Thomas Edison High School

Thomas Edison High School 2017-2018

Piano/Keyboard 1 & 2 Lesley Earles Band Room 004 School phone: 612-668-7082 Cell phone: 507-254-6595 [email protected]

*I will return your message within 24 hours. E-mail is the best way to communicate with me.

Course Description Piano/Keyboard 1 & 2 is a semester long instrumental music course with the focus on developing independent and group skills through playing piano, interacting with various musical genres and exploring solo and ensemble performing. Students will be engaged in their course materials through individual practice, large and small group rehearsals, lessons, projects and class discussions.

Course Objectives The objective for the class is to provide opportunities for students to explore instrumental music by developing skills and technique on the piano, performing in an ensemble, performing solos and developing practice strategies and rehearsal skills necessary for successful musical development.

Overview of Units As an IB World School, our units are organized around “inquiry questions” which help focus learning, develop curiosity, and promote critical thinking. Some of the inquiry questions we will study in this class include:  How does my role as a musician benefit myself and the world around me?

 What significance does music have to cultures, including my own?

 Does learning to play piano have academic significance for my career goals?

Texts and Resources Resources for this course will consist of sheet music alongside technical methods, etudes, rhythm exercises, and scales. Units from The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien will be the main focus for the course. Students will need headphones or earbuds to use while practicing. There are a few pairs of headphones that students may borrow, but not enough for the entire class. Research for class projects will need the use of the media center and computers.

Grading Policy 80% Academic Achievement Assessments- playing tests, final project, classwork 20% Practice- small and large group rehearsal, individual practice

Homework Policy Students that are absent for the class period need to consult with peers and Mrs. Earles as to the work they missed. Practicing the music that was rehearsed the day of the absence is a MUST to aid musical growth. Playing tests can be made up during advisory, before school or after school and scheduled at a time that works for both the student and Mrs. Earles. All work must be completed by the end of the semester in order to receive any credit. Extra Credit Opportunity: If you attend a fine arts performance (music, art, dance, theater) or are involved in a form of art OUTSIDE of the school day, you can receive extra credit! You will need to write 250 words describing the event, your critique of the event and how attending the event has made you into a better artist. Extra credit points will be awarded based on complete sentences, complete thoughts, and meaningful critique of the event. The amount of points will be at the teacher’s discretion. If you attend a scheduled performance that is not required, you may also receive extra credit. Please see Mrs. Earles should you have questions. Extra credit will be accepted up to the week before finals for each semester.

Attendance and Tardy Policy: Regular, daily attendance is mandatory for the growth of the individual musician. Please show up to class every day with all equipment and materials ready and a positive attitude. Showing up late to class hinders the musical growth of the student. Please make a habit to be ready for rehearsal 3 minutes after the bell. Students with consistent tardies will be in conference with their dean and Mrs. Earles to develop an effective plan for improved involvement in the class.

Classroom Engagement Plan

Looks like… Response Enter the classroom/  Be ready to go 3 minutes  Model, practice, re-teach Start of day after bell  Shine a light on what’s right  Peers can give guidance  Be prepared with ALL materials  Teacher can give guidance  Be engaged in the 1st activity  Dean can support teacher (warm-up) Tardy to class  Come in quietly to class  Teacher will catch student at a natural break  Engage in the learning  Peers will support each other to catch up on what immediately, independently was missed  Catch up with work at a later  Parental contact time  Conference with Dean and Student If you are absent  It is your responsibility to  Teacher will be available to help student catch up at determine what you have a time that is convenient for both parties (advisory, missed in class before/after school, other times at the teacher’s  Check with a classmate discretion)  Work with your advisor  Check in with the teacher Need Help with Work?  Check your notes  Never be afraid to ask, but try to find the  Check with a classmate information out on your own first.  Check with the teacher Exiting the Room  Clean area around you  This space is everyone’s…please be respectful.  Place instrument in storage  Put music in folder slot  This our own home…please keep it tidy!  Wait patiently by door Academic Honesty  Cite ideas not your own  Teacher may ask for re-write or redo of assignment  Demonstrate what you know  Teacher will clarify and model  Teacher will support where necessary correct uses  Conference with Dean and Student

School-Wide Agreements  Seating chart (sit in assigned  Teacher will reestablish expectations seat)  No passes for first and last 10 minutes of class  Students will follow the expectations of the building  No cell phones unless to help with their success instructed to do so  Student, teacher and dean may conference if there is misunderstanding of the expectations

EDISON HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC INSTRUMENT CONTRACT

Congratulations on your decision to begin or continue your study of instrumental music! Students who are connected to an arts organization throughout their high school careers are more likely to graduate, which also opens up scholarship opportunities.

Since students are assessed weekly in class, and with the high level of standards, the expectation to practice outside of the school day is imperative to the growth of the individual. Practicing your instrument is your first and most important step in succeeding in the class.

There is no fee involved with being a part of this course. Please read and sign the contract below. A contract is an agreement between two groups or individuals. By signing this contract, you are agreeing to take full responsibility and care for the instrument and to practice.

Please detach the bottom and return to Mrs. Earles by Friday, September 15th, 2017.

“I accept full responsibility for the care of the musical instrument assigned to me. In the event the instrument should be lost, damaged beyond repair, or stolen, it is my responsibility to reimburse Edison High School for the replacement cost of the instrument.

If I transfer to another school, quit the ensemble, or graduate, I will return the instrument and all music/instructional materials promptly to Mrs. Earles and Edison High School. “

Student name ______ID Number ______Student Signature ______

Parent/Guardian Signature ______

Phone ______E-mail ______

Barcode Number ______

______I am donating ______to the Edison Music Program to give musical opportunities to students.