Instrumental Music Grades 6 8 Samuel M. Inman M. S. Instructor: Ms. A. R. Woods arwoods@atlantapublicschools.us Course Description: Band instruction in the Atlanta Public Schools is standards driven, sequential, substantive and comprehensive. Fundamental skills established in primary school graduate with appreciation of and skill in the arts. Our program reflects the Georgia Performance Standards in which students create, perform, produce, analyze and develop aesthetic understanding, demonstrate knowledge of the arts, other disciplines and everyday life. Course Objectives: To receive instruction in proper playing posture through demonstration and explanation. To achieve proper tone production with emphasis on attacking, sustaining, and releasing through proper breath control and articulation. To develop recognition of a variety of rhythmic patterns through clapping playing and the use of subdividing to interpret and read music accurately. To develop sight reading proficiency by use of rhythm patterns, method books, music theory and a wide range of sight reading materials. To use proper hand position, embouchure, and finger positions. Be advised on the proper selection of mouthpieces, reeds, drumsticks, and quality instruments. Be evaluated periodically by listening to assigned exercises or compositions or through written tests and public performances and evaluation festivals. Be exposed to various performance practices relative to band, orchestra, and other musical groups. Grading Scale: 100 90 A 89 80 B 79 70 C 69 0 F Grading Criteria: The grading criteria shall consist of the following: *40% Class Participation, Materials, and Preparation, 25% Performance Exams, 10% Written Classwork, 25% Public Performances (both school based and off campus performances). *For every class day that a student is not prepared for performance i.e. pencil, instrument, notebook, etc. that student will receive a zero in Class Participation, Materials and Preparation each day until the student returns to class prepared to participate. Before School Rehearsals: Occasionally, before school rehearsals will be necessary before a performance to put the finishing touches on our music. Students will be expected to participate in these rehearsals that are scheduled. Adequate notice of the time and location of the rehearsal will be given so that the appropriate arrangements for transportation can be made. Since each band member is a vital part of the performance, rehearsal attendance is necessary for our band program to be successful. If a student must miss a rehearsal, Ms. Woods should be made aware of the situation ahead of time, whenever possible, by phone, email or written note. Students who have conflicts due to school related activities are expected to make arrangements and alert Ms. Woods accordingly. Students with unexcused rehearsal absences may not be allowed to perform in the upcoming
concert with the ensemble. A REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WILL BE SENT OUT PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY REHEARSALS. Performances: Performances, which are often scheduled outside of normal school hours, will be an integral part the student s development as a musician as well as membership in our musical organization. Music is a participatory subject, and therefore participation in performances will have a profound impact on the student s band experience. Participation in performances will make up a large part of the student s total grade. We will have several performances this year; dates and specific information will be given to you as it becomes available. Please schedule special family events and medical appointments around these performance dates. For any absence from a concert, Ms. Woods should be made aware of the conflict well in advance of the scheduled concert by parent note or email. Some required performances include, but are not limited to: Fall/Winter/Spring Concerts Solo & Ensemble Performance All State Auditions Large Group Performance Evaluations (Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Inman Jazz Eagles and Jazz Eagle Combo) All students are expected to participate in all of the above events as it relates to their abilities. Each student must choose between Solo & Ensemble and All State Auditions to participate in. More information will be given during the first two weeks of school. All students are expected to attend performances for three reasons: 1. It is part of the learning experience. 2. We need you! We function as a unit. 3. It is FUN! The performance is the reward that the students have earned for the hours spent in rehearsal. Absences from concerts are approved in these cases: 1. Excused absence from school due to official school field trip. 2. Illness before or on the day of a concert (doctor s note may be required) 3. Family emergency. Because music is performed as an ensemble, and not individuals; there is really no appropriate make-up for a missed performance. However, any student who misses a performance is expected to complete an additional assignment. In reality, the student s contribution to the performance cannot be replaced by a written assignment. Performance Attire: Eagle Honor Band/Symphonic Band - The Inman Middle School band polo should be worn with black slacks, and dress shoes with dark socks. The pants and band polo should be pressed and neatly worn. The band polo is to be tucked in. Jeans or shorts are not acceptable for a performance. Band polo's can be ordered through the band office for $12.00. Required Materials and Supplies: As we have a limited supply of school owned instruments available for students use, it is recommended that students make arrangements to rent, lease or purchase their own instruments. School owned instruments are issued on a first come, first served basis. There are many reputable music stores in the area. More importantly, students must purchase their own mouthpieces, reeds, neck straps, and other accessories relative to the upkeep of their instrument.
