Guitar I– Fall 2013

Instructor: Wade Hendricks

Plan time-4/8block

(303) 652-6550 Ext.46559

Guitar I at NHS is designed for the beginningguitar player. Basic chords,

power chords, various strumming patterns, note reading, and basic music theory will be covered. Students will need to supply their own guitar. Acoustic and electric guitars are both allowed; however, no amplifiers will be used in class.A limited number of guitars may be available for students with a financial need, typically those on free or reduced lunch.Students who can already play guitar should enroll for Guitar II, offered this semester during 7thblock.

Students who have already taken and passed Guitar I may not take it again.If you already play the guitar, this class (Guitar I) is not for you!

Grades

45% Weekly Quizzes (written or playing)and Homework

15% Playing Quarterlyand WrittenAssessments(including final exam)

35% Classroom Etiquette and Participation

5% Notebook Assessment

Materials

  1. Guitar, pick, tuner (optional but HIGHLY recommended)
  2. 3 ring notebook
  3. pencil or pen
  4. lesson book

Daily Quizzesand Homework

Daily Quizzes can be written or playing. Written quizzes are worth 5-20 points and will cover chords, melodic lines, reading music, music theory, and/or basic understanding of the guitar. Playing quizzes areusually worth 20 points andwill consist of students performing for their classmates. Disruptive or distracting behavior during another’s performance willnegatively impact your grade.Only students who arrive on time will receive credit.Make-ups for absences are the responsibility of the student to schedulewith the teacher.This class will not involve a lot of homework, but your first homework assignment will be a parent signature on page 2 of this document.

Assessments

Written and/or playing tests will be given at the end of each quarter and will incorporate all material covered in class (mostly material covered in the bookor handouts). A notebook assessment will require students to turn in all of the handouts and materials passed out in class.

Classroom Etiquette/Participation

Appropriate classroom etiquette involves entering the class on time in a polite, mature fashion, bringing the necessary materials to class, being ready to work 3

minutes after the bell, and behaving in a respectable manner. To get full credit, students should expect to use any in-class practice time effectively. Students may not eat or drink anything other than water during class. By showing up on time, bringing the proper materials, and giving their best effort throughout class, students will earn 10 points each class. Points may be deducted with the following infractions:

No pencil: loss of 3points

Tardy: loss of 5 points

No guitar(regardless of reason)and no note from home that it’s in the shop: loss of all 10 points

Unexcused absence: loss of all 10 points

Leaving trash where it doesn’t belong: loss of 3 points

Playing guitar at an inappropriate time: loss of 2 points each time

Students may not earn less than a zero for each day. This policy may be amended as needs arise.

Electronic Devices/Cell Phones

Ipods/mp3 players may be used during independent practice sessions

only as a practice aid, with prior approval.Typically this involves listening to the same song repeatedly as you are trying to learn to play it. Students may not listen to music that they are not working on playing on their guitarswithout prior teacher approval.

Cell phones should never be seen, used or heard during regular classes. Regrettably, many iPods/phones are stolen from students each year, regardless if a student’s name is engraved on the back. Students are responsible for keeping track of these items. They should not be left unattended, and the teacher, school, and district are not responsible

for their loss.

Materialsand Fees

Students are responsible for supplying their own guitar, picks, and extra strings

beginning. Storage for guitars will be available in the band room. This room will be locked after school. Niwot High School and the St. Vrain Valley School District will not be held responsible for guitars that are lost, stolen, or damaged. All students should label their cases and keep a record of make and model/serial number at home. Parents should also make sure that instruments at school are covered on their homeowners’/renters’ insurance. A limited number of guitars may be available for students with financial hardships.

There is a $20 fee for this class, which will be used to purchase the materials used.In addition to the fee, all students will need a 3-ring binder.

Hall Passes

With a 10-minute passing period, students should make every effort to use the bathroom/get a drink during this time. Students may not use a pass the first 15 or last 15 minutes of a class period (school rule).

Tardy Policy

Only one tardy will be excused before there will be deductions in the classroom etiquettegrade. Students who are tardy won’t be eligible to receive credit on that day’s quiz.

After the third tardy, parents will be contacted. After the 4thoffense, the student’s name will be turned in to main office and entered on No Pass List for rest of quarter.

Class expectations

1. Be on time.

2. Be prepared.Have your stuff every day. Stuff includesfunctioning guitar, pick,

pencil and music. Have your homework done and music practiced before class starts.

3. Be honorable. Give your best effort, no excuses, no exceptions. Help us remain focused on music learning by not being distracting. Be honest and set a good example for

your fellow musicians, especially when working with a substitute teacher or practicing on your own.

4. No contraband. Gum is never allowed. Soda and snacks should be consumed before or after class and not brought into the room except in special circumstances. Cell phones, game players and radios (except for sanctioned use) are not allowed. Use mp3 players only to help you practice your guitar. The Music Department, NHS and the district are not responsible for stolen items.

In addition to the above rules, all other NHS rules are to be followed in guitarclass.

Info Sheet

This sheet is your first grade.It isdue by Tuesday, August 27th, 2013.

I have read, understand, and will abide by the requirements and expectations for Guitar I, as detailed in the syllabus, which is available for viewing online at: on Guitar 1).

Student Name (please print) ______

Signature ______

We have read the information in thesyllabus(

and agree to help my/our studentfollow the rules and guidelines.

Parent/Guardian(s) name(s) (please print)______

Signature ______

Please use this space to tell me anything that it would be helpful to know about the student, such as musical experiences or personality traits. Examples include:

Karen took guitar lessons for 2 months in 6thgrade or Wesley isshy and doesn’t like to be teased.

Thank you!