Back to Music Curriculum Index
Back to Music Department Home Page

 

Music Department

Concert Band

1. Course Description

Grades 9-12

A one credit elective course that meets every day.

Goals:

  1. To increase individual performing ability.
  2. To increase music reading ability.
  3. To increase knowledge and appreciation of the repertoire performed.
  4. To perform quality band literature of various styles- grades IV-VI.
  5. To afford students the opportunity to perform and compete at district, state and regional levels.

In this course, students perform standard concert band literature ranging in difficulty from grade IV to grade VI. For part of the year (4-8 weeks total), the band (combined with the Wind Ensemble) marches in parades (Memorial Day) and parade competitions (such as the Maine State Parade, Maine Firefighters Convention Parade). The rest of the year is spent on concert band literature with performances at school concerts and music festivals. At times during the year, the group breaks into small ensembles such as jazz band, brass ensemble, flute ensemble, etc. In order to be in the band, a student must demonstrate a proficiency level that would enable that student to be a contributing member of the band.

Concert Band is part of a sequence that begins in elementary school and continues through middle school and high school.

2. Course Components

The Concert Band experience, as part a sequential program, includes full band perfor mance, small ensembles, and marching band. The course offers the student the opportu nity to continue development in the following areas:

  1. Tone production
  2. Music literacy
  3. Critical listening
  4. Expression
  5. Ensemble
  6. Communication
  7. Auditory perception
  8. Self discipline

Students will have the opportunity to perform high quality band literature at in­school concerts and to perform and compete at regional, state and district festivals. Students will also be exposed to professional performers including live performances by guest artists and ensembles, and audio and video recordings. Gifted and talented students will have the opportunity to audition for district, state, regional, and national honor groups such as All District, All State, All New England, and All Eastern.

3. Course Materials

  • A variety of music from many historical and stylistic periods

  • Professional performers, artists-in-residence, guest clinicians

  • Audio and video Recordings

  • School-owned band instruments

  • Stereo recording and playback equipment

  • Band uniforms

  • Macintosh computers, hardware and software

  • Music stands

4. Student Expectations

  1. Be present and on time for all rehearsals.
  2. Come to all rehearsals prepared with instrument, music, and equipment
  3. Respect others and the facilities
  4. Participate and contribute in rehearsals and performances
  5. Attend all required performances

5. Evaluation

A Students Grade Will Be Based On The Following:

A. The student's grade for the playing exams (40%).

  1. All students will audition individually for a grade during each grading period.
  2. All students will be required to play for a grade at least once per grading period.
  3. Students must do the playing exam by the posted deadline.
  4. Students may earn extra credit points.
  5. If a student performs unsatisfactorily, that student may be required to play again at
  6. another exam scheduled at a later date, or be required to have one or more lessons and/or practice sessions.

B. The student's class participation and attitude (30%).

C. Attendance at all required performances (30%).

High School Band Policies

1. Student Expectations- Students are expected to:

  1. be present and on time for all rehearsals and performances

  2. bring their instruments, music and a pencil to all rehearsals

  3. use their own instruments or a school instrument that has been assigned to the student.

  4. act with courtesy toward teachers and other students.

  5. keep school property (uniform, books, music, instruments, equipment, etc.) in good condition

  6. be prepared to participate in rehearsals and performances.

  7. learn their individual music and be a contributing member of the band.

2. Rehearsal Behavior- Students are expected to exhibit proper rehearsal behavior, which includes:

  1. listening (no talking) when the teacher or another student is talking.
  2. feet on the floor (no legs crossed) when playing.
  3. no gum chewing during rehearsal.
  4. no eating during rehearsal.
  5. when in band rehearsal, a student will do band work (not work from another class)

3. Grading- Grades will be based on playing exams, attendance at required perfor mances and rehearsals, and observation of student attitude and behavior during rehears als and performances. Students may earn extra credit for extra work.

4. Performances- A student is expected to be at all performances of the ensemble. An unexcused absence will cause their rank to be lowered by one whole letter grade.

5. Performance Dress- For performances, students will wear their Band Uniform (as provided by the school), with white shoes and socks.

Students are responsible for obtaining white shoes to wear with the band uniform. Stu dents who can not afford these shoes should talk to the director of the group about alternative solutions.

6. Discipline- The following steps will be followed in dealing with disciplinary situations.

  1. Student warning
  2. After class discussion
  3. Formal teacher-student conference
  4. Parent phone contact
  5. Administrative referral
  6. Parent-student-teacher-administrator conference



Search the Site
Welcome | Curriculum | Activities
Library | Administration | Services | People | Help

 

 

62735