MUS -343 -001 • MARCHING BAND METHODS
Fall 2007
Tuesday-Thursday 9:25am-10:40am • FA219 (computer lab) • 3 Credit Hours
Dr. Brant Karrick, Instructor 362 FAC (859) 572-5284
Individual meetings are encouraged and arranged by appointment or during office hours.
Materials & Text Books:
1.Techniques of Marching Band Show Designing (5th ed.) by Dan Ryder
2.Techniques of Marching Band Show Designing Workbook by Dan Ryder
3.2-inch 3-Ring Binder with appropriate tabs (10 should be adequate)
4.Flash/Travel Drive storage device for backing up ALL work! (1 GB should be plenty)
5.Course pack available in book store.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
1.Broaden knowledge and develop skills required of marching band directors in the categories of:
a. administration & organization
b.computer use for drill charting, music notation and data base programs
c.resources, materials & equipment
d.rehearsal techniques and teaching strategies
e.philosophy
2.Develop and implement marching band arranging skills including instrument ranges, transpositions, harmony, scoring, and percussion.
3.Develop and implement marching band drill-design skills and learn to use Pyware Java drill design software. Specific issues learned will include staging, transitions, phrasing, principles of design, use of auxillaries, and current trends in drill design.
4.Gain knowledge in band administration and organization including:
a.personnel management
b.budget organization.
c.recruiting
d.band camp planning
e.trip planning
f.staff recruitment and management
g.public relations
h.fund raising
i.band parent organizations
j.retail & mail order companies
k.submitting bids; requestions & purchase orders; instrument acquisition
l.inventories (instrument and uniform)
m.uniform purchase
5.Develop well-informed philosophy regarding marching band and its place in the school, in the community and with music education.
Specific Objective, Assignments and Possible Points:
(CB=Competency Based)
1.Participate in class discussions and activities.CB
2.Present to the class, either individually or in small groups, a topic of keen interest.CB
These can include auxillary units, percussion, marching basics, band parent
organization, computer assistance, philosophy, etc. Presentations will be made throughout the semester.
3.Keep a notebook, with tabs, of all handouts, assignments, class notes, etc.CB
4.Read five (5) articles related to marching band. Two will be assigned. Summerize15
each article including main points, information of specific interest and what you learned.
Use the forms provided in the course packet. (assessed 3 pts. each)
5.INDIVIDUAL COURSE PROJECT50
Breakdown
A.Design all drill for a complete show of at least 8 minutes. Your band size should(20)
be between 50-100 marchers including all visual units. Scores to arrangements,
flow charts and drill design sketches must be included. Drill design must be completed using design program (3-D Java) and turned in for grading in both hard copy and storage disk. Work may also be emailed to instructor.
- Complete the following organizational duties:
1.Set up a data base with all important student information. Fields (5) should include (but not limited to) names, addresses, instruments,
should include (but not limited to) first and last name, address, instrument,
uniform parts for number identification, etc.)
2.Author/compile a band handbook. Include:(10)
a) rules/consequences, conduct, policies, & philosophies, etc.
b) marching fundamentals
c) rehearsal and performance schedule
d) uniform care
e) leadership & student support organization
f) band camp daily organization plan for 5 days)
g) band parents organization plan
h) a sample itinerary for an overnight trip
i)a lesson plan for a two hour rehearsal
ALL of this must be typed/wordprocessing format and ready for distribution to your future band members the first day of rehearsals.
C.One of the musical selections in your show must be your arrangement(15)
1.Score for standard marching instrumentation
2.No less than 2 minutes
3.Must be completed by 10/9/07. Do not use a previously written chart.
- Criteria to be discussed
6.Daily assignments & quizzes on academic calender and as needed. 35
7.Notebook: to be turned in to instructor for grading the last day of classCB
Note 1:DEPENDABILITY, PUNCTUALITY, POSITIVE ATTITUDE & ATTENTIVENESS ARE A MUST FOR A SUCCESSFUL BAND DIRECTOR. DEVELOP THESE HABITS NOW!!
Note 2:BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO PROCRASTINATE.
