Ensembles Concert Bands Concert Band
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Concert BandAbout | Placement | Grading Procedure | Class Expectations | Required Events | Concert Attire | Class Schedule ABOUT THE CONCERT BANDThe Concert Band class is the entry-level band class. This class is primarily freshman but is also comprised of students wishing to pursue a second instrument or perhaps an instrument for the first time. Students in this class are early in the development of their tone qualities, reading skills, and technical skill. Class time tends to be spent on development of these skills more than in the symphonic band or wind ensemble classes. Literature in this class tends to be grades 2½ to 3½ in difficulty. PLACEMENT IN ENSEMBLESAdmission, part assignment, and chair placement in the performing ensembles is a decision to be made by the directors and will be made by evaluating many factors, both immediate and long term in scope. The performance skills, attitude, reliability, responsibility, and effort put forth by the student, among others, are factors that will be evaluated by the directors in making a decision for admission, part assignment, and chair placement. In other words, the directors strongly feel that an evaluation of the complete student, both past and present is important when considering placement. Additionally, the future role of the student in the program and their life may play a role.
GRADING PROCEDURE
DAILY PARTICIPATION UNIT (30%) – The student is in attendance, punctual, prepared with materials, participating in a positive manner, and following instructions given by the instructor. 10 points will be awarded for each successful 6 period day and 15 points for a block day. PERFORMANCE and REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE UNIT (30%) – Performances serve as the exams of our subject area and our daily work. Additionally, it is often necessary to hold rehearsals outside the school day or during access to combine classes such as percussion and one of the concert bands. Students will receive ample notification of required performances and rehearsals and will receive credit for their attendance. Students are required to attend all performances and rehearsals. Performance and rehearsal attendance includes being present for the entire event. Arriving late or leaving early will result in a loss of points. Students who miss concerts without an excused absence may be subject to removal from the course. Excused absences generally include family emergency and/or illness. 200 points will be awarded for each performance, 75 points for each rehearsal. MUSIC HOMEWORK UNIT (20%) – 300 points for non marchers As homework for our class, students will be asked to participate in activities outside the class time. Most students will choose to earn credit in this category by participating in Marching Band. However, students who choose to not participate in Marching Band due to schedule conflicts with other school activities and/or personal reasons can earn credit in this category through alternative assignments. The following is a list of activities/assignments that can fulfill this requirement. Note: Additional assignments may be approved by the instructor. Possible Homework Unit Assignments – Marching Band (see scoring rubric), Research and Listening Papers (50 pts per page, single spaced with Times New Roman font size #12), Performing for/with Community groups such as church functions, etc (100pts each), Private lessons (50 pts per lesson), Performance Write-ups such as attending classically based concerts, stage productions, etc (50pts per page). Marching Band Scoring Rubric –
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL SERVICE UNIT (10%) Each Band student will be asked to complete Community and/or School Service. These assignments will include working a shift and providing a baked good at the Mead Band Craft Fair, performing at school assemblies, and performing at home basketball games. MUSIC COMPETENCY UNIT (PLAYING AND WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS) (10%) – Periodically the student will be asked to perform individual playing and written assignments to monitor preparation, practice, and study. Playing assignments will be on a 10 point scale and written assignments will be based on the number of questions.
Additionally, our state and district now have guidelines for assessing each student involved in the arts. This assessment is called a Classroom Based Performance Assessment (CBPA). With assistance and direction of the teachers, students will be asked to prepare a music festival solo appropriate for their level of ability. Preparation will include technical development and facility, basic research regarding the composer, composition time period, terminology and vocabulary, etc. Each student will perform this solo prior to the completion of the 1st semester and will be encouraged to perform this solo at the EWMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival in February. Results of this performance will be forwarded to the district. MAKE UPS Make ups will be allowed for excused absences only and are the responsibility of the student. The make ups will need to be appropriate to the category missed as outlined below. Missed Rehearsals and Daily Participation – A missed rehearsal can be made up by logging monitored practice time at school during non-class time (i.e. access, before school, after school). The make up must equal the amount of rehearsal time missed. Missed Performances – A missed performance can be made up by performing an approved in-class solo that is 3-5 minutes in length. Electronic or live accompaniment may be used. Community and School Service – Make ups in this category include attending additional basketball games, assisting with our elementary program, and performing at community locations (such as nursing homes, etc). Additional items may be available as approved by the directors. Music Competency – These can be made up by simply completing the missed assignment. Music Homework – Make ups in this category will fall under missed rehearsal and/or performance OR by simply turning in missing work. CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONSPreparation of individual parts – practice! REQUIRED EVENTS FOR CONCERT BAND COURSESFall Concert (late October or early November) WHAT TO WEAR FOR PERFORMANCESMembers of this ensemble are to wear All BLACK “casual nice” attire. Nice shoes are also a requirement of “casual nice”. Black tennis shoes are not permitted. Some students choose to wear their marching shoes. Students must also wear black socks. Black Jeans are not considered acceptable.
CLASS SCHEDULEThe Concert Band class meets 4th period of the day typically in the theatre
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 11:41am - 12:36pm
Thursday: 10:55am - 12:25pm
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