Oceanside School District

McAuliffe, Del Rio, South Oceanside, and Stuart Mesa Elementary Schools
Stuart Mesa Elementary School- Base site
100 Yamanako Way, Oceanside, CA 92058
Office: (760) 901-7700
Fax: 760-430-8288
Principal: J ustin Kern


COURSE SYLLABUS: 5/6 band, 7/8 band, 4th grade strings, 5th grade strings 2014-
2015

Instructor: Carolyn Lechusza Aquallo
Email: carolyn.lechusza@oside.us
Room 31 at Stuart Mesa
Multipurpose Room stage at South Oceanside, McAuliffe, and Del Rio

Optional Text: Sound Innovations Books 1 and 2 for Concert Band and String
Orchestra

Oceanside School District Standards: http://www.oside.k12.ca.us

Students in this class are expected to adhere to the rules and policies of the Oceanside
School District.

The course is based on the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards
(http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/documents/vpaframewrk.pdf) and the Common Core
standards ( http://www.oside.k12.ca.us/cc)

FUNCTION

It is the function of the instrumental music program to develop musical standards and to
impart a basis for value judgments, resulting in the encouragement of sensitive musicianship
with breadth, depth and permanence. To foster the kind of music appreciation and
understanding that will be effective in the life of the student, a school band or strings
instrumental program should seek to give the student something of intrinsic worth through
contact with an extensive repertoire, representing the best of the worlds music, balanced by
attention to theory, skill development, and listening. The music experienced through
participation must be of a standard that imparts lasting values. A school instrumental program
based upon less than respect for music as an art which imparts aesthetic and moral values
will fail to realize its real mission that of enriching life.

STANDARDS

One standard of instrumental music is to develop the students ability to work effectively
through the acquisition of such traits as industry, persistence, and eagerness to grow.
Opportunities shall be given to students for self-expression in music, a respect for and an
appreciation of outstanding cultural developments. Through music education, the student will
acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which will help make him/her a more desirable
member of society. The knowledge, skills and attitudes desired can best be imparted through
a program that is based upon general and specific goals throughout a graded progression.


Following is a listing of major topic areas with emphasis and outcomes as they may be
applied to any band program:

BEGINNING BAND/ORCHESTRA

Emphasis Outcome

1. Cleanliness Care of Instrument
2. Lubrication (BRASS) Proper mechanical operation of
instrument

Holding the Instrument

1. Finger and L/R hand position Continuous growth and development of
muscular facility
2. Angle of Instrument/Posture

Tone Production

1. Proper embouchure (BRASS) Development of
characteristic sound
2. Breathing (BRASS) or bow control (STRINGS)
3. Posture


Music Reading

1. Letter names of staff 1. Induce sensitivity to pitch,
melodic
2. Letter names of notes line, dynamics, tone
quality,
3. Meter, key signatures phrasing, and rhythm
4. Note values 2. Development of eye
habits
5. Fingerings

Group Attitudes

Awareness of each individuals Progress through teamwork
Responsibility to the group:
a. attendance
b. conduct
c. preparation in music

Grading
The grading system used in band/orchestra classes will be based on an averaged/cumulative
point system. This allows the student to determine their grade depending on their tests, home
preparation and participation.
Grading Scheme: This class will adhere to the Oceanside Unified School District Grading
Policy that consists of the following grading scale:

A 90 110
B 80 89
C 70 79
F Below 70*
W/ (1-100) withdrew/Pass or Fail
NG No Grade
INC Incomplete
*by state rule any grade below 70 is failing
The final grade in this class will be determined using the following formula/criteria:

Homework (practice records, reports, projects) 10% Class Participation/Work Ethic 25%
Written & Playing Test 20% Posture(Daily Quiz) 20%
Projects/Performances/Rehearsals25% Bonus Points awarded as merited

Extra Credit: Students choosing to participate in the All-State process, Solo & Ensemble or
Honor Band festivals will receive extra credit for their efforts. Some research projects may
also be assigned as extra credit.

Late Work

Absence/Make-Up Procedures: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the
students responsibility to contact the teacher to request make-up work within the time
specified by the teacher. Students may make up missed assignments if there is an
extenuating circumstance such as illness, death in family, family crisis, OUSD Board
approved field trips, etc. Ms. Lechusza Aquallo should be notified of the circumstances with a
written verbal note from a parent or guardian. The amount of time given to make up work will
be the same as the amount of time the student was absent unless other arrangements are
mutually agreed upon. For each day (defined as the first 24 hours after the start of class) that
an assignment is late, 10% will be deducted from the final grade on the assignment.
Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero. The student will receive the actual grade on
the make-up work if the absence was excused.

Required Special Projects

Band/orchestra is a performance-based class. To meet the class standards, the
band/orchestra will perform throughout the school year at school-based performances as well
as public performances outside the school. Some performances include:
Seasonal Concerts at Local Malls and other community venues
Various Instrumental Workshops
OUSD Schools Music Showcase
Winter and Spring Concerts
Other Public Performances as Scheduled

Scheduled Help Sessions:
Teacher/Parent Communication: An open line of communication is encouraged between
teachers and parents. Parental visits are encouraged; however, it is the policy of OUSD that
all visitors must report to the office before going to other parts of the building. A Visitors
Pass will be issued as evidence that this procedure has been followed.

