COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES/REQUIRED SUPPLIES
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic performance skills on a selected instrument in a solo or small ensemble setting using varied band literature.
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This year-long, entry-level class, designed for students having little or no previous band experience with percussion instruments, promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of music through performance of high-quality, beginning percussion literature from different times and places. Rehearsals focus on the development of critical listening/aural skills; rudimentary instrumental technique and skills, music literacy, and ensemble skills; and aesthetic musical awareness culminating in periodic public performances.
III. REQUIRED SUPPLIES
1. Essential Elements for Band, Book I, Percussion/Mallet (YELLOW TOP) AND
2. Vic Firth Fresh Approach Starter Pack (includes SD1 sticks, Practice Pad )
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS BOOK 1, FRESH APPROACH BOOK, STICKS AND PRACTICE PAD ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE ,pencil, notebook.
Both method books, practice pad, sticks can be purchased from Amazon or through Cadence Music in Ft Myers.
Mr. Milner will provide other supplementary materials for learning on an as needed basis.
Money should never be an issue of student participation in band class or not. If there is an issue of affordability or you would like to donate to help some other student, please contact Mr. Milner. The music department does regular fundraising activities to help offset some of the expenses of running a music program. However, if a student has an instrument provided by the school, they are highly encouraged to participate in fundraising activities to help pay for repairs, supplies and supplementary materials that are purchased from the band account, which exists solely from fundraising/donation activities, to fix instruments, purchase reeds, valve oil, neck straps, cleaning supplies, music, shirts, pay for trips, parts for instruments (mouthpieces, ligatures), food or anything else that the music director deems necessary for the program.
If an instrument is provided by Cadence and parents/guardians sign a contract with Cadence making regular monthly payments , THAT IS NOT A SCHOOL INSTRUMENT, and it is a rent to own instrument which the student keeps. The repairs are sometimes baked into the monthly payment.
IV. GRADING
50% Individual
- 35% Ranks and Class Work (Individual Playing/Written Work)
- 15% Practice Log
50% Ensemble
- 35% Performances (2 Performances for Year)
- 15% Participation in Daily Classes/General Attitude
Extra credit(worth 15%):
Performances in groups outside of Gulf Middle School
-Attend other performances at Gulf performance and/or one off-campus performance (concert program from the event is required)
- private lessons (report from teacher required)
V. BEHAVIOR/ATTITUDE
Band is a place where students learn music, self-discipline, work ethic, teamwork and have fun. The teacher/director understands that there might be days where a student may not be feeling great or they just had a difficult day but it is not the norm. The teacher will judge the situation on a case by case basis.
The rules are as follows: (any of the following will be a dolphin card)
Respect is a two-way door. The best way to earn respect is to give it first.
When the teacher is working, students are expected to be quiet, respectful and pay attention to what is being taught.
When the teacher gives a cut off to stop playing, all students are expected to stop playing and listen to instructions/teaching moments that follow the stop. Students can ask questions after stopping regarding music only.
Unprepared for Class (Forgot Instrument or Book at home after the grace period)
All school wide rules and policies set forth in the school handbook.