Course Syllabus 2020-21 School Year

Concert Band – 1st Period

C-12 Janney

Course Objectives: Students will be able to:

• Achieve a musical understanding of band literature graded at the high school level including a working knowledge of music theory, and the ability to perform each selection proficiently.
• Apply a working knowledge of scales, music theory and vocabulary (see below).
• Analyze and rehearse etudes and exercises to gain proficiency on their respective instruments.
• Identify and apply proper rehearsal and performance etiquette.

 Requirements:

• Students are expected to come to lessons/rehearsals prepared with instruments; music, pencils and instrument needs i.e. valve oil etc.  2 points will be deducted from a student’s rehearsal/participation grade for each time he/she forgets his/her instrument, and or fails to actively participate in rehearsal.
• All students are to be in their seat with their instruments set up by the beginning of 1st period. 1 point will be deducted from a student’s rehearsal/participation grade each time he/she is late and is not excused by the office.
• Each marking period, students will take 2 lessons outside of band rehearsal.  These lessons can be in person or online via google meet. 
• Performances are mandatory.  Dress rehearsals are also mandatory.  Dress rehearsals will take place periods 1 and 2 on the day of the concert.  Should a student miss a performance or part of a performance for any reason other than sickness or family emergency, 10 points will be deducted from his/her performance grade.  Should a student miss a dress rehearsal, 10 points will be deducted from their rehearsal participation grade.

 

HMHS Concert Band Grading Rubric

• Rehearsal Participation: (Focus – Effort)
• The following components are assessed:
• Actively playing the music during rehearsal.
• Being prepared for rehearsal – Music, instrument, pencil.
• Making progress in the music through the marking period.

• Ensemble Engagement: (Focus – music detail and achievement)
• The following components are assessed:

• Balance and blend within a section.
• Phrasing and articulations within a section/musical range.

• Lessons: (Focus – Effort and achievement)
• Students are to sign up for a minimum of 2 lessons per marking period.
• The following components are assessed:

• Attendance
• Progress
• Effort

• Dress Rehearsal: (Focus – Concert Prep)
• The following components are assessed:
• Attendance
• Achievement
• Performance Grade: (Focus – achievement)
• The following components are assessed:
• Attendance
• Achievement
• Written Assessment 
• The following components are assessed:
• Knowledge of material assessed (rhythms, vocabulary, theory etc.)
• Acapella Project
• Each student will download the “Acapella” app on their smart phone. This app enables musicians to record and create videos of them playing more than one part of a musical selection. Each student will record themselves playing 2 or more parts of a given piece of music. They will be provided with the music. THey will upload their projects to Canvas.

 

• Playing Exam
  
  
• Each student will record a passage of music and upload the recording for evaluation and grading. The sections noted for the exam will be posted as an assignment in Canvas no less then 6 weeks prior to the due date. The playing exam will be assessed on the following areas of musicianship: Melody, Rhythm, Tempo, Dynamics and Articulation.

Grading Scale

Marking Periods 1,3	Weight
Rehearsal Participation	Homework 25%
Ensemble Engagement	Test 50%
Written Assessment	Quiz 25%
Lesson 1	Quiz 25%
Lesson 2  Acapella Project	Quiz 25% Quiz 25%
Playing Exam	Test 50%
Marking Periods 2,4	Weight
Rehearsal Participation	Homework 25%
Ensemble Engagement	Test 50%
Lesson 1	Quiz 25%
Lesson 2  Playing Exam	Quiz 25% Test 50%
Dress Rehearsal	Quiz 25%
Performance	Test 50%

 

      

 

Performance Attire:

Boys: black dress pants, white shirt, tie, dress shoes. No sneakers, sweats, shorts or t shirts.

Girls: Black skirt, white blouse - or a white or black dress. All dresses/skirts must be near or at the knee. (Please no shorter than 2 inches above the knee)

Modifications as per Covid 19

In the event, we do not perform in person, we will present a virtual concert. Students will rehearse online and attend virtual lessons via google meet. Students will learn the music for a given concert and will record themselves playing it. I will mix and merge the music for a virtual performance presentation.

In the event, we can perform, but with limitations, students will perform in small chamber groups for a limited audience. The performance will also be recorded and streamed online.