Aims of IB Performing Arts

Aims of IB Performing Arts

The IB Performing Arts program at Raney Intermediate School concentrates on the music of many cultures, the similarities and differences, through the study of music theory, musical technique and practices, instrument pedagogy, history, instrument design and construction, composition, and literature. Students will gain experience and knowledge of the performing arts through performance of musical pieces in classroom and on the stage as well as analysis, research and projects.

Objectives of Performing Arts
Students will be expected to demonstrate:

• a knowledge of basic music theory and how it is applied to playing a musical instrument
• the acquisition of sufficient technical skill to produce satisfactory tone and ability on a chosen musical instrument
• an ability to perform before an audience, and to demonstrate an understanding of, and some skills in music performance techniques.
• the classification of musical instruments and how sound is produced on them
• a working knowledge of music vocabulary and symbol identification
• an understanding of the folk music of Mexico and it’s defining characteristics
• some indigenous instruments from around the world and how they are used
• composition of short songs in different styles

Technology Needed for Success

Students will be expected to acquire the following apps or programs for their tablet/laptop.

• Quizlet – a free app that we use to study music note name, vocabulary, symbols and other terms related to our studies. We will use this app often in class.  If using a laptop, there is a website that can also be used.  This resource can also be used to create study sets for all their other subjects as well.
• Essential Elements Interactive – (EEi) a website designed to guide your child’s learning when they are at home. Students will need to log in and record their information somewhere safe, like inside the cover of their Essential Elements book!  
• Finale Notepad – software you can download for free that we use for composition projects. Can be downloaded for Windows or Apple.  Works best on laptops or desktop computers.

Homework Policies

Practicing, the application of skills learned in class, is essential to playing an instrument well.  Practicing for short periods of time (15 – 20 min) for 5 or more days a week will result in a much better musician and skill acquisition than a student who only practices 2 days a week.   Your student is expected to practice at least 30 minutes every weekend.  It is easiest if a designated practice time is set, such as directly following dinner, or a specific time during the evening.   The more often your student practices their instrument, the faster they will improve and the better they will sound. 

Every Monday your student has Band, they need to turn in a practice sheet.  This will be given to them on the previous Friday with a specific assignment written down.  Your student will practice the assignment and ask you to sign it, as confirmation that they practiced.   You do not need to know how to play their instrument, or even read music… the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) website is designed to give them the guidance they need to practice on their own!  For every day this is late, 10% will be taken off the grade for this assignment.

A "Playing Test" is a performance assessment where students will be asked to demonstrate the skills we have been learning in class.  This needs to be recorded with a digital video recording device and emailed or uploaded for Ms. Hamel to view and grade. They can use EEi to help practice the exercise.  When they feel confident in their ability to perform, they simply use a recording device such as their computer/tablet/phone to record a video of themselves playing the song and upload the video and submit it by the due date.  When Ms Hamel has listened to their submission I will respond with comments and suggestions and they will receive a grade based on their mastery of the skills being assessed.

Required Class Materials

All students are required to have the following materials every day.

• Instrument (can be left in the band room M-F)
• Essential Elements, Book 1 for your specific instrument
• Pencil
• Planner
• Clarinets & Saxophones need 2 – 3 reeds, cork grease and instrument swab
• All Brass need valve or slide oil, and a spit towel (small, black face towel)
• Percussion need their own sticks
• Performance Uniform: Band Shirt, Black Pants (or long skirt), Black shoes/socks
  
  

Grading Policy
Grades are based on the following system

 Weekly participation grade:

• O/Outstanding – 100% – Student regularly comes prepared for class, arrives early to class, has shown excellent effort and participation, has a cooperative and positive attitude, has satisfactorily learned their music and turns in their homework on time.
• S/Satisfactory – 80% – Student is occasionally not prepared for class, has unexcused tardies, is occasionally disruptive, has satisfactorily learned their music and and turns in their homework most of the time.
• U/Unsatisfactory – 60% – Student is rarely prepared for class, has excessive tardies/absences, is often disruptive, does not listen to instructions, disrespectful to teachers and peers, excessive talking, minimal effort and participation, lacks motivation, poor attitude/apathetic, has not satisfactorily learned their music and rarely and turns in their homework on time.

Performances:

• Because of the nature of performing arts, it is imperative that students attend concert performances.  Performance attendance is vitally important to the student’s grade and to the success of the band’s performance in general! A missed performance is automatically 30% off the student’s grade unless a note or phone call from a parent is provided in advance.
• An alternative project will be assigned to make up the points missed from not attending the concert.  

Homework:

• Weekly practice sheets will be given every Friday, and collected the first day of the following week.  Each student will be required to practice at least 30 minutes every week outside of school.  The practice sheet must be signed by a parent to be accepted.  Other homework assignments will be given periodically depending on the unit we are learning about. Students missing excessive assignments (more than three) will be assigned detention.
• When HW is turned in, I will stamp the student's planner and/or the actual HW.  That way we both know it was turned in, even if I forget to put it in the computer!

Examinations, Tests & Projects:

• Examinations will be given once per trimester.  These exams will allow me to monitor each student’s progress in meeting the CNUSD music curriculum requirements and the CA State performing arts standards.  
• Tests and Projects are given periodically depending on which units we are learning.
  
  

Behavior Expectations/Classroom Rules

• Arrive with enough time to get all materials ready, and be in your seat by the time the bell rings.
• Stay in your seat throughout the entire class
• Refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum (bottled water is okay)
• Participate
• Be respectful to other students, teachers and school property
• Mandatory attendance at all concertsPerformance Uniform: Band Shirt, Black Pants (or long skirt), Black shoes/socks

Consequences for Misbehavior/Missed Assignments

• First time: Verbal Warning/parent contact
• Second time: Lunch Detention/parent contact
• Third time: After School Detention/parent contact
• Fourth + time: Office Referral/Office Detention