BINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL AP MUSIC
THEORY
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT 2017-2018
Dr. Jim Thompson, instructor
E-mail address:
Instrumental Music Office phone: 256-5100 ext. #74174
Availability for conferences, etc.: Lunch, 3rd Period, or 6th Period
PHILOSOPHY
This course is offered for the music student who desires a serious and challenging academic
experience in their art form. The course will provide aural and cognitive training to recognize the structuralforms of music. This in turn will prepare students to take the National College Advanced Placement MusicTest in the Spring. Taking the AP test is not required, but is strongly encouraged and will earn you extracredit.
Additionally, taking the AP exam will earn you substantial points toward the Music Department’s Year-Letter and Cord program.
Consequences for appropriate behavior:
Full participation points
Positive parental contact
Positive notes home
Faster learning & full comprehension of theory concepts
Consequences for inappropriate behavior:
Reduced or zero participation points
Negative parental contact
Negative notes home
Slower learning and confusion of theory concepts
GRADING
Grades will be determined through attendance and punctuality, class participation through sight-singing,oral response, or writing on the board, written assignments, quizzes and tests. Good attendance iscrucial as the course work is cumulative. Basic courtesy, cooperation, and preparedness are the class rules.
Note: The award of credit in this class is subject to BHS’s official attendance policy.Also, NO SMART PHONES, CELL PHONES, I-PADS, I-PODS, LAPTOPS, etc. during class, as per School/District policy—except under special permission, which will be very rare!
Bingham High’s dress code will also be enforced for normal in-class activities!
30% Participation (includes attendance & punctuality, and active participation in the class—i.e. sight-singing, oral response, or writing on the board. For each day class is held, 10 pointswill be awarded for each attending student. Then, for each unexcused absence (up to three),10 points will be deducted, and for each tardy (up to three), 5 points will be deducted, oreven some points deducted for being excessively “off task” during class time. Pre-approvedschool activities and other approved leaves—within reason—are exempt from thispolicy. (Approved leaves are done through the attendance office.)
40% Assignments (This course is homework intensive. Each new concept depends on a
thorough understanding of the previously studied material and requires consistency and
repetition in application. Homework will include assignments on each chapter or concept;
short compositions showing application; and where applicable participation in assigned
study groups.)
30% Tests & Quizzes (There will be at least one final exam for each quarter in addition to smallquiz evaluations. Ear-training and sight-singing will be evaluated through oral and liveplaying demonstrations.)
Extra-Credit/Make-Up: These opportunities will be offered periodically, and make-up workespecially has to be negotiated with the instructor.
COURSE FEES
$5.00 to cover the cost of photocopying the Workbook and other Special Assignments
$90.00+- (optional)As required by the National College Board for those taking the AP Exam. Paymentis due in March—so please plan ahead for this expense. If you are not planning on taking the AP Exam, then the fee for the exam doesn’t apply.
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We have read the AP Music Theory Disclosure and we understand and support the
expectations for this course.
______Date______
(Parent/Guardian signature)
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(Student Signature) (Printed Student Name & Period)
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