Bolivar Middle School

6^th Grade Band Syllabus

Course Description and Objectives

6^th grade band is designed to teach students the basic fundamentals of playing a musical instrument.  The class meets 3 days a week for 45 minutes, and 1 day a week for 90 minutes.  Some of the general objectives of this class include:

· to develop an understanding of proper care for a musical instrument

· to develop proper playing posture

· to develop a proper embouchure for correct tone production

· to develop proper playing technique on an instrument

· to develop an understanding of many new musical terms

· to fully understand how to read a fingering chart

· to play a large amount of appropriate literature

Materials

In addition to their instrument, all students are asked to provide:

· Standard of Excellence, Enhanced Edition, beginning band book

· a 1-inch, three ring binder. (clear page protectors are also recommended)

· a pencil with an eraser

· a positive attitude

Class Guidelines

1) Students will enter the room quietly and are not allowed to play before the group is ready for warm-up.  There will be NO noises louder than an “inside voice” until the full band begins to play.

2) Students will have one minute after the tardy bell rings to be in their seat ready to play. Ready to play means having everything needed for class including instrument, music, pencil, reeds, valve oil, slide oil, etc…

3) Talking will not be tolerated during instruction time. In a group of this size, talking can easily disrupt the entire class. The band will uphold a standard of effective rehearsals.

4) No gum, food, or drinks will be allowed in the band room. Students are given the responsibility of keeping the room clean.  If there is trash under your chair… pick it up.

5) Everything has a place and needs to be returned to that place when the rehearsal is over. This means no instruments left out and no music left out.

6) If the instrument is not yours, don’t touch it!!!!!  That means don’t touch the percussion equipment or the piano!

7) Use your common sense! Do what you know is right. If you use your best judgment, manners and courtesy at all times in the class, you will give yourself and your classmates the best chance to be successful. 

Grading Policy

Students will be graded on the following criteria:

Attitude and Effort

Students will be given a daily grade of 10 points automatically each day they come to class and give 100% effort. Points are deducted if a student forgets their instrument, book, or any other required materials. Students also lose points for being tardy, talking out of turn, or disrupting class in any other way. A student must show up with a good attitude and be ready to try their best to do well in class. 

Progress Charts

Each student will be issued a progress chart for each quarter.  These charts serve a duel purpose.  The first purpose for the progress chart is to keep track of student progress.  That includes practice time, playing tests, areas for improvement, any needs as far as equipment, and any money that the student may owe for any reason.  The second purpose for the progress chart is to provide an avenue of parent/teacher cooperation.  Parents are asked to take an active role in their child’s progression in band by helping to maintain an accurate account of practice time.  By doing this, parents are afforded the opportunity to check over the rest of the card to see if there are any notes from the director.  The progress charts will constitute one third of the students grade for the quarter.

Performance Attendance

This category gives each student points simply for performing. All performances will be announced well in advance. Students will be allowed to perform based on their attitude and effort in class.  If a student has displayed poor effort or a bad attitude, they may be asked not to perform at the discretion of the director.  The first unexcused absence will result in the final grade being lowered two full letter grades. In addition, the student will not be allowed any special privileges, such as the end of the year trip.  A second unexcused absence will result in expulsion from the group.  The director must excuse an absence prior to the performance. These will be handled on a case by case basis through communication between the parent and director.

Promotion

Students will be promoted to the next semester of band based on their grade.  If a student receives a grade of “C” or below for the semester, that student will not be allowed to continue in band.

Schedule

The schedule for Symphonic Band can be found at www.bolivarmusic.org .  Please check this website regularly so that you will know what your schedule is.  All events are posted on the website as far in advance as possible.  Most of the dates for this year are already on the schedule.  Look for listings on the schedule that specify BMS 6^th Grade.

This syllabus is just a brief outline of this class. What we have not covered are the great experiences, fun times, and lifelong achievements band can bring you. You will also enjoy a great sense of accomplishment when performing as a team. The greatest lesson to learn from band, that you can take with you into all your life experiences, is that you get out of band what you put into band. We challenge each of you to push yourselves beyond what you think is attainable, so you can each enjoy the true joy of satisfaction for your hard work.

We look forward to this year with great anticipation. You all are in for an exciting year and some of the best times of your life. Enjoy it all…. you are capable of doing great things.

Sincerely,

Shane A. Knupps

Steve McClard