PANTHER BAND/

PANTHER STRINGS

Culver City Middle School COURSE OUTLINE 2017 - 18

Mr. Witt, Instrumental Music Teacher

Course Description

Panther Band and Panther Strings are performance classes for beginning instrumentalists and those in need of some review. We will work to attain higher levels of tone quality, intonation, creative expression, musicianship, ensemble playing, and music theory to meet the California State Standards in Music. You will be able to see our SPECIFIC school music standards on my homework page as they become available. Throughout the year we will rehearse and perform a variety of music accurately and expressively with good tone quality. This will be achieved by rehearsing in large ensembles and in chamber groups. Students will strengthen these skills through regular home practice alone and with SMARTMUSIC©. Students will develop the physical and mental skills necessary to play a musical instrument with proper technique at the beginning and intermediate level. In the first days of school the instruments will be introduced. The students will have the opportunity to try instruments they may wish to study and then select one instrument to play this year.

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. They will be scheduled for before the winter break and near the end of the school year. More specific 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 /Private Instruments (Optional but encouraged)

Students are encouraged to take private lessons if at all possible. A private teacher can give the student personal attention that can maximize their potential. 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 instruments and know which would best be suited to your child and the best deal for you. Folding music stands, metronomes, and electronic tuners are also helpful equipment for music students.


Instrument (Own or Loan)?

CCMS Instrumental music has a fairly large supply of school instruments that we loan out to students at no charge. Parents and Students must fill out and return a Loan form and are responsible for returning the instrument at the end of the school year in good condition. On the other hand, many students at CCMS, when financially possible, choose to own or rent their own instruments. The instructor has a list of some of the local music stores if needed. 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 facilities for school owned or privately owned instruments. Owners of private instruments need to supply a Master Lock for security (Combination Locks Only). Note: Beginning 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.

Again: Parents will be responsible for the loaned instrument's care, protection and return.

Class 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.

Students will make every effort to follow these class rules.

Grading Policy

Achievement: Performance and Citizenship in daily Rehearsals and Concerts 50 %

(A-F) Written and Playing Tests 30 %

Practice Time 20 %

Work Habits: 1) Remaining focused and being prepared in class.

(O-S-N-U) 2) Practice time (SMARTMUSIC© will log your practice time in the program (Please refer to the automatically. Any offline practice can be logged into SMARTMUSIC© manually).

Rubric on page 9 (5 or more tardies in a grading period will be a “U” in Citizenship (school policy))

of your Time Tracker)

Citizenship: Excellent behavior is expected of all music students in rehearsal and

(O-S-N-U) In performance. Students are expected to follow the class rules at all times.

(Please refer to the You will receive 50 points per week 20 each block day and 10 each stack day.

Rubric on page 9 You will lose points for talking or playing out-of-turn or

of your Time Tracker) 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 $20.00 or more it would really help the program. Please make all checks out to: “CCMS ASB” and put “Instrumental Music” on the memo line.

Please put your child’s name and class on the check (memo section or the top). Please put any cash in an envelope with your child’s name on it so you can be given a receipt for your records.

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