Note 3:BACK UP DAILY ALL WORK DONE ON COMPUTER!!!!
Grading, Assessment and Attendance Policy:
No incompletes will be given.
Assessment is based on 1) quality of work, 2) completed and on time, and 3) amount of effort demonstrated. Daily assignments are graded. Points may be lost for late assignments and/or incomplete assignments. To maximize learning and for on-time assignments, students will be given opportunity to correct and improve “lower quality” work in order to earn all possible points. You are “beginners” as drill designers and music arrangers and your work will be initially assessed with that in mind. However, most of the learning will take place in the editing and revising process as high quality is the ultimate goal. Quizes are assessed for correct answers. Further assessment will occur during class through discussion.
A = 90-100 points earned, all assignments completed competently and on time.
B = 80-89 points earned, all assignments completed competently and on time.
C = 70-79 points earned, most assignments completed competently.
D = 60-69points earned, some assignments completed competently.
F = 59
Each student will be permitted three (3) unexcused, no questions asked absences for sickness or personal reasons. A tardy beyond 15 minutes will be considered an absence. Beginning with the fourth (4th) absence, the final grade will be reduced by one (1) letter for each additional absence—that is ten (10) points for each absence beginning with the fourth will be deducted from the total accumulated points. Chronic tardiness may also negatively affect final grade.
Extenuating circumstances causing missed class should be discussed with the instructor otherwise grading will occur as described previously. Students should plan accordingly and use their sick/personal days wisely. Only in the case of verifiable illness will students be allowed to make up exams and quizzes. The expectation for attendance is similar to that of a full-time teacher in a public school. Please follow proper professional and courteous protocol.
Student Conduct
The work you will do in this course is subject to the Student Honor Code. The Honor code is a commitment to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct, a commitment that, individually and collectively, the students of Northern Kentucky University will not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid academic requirements.
Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments, auxiliary aids or services) for this course must register with the Disability Services Office. Please contact the Disability Service Office immediately in the University Center, suite 320 or call 859-672-6373 for more information. Verification of your disability is required in the DSO for you to receive reasonable academic accommodation. Visit the website at
Academic Calender, Fall Semester 2007
Complete assignments prior to class so that the entire class can benefit from the discussion. do not put these off because you may require additional outside help.
NOTE 1: All drill design assignments, unless otherwise specified, should be stored in your available NKU space (explanation to follow) AND backed up on your storage device. Bad stuff happens especially in a community computer lab.
NOTE 2: Be sure to save your work about every 2-3 minutes! Computers have a nasty habit of crashing and certain 3-D functions can cause the system to crash.
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WEEK 1TOPICS: Intro to course; intro to MB arranging; 3-way harmonizing
8/21, 23Assignments:
- Harmonize a tune in 3 ways by adding 2 voices to melody.
- Due Tuesday, 8/28)(2)
2.Harmonize a different tune in 3-ways for instruments in the class.
Class may play harmonizations beginning Tuesday, 9/4)(2)
3.Transposition quiz #1 (Thursday)(1)
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WEEK 2TOPICS: More on MB arranging; Tutti scoring; ranges & transpositions
8/28, 30Assignments:
1.Hand score an 8-measure MB setting of a Bach chorale (2)
due Thursday, 9/6
2.Decide on music for your project show including a piece to arrange.
- Reading from packet as assigned.
- BRING INSTRUMENTS TO CLASS!!
- Transposition quizzes #2 & #3 Tu & Th, 1 pt. Each(2)
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WEEK 3TOPICS: Bass lines, Harmonic rhythm; musical styles;
9/4, 6Assignments:
1.Complete missing voices for Yesterday MB arrangement; compare (2) yours to Dr. K's. Due Tuesday, 9/11.
2.Complete styles arranging worksheets due Tuesday, 9/18(2)
- Reading from packet as assigned.
- Begin in-class arrangement(s)
- Transposition quizes #4 & #5 Tu & Th, 1 pt. Each(2)
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WEEK 4TOPICS: Getting to know powers of 3D.
