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 woodwind, brass, and/or percussion instruments, promotes
the enjoyment and appreciation of music through performance of high-quality,
beginning wind and percussion literature from different times and places.
Rehearsals focus on the development of critical listening/aural skills;
rudimentary instrumental technique and skills, music literacy, ensemble skills;
and aesthetic musical awareness culminating in periodic public performances.
III. REQUIRED SUPPLIES
Essential Elements for Band, Book I, (YELLOW TOP), pencil, notebook, Instrument.
The following will be needed in addition to their instrument and book if your child chooses:
Flute - Flute cleaning kit.
Clarinet - Vandoren 2.5 Reeds (box of 10), Cleaning Kit with cork grease.
Saxophone - Vandoren 2.5 Reeds (box of 10), Cleaning Kit with cork grease.
Trumpet - Valve Oil Any brand, Cleaning Kit with slide grease.
Horn - Rotor Oil, this is different from valve oil, Cleaning Kit with slide grease.
Trombone - Slide Oil, empty spray bottle that can be refilled with water, Slide grease,
Cleaning Kit.
Tuba - Valve Oil (if valves), Rotor Oil (if rotors), Cleaning Kit with Slide grease.,
Percussion- See Percussion Class
Students will be given the opportunity to purchase these items throughout the year. as separate
items.
Generally: 3.00 per reed for Clarinet, Saxophone, 5.00 for a bottle of valve/rotor oil. 2.00 for cork
grease
or valve grease.
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 individuals would like to donate to help students who have financial issues,
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, it is a rent to own
instrument which the student keeps at the end of the year. The repairs are sometimes baked into
the monthly payment. The instrument representative will be able to answer these questions.
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, be social 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 if broken)
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.