IGH Middle School Bands
Course Syllabus
2009/10
Goal
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Inver Grove Heights Middle School Band Program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Meeting Pattern
Band students rehearse every other day with mixed instrumentation. The bands are combined by grade level and rehearse and perform together the day of the concerts.
Lessons
There are no individual or group lessons this year. Students will receive instruction during the full band rehearsal. If a student wishes to study privately with a local teacher, please contact one of the band instructors. Students are also encouraged to purchase the computer music program SmartMusic for home practice use but this is not required for this course. Learn more at www.smartmusic.com/
Instrument Performance Assessments
Students will perform selected exercises from the book or band music during class and will be graded using the TREAT grading rubric (T=Tone, R=Rhythm, E=Expression, A=Articulation, T=Technique). Percussion students will be expected to perform on both the snare drum and the bells. Students will also be assessed on scales with points earned for both accuracy and speed. Finally, students will be asked to clap and count rhythms as part of their band grade.
Other Assessments
Students can expect to complete other music theory, composition, and listening assignments throughout the year.
Daily Points
Each rehearsal, students will earn a point for:
- Being prepared with instrument, book, music, and pencil
- Putting music folder and equipment away after rehearsal
- Avoiding talking and playing while others are speaking or rehearsing
- Playing with good posture and attentiveness
Everyone benefits when we work together to be successful. Please remember to respect yourself, respect others, and respect the music.
Missed Assessments
If a student misses an assessment due to illness or other reason, they will have up to two rehearsals to perform the assessment after returning to school.
Grading
| 97-100% = A+ | 87-89% = B+ | 77-79% = C+ | 67-69% = D+
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| 94-96% = A | 84-86% = B | 74-76% = C | 64-66% = D
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| 90-93% = A- | 80-83% = B- | 70-73% = C- | 60-63% = D-
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| 0-59% = F
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Practice
Students should strive to practice at home a minimum of 30 minutes everyday. We do not require students to fill out practice charts unless the student is not making adequate progress. “Preparation instills the confidence to eliminate fear and self-doubt.”
Concerts
The public performance is an integral component of the music program and a valuable experience for each student. Since each student’s part is essential to creating a quality performance, the student makes a commitment to attend each concert when he/she registers for band. Concerts are held in the Cahill Court Cafeteria and start at 7:00 p.m. Students are expected to arrive by 6:30 to warm up and tune before the performance. Most concerts are completed before 8:00 p.m. Special events like concerts require extra effort to look nice so students are expected to dress in their finest clothes and please avoid all jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
This years concert dates are:
| | | | Thursday, December 10th
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| | | | Thursday, May 13th
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Please mark your calendars and inform your coaches and activity leaders early.
Instrument Storage
Lockers are available in the music suite area for student instrument storage. Students are asked to provide their own lock and share the combination with the band directors in case of emergencies. Instruments should not be left at school overnight and the school district is not responsible for theft or damage. Please make sure the students name is displayed on the instrument case.