9/11, 13Assignments:
1.Complete 3D Pyware Drill Design Tutorial
Do not print but save to hard drive AND travel drive. (possible adjustment)
2. Read intro and chapters 1-2 of Techniques of Marching Band Show Designing
by D. Ryder
3.Complete 2 assignments from MBSD Workbook due Thursday 9/20(2)
- Complete 8 measures of your project show arrangement.
- Additional arranging assignment TBA
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WEEK 5TOPICS: 3D continued.
9/18, 20Assignments: All Due 9/25 unless noted otherwise.
1. Create five contrasting static formations for a band size of your choice. (2) Differentiate sections of instruments, consider "good sounding” well-staged, uncluttered forms. Use your textbook and workbook for ideas.
2.Read chapter 3 of MBSD.
3.Complete 2 assignments from MBSD Workbook; due Thursday 9/27(2)
- Complete 8-16 more measures of your project show arrangement.
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WEEK 6TOPICS: Traditional pencil & paper charting.
9/25, 27Assignments: All Due 10/2 unless noted otherwise.
1.Create five new contrasting opening formations for a 64-member (2) band, 2 on computer, 3 by hand. The hand drill should be sequential.
Differentiate sections of instruments, consider "good sounding” well-staged, uncluttered forms.
2.Read chapter 4 of MBSD.
3. Complete 2 assignments from the workbook; due Thursday 10/4(2)
4. Continue work on project arrangement; submit to Dr. K for comments.
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WEEK 7TOPICS: Making drill flow. Form Manipulation
10/2, 4Assignments: All Due 10/9 unless noted otherwise. 1. Write an animated drill for 40 people of at least 10 sets and no (2) fewer than 160 counts. maneuvers should include:
a. rotation, float, follow the leader, expansion/contraction.
b. drawing tools should include line, arc, circle, block, free form,
curve, & morphing tool.
c. divide the group into three sections with different symbols and do different types of maneuvers at the same time. In other words do not stay in a 40 group all of the time.
d. step size should be kept as clo kept as close to 22.5" as possible.
e.begin to consider transition type
2.Complete “in-class” drill sequence.CB
- Review chapters 2 & 3 of MBSD.
- Project arrangement should be nearing completion, due 10/9.
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WEEK 8TOPICS:Creating a Flow Chart; Staging
10/9, 11Assignments: All Due 10/16 unless noted otherwise.
1.Design five new static forms for 128 piece band. At least 3 (2)should be asymmetric.
- Prepare a flow chart for your opener. This shold include a phrasal analysis, etc.
- Complete 2 assignments from the workbook(2)
- Read chapters 8 & 9 of MBSD.
- Project arrangment due 10/9. (15 pts. part of project)
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WEEK 9TOPICS:Writing transitions; Designing your opener.
10/18Assignments: All Due 10/18 unless noted otherwise.
1. Read chapters 5 & 6 of MBSD.
2. Complete 2 assignments from the workbook (due 10/18)(2)
TUESDAY 10/16--FALL BREAK—NO CLASS
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WEEK 10TOPICS:Design your opener; roster database; writing for percussio
10/23, 251. Complete 2 assignments from the workbook (due 10/25)(2)
2. Complete percussion parts for project arrangement. Turn in for comment.
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WEEKS 11-12 TOPICS: Invidual issues, transitions, philosophy, administration
10/30, 11/1,6,8
1.Opener drill should be complete.
- Flow charts to all music should be complete.
- Prepare flow charts to next tune in show.
- Discussion topics TBA
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WEEKS 13-16 TOPICS: Invidual issues, transitions, philosophy, administration
11/13-12/6Students will continue to work toward completion of the final project. Class time will be spent watching videos and looking at student drills,
making suggestions toward improvement. Individual time will be arranged during and outside of class time to assist students with drill writing, arranging and computer problems.
Philosophical discussions and real life situations will be presented; students will develop opinions and gain knowledge in the area of band administration and marching band directing.
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THE FINAL PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED NO LATER THAN THE SCHEDULED FINAL EXAM DATE, Tuesday, December 11, 12:10pm.
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