DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATON
FOR MR. SOWBY’SMUSIC COURSES2016-2017
OVERVIEW
This course provides a means of communication through the use of an instrument. General music terms, notes, notation, rhythms, technique, practice habits and music history will be addressed as well as items specific to each instrument. Students will have the opportunity to play together as a group as well as perform individually. Students will be required to attend concerts to which their parents, family, and community are invited. Student progress will be evaluated frequently and improvements will be made. The objective is to have students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a given instrument by playing with good tone, intonation, correct posture, dynamic level, style and rhythm. They must also demonstrate understanding of music in general by reading and playing any written music specific to their instrument. The State Music curriculum has been adopted from the National Music Standards, which will be our goal.
GRADING
Weighted Point System
25% Playing and Written Tests
25% Concert Attendance
25% Assignments, Practice Charts
25% Daily Participation
GRADE SCALE
95-100 A 90-94 A- 86-89 B+ 82-85 B 78-81 B- 74-77 C+
70-73 C66-69 C-62-65 D+58-61 D54-57 D-0-53 F
DESCRIPTION OF GRADED ITEMS
Playing and Written Tests
These items include passing off scales, rhythms and rudiments, exercises from the book, selections from concert music, and information presented in class or in method books. Points are assigned to each of these tasks.
Concert Attendance
Concert performances are part of the class curriculum. They are not considered extra-curricular events. For this reason, attendance at all concerts is required. Students who do not participate in a performance will not receive the points for that event.
Assignments
Written assignments, including worksheets, will be given in conjunction with music-related films, composition activities and music theory instruction. Students will be expected to keep and turn in a practice chart showing the extent of their practice and progress. Students are encouraged to practice the amount necessary to learn parts for concerts and pass-off instrumental skills, such as scales. One point will be given for each minute of practice. Students who take private lessons on any instrument (including piano) will receive 30 minutes of practice points per week.
Daily Participation
Daily participation includes being in your seat on time as well as being prepared with your instrument, music, pencil and other materials. It also includespaying attention and following instructions whenever you are in the band room. Students are expected to use class time to rehearse effectively and contribute to the successful performance of the group.
CITIZENSHIP
Each student is expected to be in their seat on time and be prepared and be anxiously engaged in learning by paying attention and following instructions the first time they are given. Being tardy or unprepared not only affects the citizenship grade, but weighs on the daily participation part of the letter grade. Students who are late more than 3 times or are unprepared anytime can expect a phone call home. A referral to the office will be made on the 5th tardy. Please be on time and be prepared each day as not to interrupt the learning process of others as well as yourself.
EXPECTATIONS
IFollow directions
IINo gum, food or drink
IIIRespect each other and property
- Keep hands and objects to yourself
- Take care of instruments and music
- Take care of stands and chairs
IVOnce seated, remain seated
- In seat before bell rings, ready to play
- Quickly return to seat after packing up
VFollow all other school rules
INSTRUMENT RENTAL
Most students rent an instrument from a music store or use one from home. A limited supply of instruments are available for rent from the school. They are: tuba, baritone, bass clarinet, bassoon, oboe, bari-sax, and French horn. The rental fee is $85.00 for the school year, including summer. Second and third year percussion students (Percussion Ensemble and Advanced Band Percussionists) need to have their own bag of sticks and pay an equipment use fee of $25.00, or rent a bag for $65.00. Pay these at the office. A rental agreement form will then be filled out and needs to be signed by a parent. Beginning percussion students will need to rent or purchase, from a store, a percussion kit which includes bells, stand, mallets and a practice pad.
MATERIALS and FEES
Students are responsible for the care of their own instruments. Those renting from the school are responsible for the instrument they have rented and are expected to return it in good order. Percussionists are expected to care for the equipment they use by not abusing it and returning it to its proper storage space. Students will be responsible for sheet music assigned to them and are expected to return it in good order. All band students need to pay a $15.00 music participation feeto the office. A folder will be provided to each student to keep track of and care for music.
METHOD BOOKS
We will be using “Essential Elements 2000, Book One”w/CD & DVD for beginners and “Essential Elements 2000, Book Two” for the intermediate class, including the Percussion Ensemble. Advanced Band students will use “Essential Techniques”. These are available at any music store or online purchase.
BAND CONCERT DATES
October 13, Thursday-Band Concert with WHS Marching Band @ Orion in the Gym, 7:00 PM
December 15,Thursday-Band Concert @Weber High auditorium, with Weber High, 7:00 PM
March 2, Thursday-Band Concert @ Orion in the Gym, 7:00 PM
May 11, Thursday-Band Concert @ Orion in the Gym, 7:00 PM
DISTRICT BAND EVENTS
Dec 1st,Thursday-Honor Band Concert 7:00 PM @South Ogden Junior High
March 9th, Thursday-Beginning Band Festival, daytime @ Roy High
March 23rd, Thursday-Intermediate/Advanced Band Festival, daytime @ Roy High
April 27th, Thursday-Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Festival, 5-8 PM @ Rocky Mtn.
(cut on this line)
PLEASE RETURN TO MR SOWBY DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
______
(print student name) (class period)
(Please place a check mark by the following items)
_____ I have reviewed the Disclosure Statement
_____ I give permission
_____ I give permission for the above named student to travel by bus and
participate in the concerts and festivals as appear on the Calendar of Events
_____ I give permission for him/her to view PG rated films correlated to
instructional objectives as outlined by the Weber District video usage policy.
______
(parent/guardian signature) (date)