Other Supplies include: Everyone 2 Pencils (Daily) Black ½ 1 Three ring Binder 20+ Sheet Protectors Notebook Paper (for daily journals and note taking) Metronome/tuner Woodwinds Reeds Cork Grease Reed Case Neck strap Mouthpiece Ligature Brass Mouthpiece Valve Oil Tuning Slide Grease Spray Bottle TROMBONES ONLY Slide Cream TROMBONES ONLY Percussion Stick Bag Snare Sticks (at least 2 pair) Xylophone Mallets plastic and yarn Tympani Mallets Suspended Cymbal Mallets Classroom Procedures and Behavior Expectations This list of procedures and expectations serves as a basis which covers a general set of rules that apply to all students in the band program. ALL students are expected to be familiar with and follow the procedures and routines that will be established throughout the school year. FIVE PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR 1. Be courteous, polite and respectful to all classmates and adults. 2. Contribute in a positive way to the learning environment. 3. Be truthful and honest. 4. Treat the band room and band equipment with respect and care. 5. Strive to do your best and be your best. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/STANDARDS No food, drink, or chewing gum in the band room. Students may drink from the water fountain before and after class. Students will enter the band room quietly and be in their seats and quiet by the time class begins. Students will remain in their seats until they are dismissed by the teacher. Students will remain quiet during class. Students with questions should raise their hand and wait to be acknowledged by the teacher before speaking. Instrument storage will be used for band instruments only. Students will have their instrument or sticks/mallets, music, pencil (on music stand) and all supplies/accessories in class. To prevent lost or damaged music, it should be kept in a black 1 3 ring notebook binder with plastic sheet protectors. Students will play only the instrument(s) assigned to them. Students will keep hands, feet and objects to themselves always Students will not enter Ms. Woods office or other rooms in the music suite until they have received permission from Ms. Woods.
Inman Middle School Band is a non-hazing organization. Any behavior that can be considered hazing should be reported to the Band Director as soon as possible and will be reported to the school administrators. REWARDS for appropriate student behavior: Verbal/nonverbal praise Positive notes or phone calls home Invitations to participate in reward events (field trips, etc.). Unique opportunity to participate in music activities CONSEQUENCES for inappropriate student behavior: Verbal/nonverbal warning Student will be asked to pack up instrument Phone call home to parent. Detention Exclusion from special reward events (field trips, etc.) Plan for Improving Performance on Standardized Tests: This class will integrate concepts from the Math and Language Arts Curriculum to enhance comprehension in Music, as well as to improve student performance on standardized tests. If there are any questions or concerns feel free to contact me either by phone or by e mail. Musically, Ms. A. R. Woods, Director of Bands Inman Middle School 774 Virginia Avenue N E Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 802-3225 Voicemail arwoods@atlantapublicschools.us 1. Color copy Paper 8½ x 11 2. Kleenex tissue 3. Paper towels 4. Hand Sanitizer 5. Expo Markers CLASSROOM WISH LIST 2013 2014
Please print your name and sign below signifying that you fully understand the syllabus and responsibilities of your student(s). This page must be returned to Ms. Woods, for a participation grade, by Friday, August 16 th. Parent Name (please print) Parent Signature Student Name (please print) Student Signature