Culver City Middle School Course Outline 2014 - 15
WINDS & PERCUSSION
AND STRINGS
Culver City Middle School Course Outline 2014 - 15
Mr. Witt, Instrumental Music Teacher
Course Description
Students will develop the physical and mental skills necessary to play a musical instrument with proper technique at the beginning and intermediate level. The first two weeks of school the instruments will be introduced. The students will have the opportunity to try as many instruments as they wish and then they will select one instrument to play this year. They will learn how to read music and music theory basics as well as develop good tone quality, intonation, creative expression, musicianship, and ensemble playing in a variety of musical styles to meet the California State Standards in Music. Students will strengthen these skills through regular home practice.
The Lesson Book - Essential Elements 2000 w/DVD, Book 1 (for the student's instrument)
We will supply at least a classroom copy of the lesson books to be shared by two students and checked out when needed. Out-of-class music needs can mostly be met by using SMARTMUSIC©.
Performances
Performing in concerts can be a highlight of learning a musical instrument. There will be a few informal in-classroom “Showcase Concerts” for parents during band period throughout the year. Information regarding the concerts will be sent home in advance.
Smart Music©: Out-of-class practice is an essential element of learning a musical instrument SMARTMUSIC© is a fantastic computer-based program which makes practicing fun and can be a huge help to your son or daughter's progress. We will be enrolling each student in SMARTMUSIC© this year at no cost to parents. All practice time and testing will be logged into SMARTMUSIC© and parents will have total access to the results and student progress. Students are expected to practice at least 1 hour per week (ideally broken up into small segments throughout the week). The Work Habits grade will reflect a percentage of practice done with 5 hours for a 5 week grading period being 100%. Students should follow the practice guidelines discussed in class and work on both group music and individual practice goals. Private Lessons are encouraged and recommended but not required. A list of recommended private teachers is available.
Private Lessons /Private Instruments (Optional but encouraged)
Students are encouraged to take private lessons if at all possible. A private teacher can give the student individual attention that can make a big difference in learning how to play an instrument. A list of recommended teachers for each instrument is available. If you are interested in renting or purchasing an instrument, there is a list of recommended stores and repair shops. I recommend that a private teacher assist in the selection of an instrument and mouthpiece (when applicable). They are the experts on their particular instrument and know which would best be suited to your child.
Instrument (Own or Loan)?
Music students at CCMS, in general, own or rent their own instruments. The instructor has a list of some of the local music stores if you need it. A list of recommended private teachers is also available. Folding music stands, metronomes, and electronic tuners are also helpful equipment for all instrumental students. Students must bring their instruments to every class. All instruments must be clearly labeled on the outside with the student’s name. There are separate storage cabinets for privately owned instruments. Those unable to purchase or rent an instrument will be loaned one from the school while supplies last. Note: students borrowing a school instrument may not get their first choice of instrument but will play a very important role in our group while they learn and have fun. Parents will be responsible for the loaned instrument's care and protection. Folding music stands, metronomes, and electronic tuners are also helpful equipment for music students.
Wind & percussion and Strings Course Outline p.2
Class Rules Students will make every effort to follow the class rules.
Parents will be contacted if their child has problems following the rules.
1. When the tardy bell rings, be in your seat ready to play with instrument, music, & pencil.
2. Be respectful of the teacher and fellow classmates. Remain silent. During longer waits, you
may read or draw
3. Raise your hand and wait to be called upon when you have a question or comment.
4. Care for and play only your instrument.
5. Do not bring food, drinks, or gum in the classroom. Only plain water!
6. Wait for the teacher, not the bell, to dismiss the class.
Grading Policy
Achievement: Performance and Citizenship in daily Rehearsals and Concerts 50 %
Written and Playing Tests 30 %
Practice Time20 %
Work Habits: Practice time
SMARTMUSIC© will log your practice time in the program automatically. Any
offline practice can be logged into SMARTMUSIC© manually.
(3 or more tardies in a grading period will be a “U”- school policy)
Citizenship: Excellent behavior is expected of Winds & Strings students in rehearsal and
performance. Students are expected to follow the class rules at all times.
You will receive 50 points per week 20 each block day and 10 each stack day. You will lose points for talking or playing out-of-turn or being out of your seat without permission.
Voluntary Donations
Instruments, music, and most supplies are provided to students in the program at no charge. If each instrumental music student were able to make a voluntary donation of $15.00 or more it would really help the program. Checks can be made out to: “Culver City Middle School - Music Donation."
Please put your child’s name and class on the check (memo section or the top) or cash in an envelope with your child’s name so you can be given a receipt for your records.
We also have a need for donated concert clothes to loan students. If your child has outgrown white dress shirts/blouses or black pants/skirts you would like to donate, they can be used.
Parent Volunteers - For those looking for an opportunity to volunteer your time!
Please sign up on the separate “Music Parent Volunteer Form” (attached) if you can help.
We also need someone to coordinate the volunteers. It would involve making a schedule from the volunteer slips and revising when needed. Please let me know if you can help.
Refreshments at Concerts - We sell donated baked goods and drinks at concert intermissions with the proceeds benefiting the music program. There will be tear-offs before each concert regarding donating baked goods or drinks and volunteers to help with sales that evening.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of music making. If you have any questions about the class or your child’s progress, please call (310) 842-4200 and ask for an appointment. My email address is: . All forms and concert information can also be found on my webpage on the CCMS website.
Musically,
Paul Witt, Instrumental Music Director