Advanced Band Expectations and Requirments

Advanced Band is part of the exploratory program at Raney.  It is designed to allow students who have played for more than 1 year experience and practice intermediate to advanced levels of music in a group situation.  Band is held every day that school is in session from 6:45am to 7:30am.  Because band requires some set-up time, please plan to arrive early (6:30-6:40am) so that students have enough time to properly prepare for class. Advanced Band is considered a regularly scheduled class and all attendance and grading procedures apply.  

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.
• 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.

IF YOU MISS P0, but attend the rest of the day, your HW is still due.  You must see me at the beginning of your lunch to turn it in and get any work you missed in class. This is your responsibility. 

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.

• Band Music in a folder
• 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
  
  

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