Concert Band Syllabus 2020-21 Staunton High School Ms

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Concert Band Syllabus 2020-21 Staunton High School Ms. Laura Cole Phone (540) 332-3926 (SHS) Office Phone/Voicemail: (540) 332-3706 (press 1, then extension 4323) Email:[email protected] Website: https://www.staunton.k12.va.us/Domain/887

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides instrumental music instruction to students at Staunton High School. Completion of Middle School Band is a prerequisite to enrolling in this course. This course will enable students to continue to develop musicianship and music literacy. Students have the opportunity to participate in local, district, regional and state events. A $20 class fee is required for participation in Concert Band. This fee should be turned in to Ms. Cole (fee collection timeframe and method will be shared soon).

MATERIALS AND ONLINE RESOURCES

Students will need the following (we have these items to lend if needed): ● Your instrument (or the instrument issued to you by SHS, if available) ● All equipment necessary to play your instrument (reeds, mouthpiece, mutes, drum sticks etc.) ● Music issued to you (if in-person, music will be collected after each concert) ● School-issued Chromebook (or equivalent) for internet access ● A secondary electronic device (phone, tablet, computer) for recording ● Tuner and metronome (can be found online, sites will be posted in Google Classroom) ● Earbuds or headphones ● Pencils Students will use the following online resources ● Google Classroom - Join with the class code Concert Band Block 4A code: okp3lck. Concert Band Block 4B code: bcttwwg ● Remind - Join with the class code Concert Band Block 4A code: @3kg4fc8ha6. Concert Band Block 4B code: @c4k84gf3cc ● Zoom - meeting links and passwords will be posted on Google Classroom ● SmartMusic - class fee will cover student subscription (account information will be shared soon) ● Flipgrid - Join with the class code: cole7347 ● Noteflight We recommend that parents and students access PowerSchool Parent Portal to stay updated on class grades. Information about Parent Portal can be found at this link https://www.staunton.k12.va.us/domain/1203 or by contacting Stephanie Corbett in the main office.

As we are beginning the year virtually, but hope to return to in-person learning later in the school year, policies and procedures for both are explained.

VIRTUAL LEARNING

Focus (Virtual Learning) Band class in the virtual classroom will be less centered around group rehearsal. To achieve the same goals as a group rehearsal, I will make sure that our activities give you the opportunity to ● Build a community within our class ● Learn about the elements of music (melody, harmony, form, texture) using the internet to create, listen, discover and compare ● Participate in peer review and collaboration ● Set goals and complete your own self reflection ● Choose some of the music that you play ● Become more comfortable playing alone ● Continue to develop individual skills on your instrument, focusing on tone, technique and intonation Grading Policy (Virtual Learning) ● Daily Performance – 3 points per class ● Assignments (bi-weekly short recording for feedback, goal setting, self reflection, listening reflection, music theory) – 5 points each ● Recorded Playing Test – 15 points each ● Performance or project (determined individually from a variety of choices) - 30 points Class Attendance - Virtual Learning Attendance will be taken. If a legitimate problem (technology or otherwise) prevents a student from joining the online class, students should contact Ms. Cole before the class (or as soon as possible if unexpected) and will be expected to make up the class work. Class Expectations - Virtual Learning ● Synchronous online class begins at the time listed on the school schedule. Students should log in a minute or two early and should be prepared with all class materials before the start of class. ● Students should be in an area that is conducive to learning and music, away from distractions. They will need a place to sit and space to stand. ● Students should not use their phones during synchronous band class. Phones may be used for other class activities (recording, metronome, tuner, etc). ● Students should be dressed as they would for school (in accordance with school dress code) and should behave in a manner appropriate for a school environment. ● Students are asked to keep their camera on (so that technique and participation can be observed) and their mics muted unless they are asked to speak/play. Students will not be able to share their screens. ● Students should not plan to eat/drink during class, especially while we are playing instruments. ● Students should be respectful and use appropriate language in spoken and written communication. The chat feature should only be used to communicate about class.

IN-PERSON LEARNING

Grading Policy - In-person Learning An important focus of this class will be ensemble skills. Participation in any music ensemble is similar to participation on a sports team. When one person is absent, it affects the whole team. Concert dates will be announced as soon as possible. Students are expected to attend all performances. ● Daily Performance – 3 points per class ● Concert Performance * – 50 points per concert. ● Assignments (goal setting, self reflection, listening reflection, music theory) – 5 points each ● Recorded Playing Test – 15 points each. * If a student is unable to attend a concert due to illness or family emergency, please email or call Ms. Cole at SHS to notify her of the anticipated absence. To make up the grade, the student will be expected to perform all concert music individually for Ms. Cole within one week of the performance. Scheduling this appointment is the responsibility of the student.

Grading Rubrics are posted on Ms. Cole’s website Classroom Expectations (In-person Learning) Band should be fun! Come to class ready to learn, have fun, and share music with one another. Here are some important things to remember: ● Students are expected to show respect to all other students, Ms. Cole, other teachers and any guests to the class. ● Students are expected to uphold all expectations of Staunton City Schools and Staunton High School. ● Cell phones should not be used or sitting on music stands during class. ● Students are expected to be on task at all times. ● Students are expected to practice their individual parts at home. Class time will be devoted to ensemble skills. ● Please do not use instruments or equipment without permission from its owner, or from Ms. Cole if the instrument belongs to SHS. Required Concert Dress (In-person concerts) Please find more information in the SHS Band Handbook, posted on Ms. Cole’s website.

MUSIC, UNIFORMS AND INSTRUMENTS

The music and uniforms issued to each student remain the property of Staunton High School. Lost or damaged music will be replaced at the student’s expense. School-owned instruments issued to students are the responsibility of the student during the time that the instrument is signed out. The student will be responsible for any repairs due to negligence, as well informing Ms. Cole immediately of any necessary repairs. Please see the SHS Band Handbook for more information about school owned equipment.

COURSE OUTLINE

Through rehearsals, class activities and performances, the course will cover the following topics (this is a summary of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Instrumental Music, which can be found at this website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/fine_arts/)

● Proper playing position, posture and embouchure ● Tone quality and Intonation ● All major and minor scales /26 rudiments (percussion), and chromatic scale ● Simple and complex rhythms ● Performance of variety of tempos and meters ● Performance of variety of articulations ● Ensembles skills (including blending of instrument timbres, matching dynamic levels, styles and intonation, response to conducting gestures, using conducting gestures) ● Concert etiquette ● Musical phrasing and expression ● Identify and define musical terms and symbols ● Analysis of performance ● Sight reading ● Exposure to variety of styles, historical periods and cultures ● Singing, to develop ears, pitch and musical phrasing ● Study of musical careers and avocation options ● Study of concepts common to music and other disciplines

Please read the Band Handbook (posted on Ms. Cole’s webpage) for more band information and policies.

Please complete the (Google form) SHS Band Information Form by the end of the first week of the semester.