Performing Arts Department

Middle School Instrumental Music

7^th/8^th Grade 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

Review of tone production concepts
Instrument care
Review basic music theory: time signature, rhythm, pitch
Scales
Performance preparation

Trimester 2

Scales
Technique building exercises
Performance (parades and concerts)
Introduction to small ensembles
Small ensemble performance and adjudication

Trimester 3

Continued technical exercises
Performance preparation
Performance (parade, band festival, concert)

Course Materials/Texts

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

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 three 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 performances is required.

Individual Practice/ Group Rehearsals

Individual practice is expected and should be done daily. Practicing is considered homework.
Practice records will be required of all students and will be included in the overall grade and are to be turned in weekly.
Individual practice should be done at home but may also be done in the band room before/after school or during the morning break.
Band students will be expected to attend after school rehearsals that will be included in the overall grade. A schedule of rehearsals will be passed out by the end of August.
Students will be issued their own instrument to use throughout the year.
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.
Any instrument that is lost or in need of repairs from anything other than normal use will be the responsibility of the student.
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.

Instruments

UNIFORMS

7^th/8^th Grade Band

Concerts- Band uniform aloha shirt (provided), black dress pants, and black uniform shoes

* 7^th/8^th Grade band students will receive further information regarding uniform fittings and cost later this month.

KAPU

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

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:
- Formative
  - Practice Records- 10%
  - Participation- 10%
  - Summative
    - After School Rehearsals- 20%
    - Playing and written tests/quizzes- 30%
    - Performances- 30%

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

List of Events

Attendance at all performances is required and is a vital part of the student’s grade. All dates are subject to change.

Please refer to the attached schedule for a full listing of rehearsals and performances.

10/? Combined performance with KS High School Band at HS football game (8^th grade band)

12/5- Christmas Concert (all bands)

12/8- Kea’au Christmas Parade (8^th grade band)

1/26- Small Ensemble Festival (7/8 band)

TBA Outer Island Trip (7/8 band) (Tentative)

4/6- Merrie Monarch Parade (7/8 band)

4/20- Kamehameha Band Festival

4/27- Kona Band Festival

5/9- Spring Concert (all bands)

5/11- Big Island Band Festival (7/8 band)

7th Grade Band