Bolivar Middle School

Symphonic Band Syllabus

Course Description and Objectives

Symphonic band is designed to further develop the students playing technique and aptitude. The class meets every day for 45 Minutes. Some of the general objectives of this class include:

· to play several major scales and understand how to construct key signatures

· to further develop proper playing and rehearsal techniques

· to develop an understanding of many new musical terms

· to increase their awareness of musicality by playing in varied styles

· to learn to interpret expressive gestures by the conductor

· to play at home basketball games as the pep band

Materials

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

· any supplies needed to play their instrument (reeds, valve oil, etc.)

· any book or other material deemed necessary for the class

· 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 should 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 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 a rehearsal is over. This means no instruments or 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 that is sitting out in the room!

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 the best chance to be successful. 

8) All instrumental students are expected to practice an average of 80 minutes per week.

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.  The weekly grade will be worth one third of each student’s grade.

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.  The chart includes evaluation of practice time (80 minutes per week, average), 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 progress in band by helping to maintain an accurate account of practice time.  By doing this, parents are afforded the opportunity to check over the entirety of the card to see if there are any notes from the director.  The progress chart will constitute one third of each student’s 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 an end of the year trip.  A second unexcused absence will result in expulsion from the ensemble.  An absence from any performance may only be excused in advance by the directors.  

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 8^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