classroom Participation 20%
Three minutes after the tardy bell will be allotted for preparation for class. Rehearsal preparation means always having a working instrument, all appropriate related materials (reeds, mallets, sticks, mutes and/or oil), music, and general responsibility. All students should be seated and ready to participate in rehearsal following the first three minutes of class. This portion is earned on a weekly basis.
Classroom Assignments & Quizzes 25%
Classroom grades may consist of, but not be limited to, playing tests, reviewing rating sheets, journals or portfolios, reports, worksheets relating to performance music, and individual or group assessment assignments. Quizzes, while infrequent, will test student’s individual theoretical knowledge and musical abilities.
Out of Class Assignments 25%
While a great deal of growth occurs during class, it is the structured experiences outside the classroom that will truly enhance a musician’s growth. Weekly practice records catalog progress and time spent on music and studies for class.
Concerts 30%
Our performances are our tests. They are a natural outgrowth of our music classroom. While band class does not solely exist for the sake of performance, music is a listening art. Therefore, the greatest musical satisfaction is when performers know their music has reached an audience. For this reason, we schedule a concert performance once per quarter that serves as a demonstration of their accomplishments. Due to the limited number of concerts in contrast to the number of games, athletic contests are not considered excused absences for concerts.
Band Uniforms
Students need only wear their best outfit for our concerts.
Try to avoid the following things: black denim jeans, skirts, leggings. capris, or athletic pants appropriate for performances. No prints or patterns.
absence_form_2-converted.docxWe are the future of the Breckenridge Bands
While in separate grades, this band meets as one class during the school day. This class serves as the preparatory ensembles for the high school bands. Quality, ability-level appropriate literature is performed while maintaining student interest in musical achievement.
Performances, including concerts and Festival, are considered a natural outgrowth of the school day activity.
Students who have not enrolled in Beginning Band must speak with Mr. Molands before joining. This is to ascertain interest and placement within the ensemble, not to discourage participation.
Remind Instructions
Text your code to 81010
@dmolands
Practice Tips
Here are some helpful tips on how to practice at home:
Focus on primary objectives: posture, tone, intonation (being in tune), rhythm, technique
Consistent time each day builds good habits and a routine
Look up fingerings/slide positions/notes you don't know in your method book
Slow down: practice it slowly to master the passage or goal. Then speed up to performance tempo slowly
Chunking: select and isolate one rhythm, pitch, measure or group of measures to work on and master in each practice session
Repetition: playing something correctly 5 or 6 times may be all it takes to master
Alter the articulations or the rhythmic pattern to fix the fingering/position pattern in your mind - then play as written
Practice with a Friend: work as a team - it can make the time pass faster, build camaraderie and enhance each other's strengths and bolster your areas for improvement
Music Apps: there are free apps available - metronome, tuner and recorders - that can enhance your practice sessions.
Metronome - keeps a steady pulse especially at slower speeds to focus on fluency
Tuner - make sure every pitch is spot on, especially as you extend your range
Recorder - sometime hearing yourself play can be the biggest help of all
Concert Agenda
45 min prior to concert: Students report
Set-up band seating
Get instrument out and gently play your music
Tune with Mr Molands or HS students
Move to HS Gym when directed
2 min prior to concert: Students in HS Gym
End of Concert
Please help by taking equipment, chairs & stands back to band room
Music Program Handbook.docx.pdf