West Jessamine High School Band

2012-2013 School Year

SYLLABUS/GRADE BREAKDOWN

PERFORMANCES 40%

-Any missed performance automatically results in a complete loss of points in this category, making it impossible to pass this course for the semester.

-Students earn either FULL, HALF, or ZERO credit for each rehearsal.

-Full credit is awarded to students who are prompt, present, prepared, and professional.

-Half credit may be given if the student is tardy, leaves early, is somewhat unprepared for rehearsal.

-Zero credit is given to any student who is absent from rehearsal, who is tardy and leaves early, who is completely unprepared for rehearsal, or who provides any distraction to directors, staff, or fellow members during rehearsals.

PARTICIPATION/REHEARSAL PREPARATION 25%

-Participation and preparation are essential to the band’s overall success. Missed rehearsals and lack of preparation ultimately lead to failed experiences and goals. Each student must participate and be prepared for every rehearsal unless a “rehearsal excuse form” has been submitted at least 2 weeks in advance AND approved by Mr. White. Certain emergency situations may be approved by the directors.

-Each after-school rehearsal is worth “itself divided by the total number of rehearsals during each grading period.”

PLAYING/WRITING ASSESSMENTS 15%

Playing Portion

-Individual assessment is one of the biggest keys to quick and efficient musical development, as well as playing very well as an ensemble. As a result, playing assessments may appear in several forms:

-Scale tests (monthly)

-Announced tests/quizzes on literature or other given material

-Unannounced tests/quizzes on literature

-Fundamental “checks”

Written Portion

-In addition to developing each musician’s performance skills, each student is expected to develop musical knowledge, understanding, and appreciation. Students may be asked to do the following (not an exhaustive list):

-Theory tests

-Open response practice

-Music term/vocabulary tests

-Score analysis

-etc.

PROFICIENCIES 20%

-Students will be assigned a set of basic fundamental exercises at the beginning of each semester designed to develop each performer in all areas of musical growth. Students are responsible for preparing all “proficiency” exercises and performing them upon completion to teacher satisfaction to earn all credit in this category.

TOTAL 100%

Each student is expected to develop in all areas of musical development during the school year. Grading will be frequent, consistent, and crucial to the success of each student. Please notice the most important portion of the overall grade is in PERFORMANCE. All other aspects are designed to enhance student performance.