Fossil Ridge T-Rex Bands

Course Disclosure

Beginning Band

 

Instructor: Mr. Winslow       652-4706, ext. 212     mwinslow@fri.washk12.org

 

Description:

This class will teach students the basic skills of playing an instrument and the knowledge needed to read, understand and appreciate music. Students will be able to play their specific instrument by learning the fundamentals which include: breathing, posture, proper embouchure, hand positions, and reading notes and rhythms.  Students will be asked to perform in concerts at least twice during the year and will participate in playing tests and occasional written tests. This class will give students the basic skills to continue participating in band throughout their school careers.

 

Equipment Needed:

Students will need to have the following equipment to participate in the band:

-          a working instrument  (clarinets – size 2 reeds;  Saxophones – size 2 ˝ reeds; AT LEAST 3 reeds)

-          Standard of Excellence, Book 1 (can be purchased at any music store in town)

-          Later in the year, Standard of Excellence Book 2

-          A 3 ring binder (2” rings) to hold music and homework

-          a pencil

-          new, blank CDR

-          a pair of khaki pants for concerts

-          a Fossil Ridge Band shirt for concerts ($9) Dark Green Polo Shirt

The pants and shirt are necessary for all band performances. An order form for the shirts will be sent home on SEPT 12! WATCH FOR IT!!! ONE pencil will be provided to each student at the beginning of the school year. Pencils are necessary because we write a lot of reminders in our music. If you lose a pencil, you can purchase another one from me for $.25.  NO PENS will be allowed.

 

EXPECTATIONS:

Listed below are a few class expectations so we can all enjoy band.

1. We are expected to be respectful to students, teachers and the equipment we use.

2. We are expected to be prepared for class every day with a pencil, music, and instrument.

3. We are expected to keep all food and drink (except water) outside the band room.

4. We are expected to work hard and have fun making music!

5. We are expected to practice 100 minutes a week!

Being in band is being a part of a team. When one of us does not meet up to the expectations, we let the whole team down.  If a student’s behavior becomes very disrespectful, dangerous, or threatening to other students or teachers, that student will have a conference with their parent/guardian and the band director to discuss appropriate action.

 

 

Power Standards

These standards set the guidelines for what happens in the class. All of the activities and learning done in band are focused on these for main Power Standards:

 

GRADING:

Grading will be based on the following items.

 

-Participation  100 pts per quarter (two points per day): Each student will be given the full 100 points of participation at the beginning of each quarter.  Students can lose points in the following ways: not having an instrument at school, not having a pencil, being tardy, inappropriate behavior.

 

-Achievement Lines (Playing Tests) 3 pts each: Each quarter will have a variety of playing tests that come from the book Standard of Excellence.  These playing tests will demonstrate how the student is progressing in playing abilities, rhythm reading, and note reading. Students will perform the tests in a variety of settings including: solo, duet, small group, and sections. Some of these playing tests will be recorded for individual use.

 

-Listening Log (once a week) 5 pts each (50 pts per quarter): Each week we will do one listening activity that involves listening to classical and modern music and evaluating what we have listened to. Students will be given a handout at the beginning of each quarter and students will hand in the log at the end of each quarter.

 

-Practice Charts 10 pts each (100 pts per quarter): Students are expected to turn in a practice chart every week that shows how much time the students have spent practicing. Each student is expected to practice 100 minutes a week! These charts must be signed by a parent and turned in each MONDAY for full credit. Practicing is so important, especially during the first years of learning an instrument. 10 minutes of practice is worth one point for a total of 10 points a week.

 

Performances (at least two during the school year) 200 pts each:  An important part of playing an instrument is performing in concerts. Students will participate in at least two concerts a year, one in December and one in May.  Opportunities may arise for more performances and we will take those opportunities. Performing in a concert is a highlight of being in band!

 

Grade Breakdown:

A= 90-100%

B=80-89%

C= 70-79%

D = 51-69%

F= 0-50%

EXTRA CREDIT:

An important part of playing an instrument is listening to other people play. By hearing professional musicians play, you will understand how beautiful your instrument can sound. Hearing other musicians will also help you appreciate music of different styles which will make you a better musician.

 

EXTRA CREDIT POSSIBILITIES

- 5 points will be given for ANY attendance at a musical concert whether it be rock, pop, a symphony,or the Fossil Ridge choir concert(20 points max. per quarter).  We want you to hear all types of music. To earn your points, turn in a program from the concert with your name on it. I will do my best to keep you informed of upcoming concerts in the community.

-You can also earn extra credit by taking private lessons from a qualified instructor (10 pts per quarter). I will provide a list of private teachers on each instrument.  Private lessons are HIGHLY recommended!

-You can also earn extra credit for extra practice time. One point will be given for every 10 minutes of extra practice time. (Up to 20 pts max per week)

Use of Equipment:

Band requires using a lot of equipment including instruments, chairs, stands, and music. We all need to be responsible for taking care of the equipment we use every day (see expectations).  I will hand out to each student a paper that demonstrates proper care for your individual instrument. Every parent needs to see this handout so they also know how to properly care for your instrument. In addition, each student will be assigned a locker with a padlock in the band room for their instrument. It is important to be respectful of the other students and not mess around with lockers or items that are assigned to others.

 

Careers related to band:

Music teacher, music librarian, music therapist, music publisher, copyright expert, graphic artist, audio technician, music critic, audiologist, studio musician, church musician, pit musician, composer, arranger, music store owner, sales representative for instruments, talent agent, concert promoter, acoustical engineer, keyboard tuner, studio designer, concert hall architect.

 

 

Students please go over this course disclosure with your parents/guardians and have them sign and return this bottom portion to Mr. Winslow.  Parents, if there are any questions please feel free to contact me. This form is due AUGUST 19, 2005.  It is worth 20 points!!!

 

STUDENT NAME:_________________________________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE:____________________________________________

PARENT/GAURDIAN SIGNATURE____________________________________

 

ALSO – we are always in need of volunteers during the school day and chaperones for trips. If you are available to help with this please list the days and times you would be able to help during the school day, and I will contact you! THANK YOU!!!!

 

Days during the week you are available ___________________________________________

Times during the school day ___________________________________________________

Phone Number _______________________________________