Sierra Vista Junior High School

Mr. Ballard Beginning Band Room 401 [email protected] (661) 252-3113 (ext. 2401)

Welcome to the award winning Sierra Vista Jr. High Band Program! As a member of the Beginning Band you are about to begin an awesome exploration of experiencing music through playing and performing an instrument! There is A LOT that you will learn this year such as: 1. How to play an instrument 2. How to read and write music. 3. How to play individual melodies and full band parts on your instrument. 4. Basic skills for improvising on your instrument.

I’m very excited about all the great things that YOU will accomplish as an individual musician and that WE will accomplish as a team!

In order to ensure that we have the most fun and successful year we possibly can there are a few rules and procedures that everyone must observe. Rules: 1. Arrive to class and be ready to play on time. Mr. Ballard will step on the podium to begin class 3 minutes after the tardy bell has rung. If you are not prepared to play at that time you will be marked tardy! 2. Be prepared with all of your music and necessary supplies. Everyone must have their music folder and have their instrument in working condition every day. 3. Pay attention during rehearsal and always try your best. Putting forth your best effort every day is the MOST important thing you can do to be successful. I don’t expect you to be perfect, I just expect you to improve! 4. Be respectful and supportive of your fellow musicians. In order to do their best work musicians and artists must feel comfortable with the people around them. Be nice and encouraging to your fellow musicians. We’re all on the same team!

Grading Policy: 90%-100% = A 80%-89%= B 70%-79%= C 60%-69%= D 59% and below= F Getting a good grade in band should is EASY!  If we all do our best in class and practice at home EVERYONE should get an A! Grades will be determined by homework, playing tests, class participation and attendance at all performances. Homework (25% of your grade): Most of your homework will be weekly Practice Records. All band members need to practice at home for 120 minutes every week (30 minutes, 4 days a week) and have an adult sign it for full credit. The absolute best way to ensure you get better on your instrument is to practice! Practice Records will be collected EVERY TUESDAY. Late practice records will be accepted ONE day late for a letter grade deduction. PRACTICE RECORDS THAT ARE MORE THAN ONE DAY LATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT! If you have an excused absence from school your practice record may be turned in the day you return for full credit.

Tests (25% of your grade): In order to assess everyone’s progress and make sure we’re all improving we will have playing tests throughout the year. All students will need to individually and accurately perform 6 major scales, the assigned chromatic scale for your instrument as well as your articulation drill and a few short musical excerpts. Most tests will be completed during class time but some major scales can be performed outside of rehearsal. Students are allowed and encouraged to retake tests outside of class time. When it comes to testing I don’t expect perfection (although that would be nice) I expect improvement!

Participation/ Performances (50% of your grade): Daily participation and practice during class are essential to being a great musician! You will earn participation points for every day you are fully prepared to play and trying your best. Performing at concerts and festivals is one of the primary goals and one of the most rewarding aspects of playing music. Attached to this syllabus is a calendar of all our performances this year. ALL BAND STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL PERFORMANCES. AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE WILL RESULT IN AT LEAST A LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION!!!

Contacting Mr. Ballard

The best way to quickly and easily get in touch with me is to email me at: [email protected].

Throughout the year and before important events I will send out messages and reminders through Infinite Campus. You can also find reminders, updates fun facts and cool videos on our Facebook page! You can find the SV Band at facebook.com/SVJHSBand.

My conference time is during B period every day. Since Sierra Vista has a rotating class schedule please make sure you check the school website to see when B period is if you really need to talk to me during the school day. I am also available to give your student any extra help or tutoring they may need to help them be successful and to learn as much as they can. If your student could use a little extra attention they can talk to me to set up a time to meet with me any day during brunch or lunch and Mondays after school. Please feel free to email or call me directly to arrange a time when I can meet with your student.  This is your first super easy homework assignment of the year! All you have to do is sign and return this sheet showing me that you have read and understand this syllabus

Student name: ______

Student signature______

Parent(s) name(s)______

Parent signature:______

Preferred parent email:______

Comments or concerns?______

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