Noblesville High School – Percussion Ensemble Mr. Alex Keim, Percussion Director/Asst. Band Director ([email protected]) Mr. Eric Thornbury, Band Director ([email protected]) Miss Bethany Robinson, Jazz Director/Asst. Band Director ([email protected])
The following guidelines are in addition to the information in the Noblesville Band Department Handbook.
Curriculum/Objectives: Welcome to percussion class! As a percussionist you have signed up to learn about and to perform on hundreds of musical instruments from triangle to timpani to snare drum, drum set, and marimba. All students in percussion class are expected to have a basic understanding and skill level on all percussion instruments, including a study of rudiments, scales, timpani tuning, and technique for all groupings.
Repertoire/Techniques Studied: Intermediate Percussion Ensemble Advanced Percussion Ensemble Concert Band Music (Grades 3-4) Concert Band Music (Grades 4.5+) Percussion Ensemble Music (Grades 3-4) Percussion Ensemble Music (Grades 4.5+) Fresh Approach to Snare/Mallets Stick Control & Fundamental Method for Mallets Fundamental Studies for Mallets Standard 40 Rudiments (possibly some hybrids) Standard 26 Rudiments (possibly 40) All Major & Some Minor Scales All Major Scales 4-Mallet Technique (Possibly) Sight-Reading Sight-Reading Basic Timpani Technique Timpani Technique Basic Auxiliary Percussion Techniques Auxiliary Percussion Techniques
Equipment: All percussion students should own a stick bag filled with: § concert snare sticks § yarn pair of mallets § plastic/rubber pair of mallets § suggested as well: drum key, timpani mallet sets, pitch pipe, keyboard mallets with varying degrees of hardness
In addition, students should also have: § Music each day – it is their responsibility not to lose it § Access to audio equipment – please make arrangements to stay after school or listen at the public library if you don’t have access § iPad – all percussion students will have a Smart Music account this year.
Classroom Expectations:
§ Show up ready and excited to learn and hone your skills as a musician on time (before the bells rings). § Have a positive attitude at all times. § Practice and improve as a musician and percussionist. § Follow classroom procedures. § Bring all necessary materials to class (sticks, mallets, iPad, pencils, music) § Respect all people and property equally – treat each other as a family. § Always clean-up after yourself and leave each area cleaner than you found it. § Be attentive – quiet during instruction, on task, and focused on the assigned music. iPad and other electronic device use should be only for class activities. § Cell phones not allowed unless explicitly asked to use from instructor. § Communicate about absences from performances at least two weeks before the scheduled date. Procedures:
§ Start in room 3114 every day (unless told otherwise) § Block 2 will set-up instruments for class/Block 4 will return instruments to percussion room o Mallets and drum pads will be set-up and practiced each day (other needs will be posted for the day) o All students help with set-up and tear down of instruments, stands, chairs, etc. § Be prepared to play 5 minutes after the tardy bell rings § Utilize Pass Whiz to use restroom/travel outside of class
**Not following these procedures can result in a loss of participation points**
Music Responsibilities
Concert percussion is a unique and incredible musical experience. It presents unique challenges to the percussionist. Generally percussionists are one student on a part, and the parts must be played at a high level for our bands to be successful. Intermediate percussion students will audition and be placed into the Symphonic Band Black or Symphonic Band Gold. Advanced percussion students will audition and be placed into the Symphonic Winds or Wind Ensemble. After placed into the four bands, percussion students will be required to: § attend mandatory after school or academic lab rehearsals for concerts/contest § perform with the wind players in the Fall, Winter, and Mayfest Concerts § perform with the wind players for the ISSMA contest in April § perform at the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest in February
These performances are a mandatory component of each percussion student’s grade. Please refer to the band handbook/performing arts calendar for specific dates and consequences/make-ups for missing performances.
Grades:
Grades will be determined from the following categories (refer to band handbook as well): • Concerts (200 pts) • Playing tests (100 pts) • Homework assignments (20 pts) • Drive-by Quizzes (20 pts) • Class Participation (225 pts/9 weeks)
It is going to be an awesome/fun semester full of learning about the incredible world of percussion music!