Daily Expectations: Supplies

As we have a limited supply of school-owned instruments available for student use, it is
recommended that parents arrange to rent, lease, or purchase their childs instrument.
School-owned instruments are issued based upon availability and at the directors discretion.
There are many reputable music stores in the area. Additionally, students should purchase
their own mouthpieces, reeds, neck straps, and other accessories relative to the upkeep of
their instrument. Every class day, every band student will have the following supplies:
1. 3 ring hard plastic folder with clear protective sheets including paper and all music and
method book.
2. Their instrument with accessories, in playable condition.
3. Three pencils.
4. Any sheet music given out in a previous class.
5. All woodwind players should have a minimum of at least three playable reeds in a
protective guard. Brass players should have valve oil and tuning slide grease in their cases
at all times. Percussionist should have their stick bag w/mallets for each class period.
6. Other supplies as needed (i.e. band polo, black socks, black stockings, black dress
shoes, black dress pants, etc. for formal performances).An instrument case with a name tag
listing proper identification and contact information.

If a student does not have any one of the required materials on any class day, points will be
deducted from that students materials and daily participation grade.

Each student will also be required to have at home:
- a metronome/ tuner (now available free as apps on smartphones)
- a music stand

Other supplies, which may be required later in the year, include:
required mutes (Brass players)
Stick Bag w/mallets (Percussionists)

Ms. Lechusza can recommend local vendors for all of the above supplies.
Please talk to Ms. Lechusza immediately if any of these requirements is a problem.
The Music Department may be able to help with acquisition/purchase of instruments and/or
other supplies.

Daily Expectations: Rehearsal

Members of the band and orchestra will display nothing but the most professional, on task,
and respectable behavior in band class/rehearsal. Continual failure to do so may result in
dismissal from the music program. Therefore, students are expected to:

1. Be Present. Be Prepared. Be Punctual. This means to have all necessary materials and
be on time daily.
2. Demonstrate respect and courtesy for the director, for yourself, for other students, and for
the school and its property.
3. Always do their best in all aspects of band/orchestra participation and performance. Be
actively engaged.
4. Do not display any electronic device.
5. Use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
6. Refrain from bringing food, drinks, gum or candy to class.
7. Always have their fingernails clipped enough to allow for technically sound playing.
8. Treat our band/orchestra and its contents (instruments and music) with the utmost care.

If a student chooses not to follow these standards, then he/she also chooses to accept
the consequences for his/her actions. The consequences are as follows:
1. First incident: Student is verbally reminded of class standards and asked to change
behavior noted in grade book.
2. Second incident: Points are deducted from daily conduct grade, conference with
director, and parents may be notified. Detention time will be assigned.
3. Third incident: Parents will be called, seating will be changed (chair placement),
and participation will be temporarily suspended.
4. Fourth incident: All points from daily conduct grade are deducted. A conference will
be scheduled with director and parent(s).
5. Any severe disruption: Student is immediately sent to the Assistant Principal for
appropriate disciplinary actions.

Concert and Rehearsal Attendance

Attendance at ALL concerts and at supplementary rehearsals leading up to them is
MANDATORY.

Scheduling Conflicts

1. In the event of a scheduling conflict, the event of which the student has been informed for
the longest period of time will take precedence.

2. Any student who feels he/she must miss a band/orchestra performance must fill out a
Request for Excused Band/Orchestra Absence Form at least one week before the
scheduled performance. In such a case, an excused absence may be granted, but is not
guaranteed.

3. Conflicts with other school activities will only be excused if both teachers are notified well
in advance and student planning is evident.

4. Exceptions will be made for extreme illness or emergency, if such circumstances are
verified in writing by a parent, guardian, and/or other relevant authority within one week of the
concert.

5. Any excused absence from a concert must be made up with substitute work. It is your
responsibility to contact Ms. Lechusza for your assignment within one week of the missed
concert.

6. Any unexcused absence from a concert will result in a lowered grade and may result in
dismissal from the band/orchestra.

Tardies
1. Tardy is defined as not being in the band room when the bell rings or class begins.
2. Each tardy will significantly lower your participation grade for that day.
3. A tardy may be listed as Excused only if the student bears a signed note from a teacher,
administrator, or staff member.

Practice
All students enrolled in instrumental music are expected to practice at home on a
consistent basis. Practice allows the student to review what has been learned in class.
Students are expected to prepare their music for class rehearsal so that they can play
their part accurately! Practice should be considered the homework portion of this class.
Students are expected to strive for at least 30 quality minutes, a minimum of 5 times per
week. Students will receive a Practice Record to record and track their practice times.
Practice records will be collected every Monday/Tuesday. Parents are asked to help
supervise and authenticate their childs progress. Students will be graded based on the
total amount of time practiced each week. Students should contact Ms. Lechusza if they have
any questions or need extra help. There are no short cuts to success. It takes a little extra
effort!


Private Lessons

School music programs are not able to provide the amount of individual attention that is
necessary for the most effective development of any instrumentalists technical skills.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that each student take private lessons on her/his
instrument. Please see Ms. Lechusza for recommendations of qualified teachers in the area.
There will also be opportunities available for students to take private lessons, individual or
group, here at OUSD with a private teacher; as well as opportunities to participate in Master
Classes with professional musicians. More information concerning this will come at a later
date. Those students who are currently taking individualinstruction lessons on their
band/orchestra instrument (this includes piano lessons for percussionists ONLY) will need to
have their private instructor complete a Private Lessons Verification Form; this form will
exempt you from two practice logs a month.