Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Band Classes

Westside High School

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Band Classes

Gretchen Salomone, Director Rm. 238 Phone: (706) 868-4030

Course Description

Our Band Classes are non-audition instrumental ensembles in which students focus on the fundamentals of instrumental performance, sight-singing, music theory, music history, the learning and performance of a diverse repertoire of music, and public performance. Students are encouraged to participate in GMEA District and All State Band, Richmond County All County Band and Solo/Ensemble Festival. The group will perform for school and community events.

Instructional Philosophy

My focus as a music educator is to create an aesthetic and academic musical experience that helps to create lifelong lovers of music. I want the students in my class to be exposed to and learn music literacy and appreciation through singing, instrumental playing, note and rhythm reading, improvisation, composition, music listening, music history, and movement and dance. My students learn through kinesthetic, visual, and audible learning styles. They learn to pay precise attention to details and learn to perform with those details in mind. Students focus on learning and performing and therefore work to perform in front of peers as well as school and community groups. While music is a fun class, it also benefits students in so many ways intellectually and in learning to express themselves. My goal is for my students to continue to desire to learn when they are no longer in my class- that many of them will find college ensembles to participate in and community/ church groups to perform in and continue the love of music.

Course Objectives

1. Develop basic musical skills, including sight-singing, instrumental performance, music theory, and basic breathing/singing techniques.

2. Develop each performers’ vocal and instrumental abilities to the fullest potential, focusing on individual, small ensemble and large ensemble performance.

3. Perform a varied instrumental repertoire for the school and community.

4. Understand and demonstrate proper concert etiquette as a student and performer.

5. Encourage musical growth to create a life-long love for making music.

Course Projects & Instructional Activities

Students will work toward auditioning for All District Choir, performing at All District and All County Choir, performing in school events including, but not limited to the Winter Concert, the Spring Concert, Honors Day, and Fine Arts Night.

Classroom Expectations

Conduct/Participation

The following are the core values upon which we build the Band Program:

1. Excellence

2. Teamwork

3. Individual Responsibility

Band members are expected to show respect for the director, officers, fellow members, and volunteers who assist with band activities. Inappropriate behavior will affect the class participation grades. All band members are to participate fully at every rehearsal. There is never a reason to do any other school work or reading while in rehearsal. Even if a band member is physically unable to play, he or she is expected to have his/her music open, pencil in hand, and participate the best he/she can.

Sectionals/ Full Ensemble Rehearsals

Sectionals are rehearsals devoted to individual sections of the band (woodwinds, brass, percussion). In addition to the scheduled class time, each section may meet once a week for a sectional rehearsal. These rehearsals will be posted on the calendar on the website and are mandatory.

Concert Participation

Electing to participate in a performing group includes consistent attendance in both class rehearsal and concert events. Band students must understand and assume the full responsibility of these requirements. An absence of any one person affects the entire group’s performance. Concert performance dates are given well in advance of the event. Students are also expected to arrive on time for concerts. Call times are given in advance, so students can plan accordingly. Should a student need to stay after school in order to be on time, he/she should plan to remain in the band room and work on homework. Students will not be allowed to roam the halls or go to other areas of the school. This policy exists to support a standard for a performing ensemble that seeks to be of the highest possible caliber. Those who hold excellence as a goal for themselves, and this group, will understand and value these standards.

Care of the Band Room

We are very fortunate to have such a great facility. It is each student’s responsibility to take care of it and keep it a point of pride for our program and school. After rehearsal, students must pick up litter around their area and straighten chairs.

PIANOS AND KEYBOARDS

Students may not use the main rehearsal piano, keyboards, or any other music equipment without permission. Students who are given permission to use classroom equipment must do so with respect and maturity. Students should place their coats on the back of their chair, book bag, purses, etc…under their chair before the start of class.

Supplies and Materials Needed

Music

All musicians will be issued music for class. Each student must supply his/her own folder and pencil for every rehearsal – NO PENS PLEASE. Students should have their folder, music, and pencil for each class. If music is lost or stolen, a student must notify the director or group librarian so that music can be replaced immediately.

Required Dress for Concerts

Dress for concerts will be all black for girls- whether black slacks with a black top, black skirt (within dress code) with black top, or a black dress (length also within dress code). Guys will wear black dress slacks with a long sleeve white dress shirt with a red tie (either bow tie or regular tie is allowed). Black dress shoes are to be worn by both guys and girls. Marching band students will have the dri-fit shirt and mesh shorts as the summer uniform and the marching uniform they are responsible for. Please see the marching band information for more information on those uniforms.

Course Assessment Plan/ Homework Policy

On the last day of the school week (usually Friday, but there are exceptions)

Weekly Theory Assignments will be due

Students will have a Sight Singing Test, a Performance Test, and/or a Vocabulary Quiz or Test

These assignments will be listed and posted on the webpage for my classes.

All Performances will count as 3 Test Grades. Few excuses will be accepted for missed performances.

Daily/ Homework 25%

Quiz 35%

Test 40%

Extra Help

Mrs. Salomone is here afterschool daily from 2:30-3:15. Students may stay after for additional help during this time.

How to Contact

The best way to contact me is through email. My school email address is:

You can also leave a message for me at the front office and I will return your call. Westside’s phone number: 706-868-4030