Beginning Band Curriculum

Beginning Band Syllabus (for all 5th grade students) 2019 - 2020

Teacher: Mrs. Bunker

Grade weighting;

50% active participation and development of technique and performance practice

25% Assessments

25% Theory

Instruments on offer are: Violin, Clarinet, Flute and Trumpet. There will be an 'Instrument Petting Zoo' at the WOLCS middle school orientation on August 2nd at 11am in the West Venue, where students can try out instruments and sign up for their preference. Violins can be rented on the spot through 'Music and Arts' who will be providing the demonstration. We have a limited number of Clarinets, flutes and trumpets owned by the school which can be lent to the students for the duration of the school year at no charge. Families may also choose to rent these instruments from the petting zoo as well if prefered. All students and families will be required to sign an instrument rental agreement prior to taking the instrument home. Familes are responsible for the cost of repairs to their instrument should it be deemed the result of inproper care. A limited number of accessories for the instruments will be be provided by the school (such as violin strings and clarinet reeds) but families may be required to purchase their own should excessive replacement be required due to inproper care of the instrumental accessories by the student.

Concepts covered:

Technical development on the instrument

Development of sight reading

Development of music theory comprehension

Development of performance practice

Development of repertoire knowledge and understanding

Perform music from a variety of genres.

Performance etiquette

Expectations:

Students are expected to be on time and to participate fully in the classes and to do their best to improve in the given focus area. Students will be expected to keep their music neatly organised and present. Attendance at all performance opportunities and concerts is mandatory. Sometimes, additional rehearsals may be called outside of the regular class time to accommodate rehearsal with the choir or at other venues/with other groups. Attendance at these extra rehearsals are also mandatory.

Behavior/participation grade

Each day you will receive a grade out of 10 for your behavior and participation in class. You will receive an automatic 0 for the class if you forget your instrument on instrument day or likewise your theory on theory day.

The group will be divided into wind/brass and strings. The days will alternate and be posted as to which instrument should be brought to school that day. If it is not your instrument day then you will be assigned some theory packages to work through.

Homework expectations:

It is expected that students practice their materials on their instrument at home. When additional homework assignments are assigned then they should be handed in on time. If homework is handed in late then your grade will be reduced by one grade. Opportunities for make up work may be offered by the teacher.

Make up performance opportunities:

If you have to miss a recital due to a valid reason, an explanatory note from your parent/guardian is required. You will be expected to make up your performance in the form of a performance to the student body as directed by the teacher.

Materials required:

One plain black binder, one pencil, all of your sheet music which will be handed out when available from your teacher and your instrument with everything you need to play it.