West Jessamine High School Jazz Band

West Jessamine High School Jazz Band Spring 2013 Syllabus

OBJECTIVE The West Jessamine High School Band operates to meet three primary goals. (1) To introduce, refine, and master concepts relative to the modern jazz ensemble and style. (2) To continue the development of each player individually. (3) To perform entertaining, technically accurate, and musically appropriate programs in a community setting.

SCHEDULE The WJHS Jazz Band is recognized as a class beginning in 2013, and will be held during “zero hour.” Class will being each weekday morning at 7:40 P.M., and will release at 8:35 A.M. to allow students time to pack equipment and arrive at first period classes promptly.

Since this course does not conflict with other curricular courses, some flexibility exists. As performances approach, it may be necessary to hold jazz rehearsals after school. In this case, students will be notified at least two weeks in advance, and “zero hour” may be cancelled on publicized days in order to hold after-school rehearsals while providing appropriate “out of class” time. This case will be rare, but may occur.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE As of the creation of this document, performance events are not confirmed. As a result, a more complete jazz calendar will be available after the start of the semester.

GRADING There are only a few components of grading for the jazz band course, so each category will carry significant weight and importance.

ATTENDANCE/PROMPTNESS: 40%* PERFORMANCES: 40%** PLAYING ASSIGNMENTS/EXAMS: 20%

*Students will receive full credit when they are present and ready for class promptly. Students will receive zero credit when they are absent without excuse. Students will receive partial credit if present but tardy, and the percentage of credit loss will be based on the degree of tardiness. **If a student misses ANY performance, they automatically lose ALL percentage points in this category. Since performances are not able to be “made up,” it is, therefore, impossible to pass this course with any performance absence.