Performing Arts Department

Middle School Instrumental Music

6^th Grade Beginning Band

 

Course Overview

Course Objective

The band curriculum is designed to encourage active participation through sequential musical experiences based on the elements of music. These enjoyable and meaningful experiences provide student growth through performance, creativity, interpretation, listening and critical thinking.

 

Content Standards

This course will meet the following National Standards for Music Education

 

• Singing (playing), alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
• Reading and notating music
• Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
• Evaluating music and music performances
• Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
• Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

 

Course Outline

 

Trimester 1

• Introduction to woodwind, brass and percussion instruments
• Instrument selection
• Instrument care
• Basic music theory: clef signs, music staff, time signature, rhythm, pitch
• Tone production

Trimester 2

• Scales
• Technique building exercises

Trimester 3

• Continued technical exercises
• Performance preparation
• Concert etiquette
• Concert

 

 

Course Materials/Texts

• Musical Instrument and supplies (provided)
• Method Books (Technique/Theory)
• Sheet Music

 

Grading Expectations

 

• All grading will be done according to the Middle Grading Policy as stated in the parent/student handbook.
• Assessments will be done through student participation, tests, performances, and observation.
• Student grades will be based on the following categories:
  • 20 % Formative
    • Daily Work
    • Participation
  • 80% Summative
    • Tests/Quizzes
    • Performances

 

Grading Scale

93-100 A                     73-76   C

90-92   A                     70-72   C-

87-89   B+                   67-69   D+

83-86  B                      63-66   D

80-82   B-                    60-62   D-

77-79   C+                   0          F

Behavior Expectations

 

All students are expected to follow the Standards of Personal Conduct, Uniform Guidelines and Hawaiian Values as stated in the Student Handbook.

 

Music Department Code of Conduct

 

• Respect the teacher, classmates, property, and most of all, yourself.
• Be on time
• Be prepared- pencil, music and instrument
• Be mature- running and yelling in the band room will not be tolerated.

 

Conductor’s Podium

 

A conductor’s podium will be used for better eye contact between the conductor and musicians. In the music world, the podium is considered a sign of respect. Whoever is on the podium will receive the undivided attention of students in the room.  All talking or playing will stop once person (teacher or student) steps on the podium.

 

Attendance

 

• Students are expected to be in their seats with their assembled instrument and music five minutes after the passing period. The band room is a good distance away from the other classroom buildings, so it is important that time is not wasted during the passing period. Students will be marked late if they are not ready in time. This will affect the participation grade.
• Attendance at all concerts is required.

Individual Practice

 

1. Individual practice is expected and should be done daily.
2. Individual practice should be done at home but may also be done in the band room before/after school or during the morning break.

 

Instruments

 

1. Students will be issued their own instrument to use throughout the year.
2. Students will be instructed in the proper care of their instrument. Each instrument is new or near new and will require extreme care. Musical instruments are not toys.
3. Any instrument that is lost or in need of repairs from anything other than normal use will be the responsibility of the student.
4. Instruments may be taken home. However, they are not to be stored overnight in other classrooms, lockers etc. When not at home, all instruments will be stored in the band room. Students will be assigned a locker in the band room to keep their instruments. THE BAND ROOM IS THE ONLY PLACE INSTRUMENTS ARE TO BE STORED WHILE ON CAMPUS.

KAPU

 

1. Teacher’s office area- Students are allowed in the office if permitted by Mr. Harris.
2. Practice Rooms- these rooms may only be used with permission.
3. Percussion Equipment- If you are not a percussionist these instruments are off limits.
4. Other instruments- the only instrument you should be playing is the one that is assigned to you.