Calallen High School Band

Calallen High School Band

2013-14

Course Syllabus

Directors:

Mr. Ewing

Office phone: 242-5626 ext. 7114

E-Mail:

Mr. Valperts

Office phone: 242-5626 ext. 7115

E-Mail:

Band ClassDescription

Music Band

1090 I 03150100

1091 II 03150200

1092 III 03150300

1093 IV 03150400

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Preferred Prior Band and/or audition 1 credit

Band is designed to provide the student with an outlet for musical expression and performance onvarious instruments. The band performs at all footballgames, festivals, concerts and UIL contests. Studentsmay participate and compete on an individual basisthrough solo competition at district, region and statelevels. The Band Class is divided between Marching Band season and Concert Band season. Extra rehearsals and extra performancesare mandatory as part of the student’s grade. Band class satisfies the CHS PE requirement and is a fine arts elective class.

The CHS Band is scheduled during 1st period and is under the direction of Mr. Ewing and Mr. Valperts.

General Policy and Requirements

Grading Policy:

Each member of the CHS Band will be assessed on the following criteria. Daily grades, sectional attendance and preparation, materials tests, playing tests, written exams, written assignments, major performance grades, and 9 weeks exams.

The 9 weeks grading breakdown is as follows:

40% - Daily grades

45% - Major Grades

15% - 9 weeks exam

Eligibility:

UIL rules state that a student must be passing ALL classes with a 70 or above to remain eligible for performance at UIL events. Therefore, individuals that are not academically eligible may lose their position in the band based on the discretion of the director.

Membership, performance, and ensemble placement:

Membership and performance as a member of the CHS Band should be looked at as an honor and a privilege. Membership and seating/ensemble placement is initially based upon audition. However, if at any time, the directors feel that a member of the band is not behaving properly, keeping up with assigned material, academically ineligible, etc. a member may lose their position in the band based upon the discretion of the director.

Band Portfolio:

Each member of the CHS Band Program must own and maintain a Band Portfolio. The portfolio will consist of a black three ring binder with clear plastic inserts. Every member will keep all handouts, music, tests, etc. neatly in the band portfolio. The portfolio needs to be with the member at every rehearsal and will be periodically checked for a grade by the director.

Music:

All sheet music must be brought to each rehearsal. Each member of the band is responsible for their own music. Any member who fails to have his/her music at rehearsal will be subject to having his/her daily grade lowered. All music must be marked with the name of the student and all measures numbered.

Pencil:

Each member of the ensemble must have a pencil on their stand at all times. This is necessary to mark music with changes, reminders, etc.

Working Instruments:

It is the responsibility of the individual student to maintain the working condition of their individual instrument. If an instrument needs to be repaired then it is on the student to inform the director and make arrangements for the instrument to be repaired. No more shall individuals say that they could not practice because their horn is not working properly.

Band Book:

During concert season, each member of the band class will be assigned a copy of, "Foundations for Superior Performance". This textbook will need to be returned in excellent condition at the end of the school year. Lost or damaged books will be the financial responsibility of the student.

Requirements for Brass Players:

B.E.R.P. (Buzz Extension and Resistance Piece):

ALL BRASS PERFORMERS ARE REQUIRED TO OWN A B.E.R.P.s and have it on their instrument to use at every rehearsal and performance. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Mutes:

All trumpet/cornet players and trombone players are required to have a straight mute. Preferably one not made of cardboard or fiber. The mute must be in the students’ possession at every rehearsal and performance.

Tuners:

All wind players are required to have a tuner and clip-on pickup in working order at every rehearsal. Tuners will be provided and assigned to the student in working condition and will need to be returned at the end of the school year in working condition. The individual student will be responsible for the replacement batteries in the tuner. Lost or damaged tuners/microphones will be the financial responsibility of the student.

Accessories:

All brass players are required to own the basic accessories for your instrument including an excellent mouthpiece, valve/slide oil, and polishing cloth.

Requirements for Woodwind Players:

Reeds:

Each member of the woodwind section is to have high quality reeds for every rehearsal and performance. Every woodwind player should have at least three reeds in excellent condition at readily available at all times. Reeds will be available to purchase from the band office either before or after the class bell has rung. Make sure to have enough quality reeds to get through an entire rehearsal. Nothing deters the sound quality of a woodwind player more than a broken or chipped reed!

Tuners:

Accessories:

All woodwind players are required to own the basic accessories for your instrument including an excellent mouthpiece, cork grease, and cleaning swab.

Recommendations for all instrumentalists:

Metronome:

Every member of the CHS Band is encouraged to own and use a metronome on a regular basis.

Private Lessons:

Each member of the CHS Band is strongly encouraged to take private lessons. One on one individualized instruction is the quickest and most productive way to success in instrumental music study.

Schedule of Events

All band events will be listed on the Band Calendar on the CHS Band informational website: