BAND SYLLABUS

Class times: Monday- Friday, 2:05-3:00

2016-2017 School Year
Mrs. Spurlock
Office Number: 117 B
Office Phone (000)000-0000
Email: gabrielle.e.spurlock@gmail.com
Class Description: In this class, the focus will be on our musical growth and performance ability exemplified
by our performances, both individual and full ensembles, throughout the year. To strengthen our
performances, time will be spent to gain understanding of the composers works we will perform, the theory
behind some of the pieces, and basic fundamental abilities for each of our instruments.

Objectives: By the end of this year, students will be able to:

- Play pieces within the following Major key centers, and relative minors:
- C, G,F B-flat, and E-flat
- Perform with a musical interpretation and an expressed understanding of comprehensive
musicianship.
- Learn how to properly care for your instrument.

Classroom Expectations: While in this class, there will be expectations and procedures followed daily. Here
are some of the rules to respect:
- Play only your instrument, and only when instructed.
- Respect the band room, and the equipment within it.
- Be prepared on time.

Procedures for misconduct:

- If a student chooses to disregard the above expectations, the following steps will be taken.
- If you forget your instrument or music:
- You will get one freebie. From here after, you will either lose 3 points of your
attendance grade, or you may write a one page summary on one of the pieces we are working
on. Including a short bio on the composer of the piece.
- If you are late:
- For any unexcused tardiness, you will be expected to turn in a recording of the
current scale we are working on. If a recording isnt a possibility, staying after class will also
serve the same purpose.
- If a tardy is excused, a note will need to be provided.
- If you are disrespectful to me, or a classmate, you will be expected to apologize at the least. If
you are disrespectful in ways which break any of the schools rules, consequences will be dealt as
such.

Grading: This class will have number of grades throughout the semester.
- There will be 4 playing tests. Each playing test will be 25 points.
- Attendance is a major part for any ensemble member. The expectation is for everyone to be at
every rehearsal. Excused absences are in line with the schools attendance policy. Along with that,
Performances are not to be missed with the exception of excused absences. Attendance for each class
period is worth 5 points. Each concert or performance will be 100 points
- The final part of the grade will be based on participation and practice logs. Each practice log is
15 points. Participation will be 30 points at the end of the grading cycle and determined by the
motivation students express as well as the overall enthusiasm in class.

Assignments:
Playing Test:
- Playing tests will have a specific rubric (shown below) and the material which will be tested
will be provided well in advance of the test.
- Tests will be mostly based on the repertoire being prepared for performances.
- At least 1 of the tests will be to test the skill and knowledge of performing the 5
key centers, and relative natural minors, of the scales above mentioned.
- Playing tests will be assigned two weeks before the due date.
- Rubric:

(5 is high, 1 is low)
- Some of these categories may be ignored as we get started
throughout the year.
Practice logs will be distributed during the third week of classes. There will be no practice logs for the
first two weeks of class. For the following weeks, one log per week is expected to be turned in on the
last day we have class for that week. The expected practice time for the first two weeks is 15-20
minutes per day. From there to the end of the semester, it is expected that every student practice 30
minutes per day.

It is expected to be honest on all practice logs. The grading system will not be based on the amount of
time spent practicing. Logs are to document your progress. If you choose not to work hard, it will
show in your performance.
Sample Practice Log:

Dress Code:
- For daily wear, be sure your clothes are comfortable for moving and breathing in relaxed
fashion. (Also following the schools dress code)
- For concerts:
- Every student should wear long black pants, black shoes with black socks, and a
white button-down dress shirt. Ties are optional for all students.
Additional Performances:
- Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for additional performances. These will be
regional Honor Band, as well as ISSMA, a state wide competition for soloists and ensembles.
- These will not be required, but are highly recommended.
- If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. As more information becomes available, it
will be passed on to the class.

Tentative Calendar:
Info night- October 14, 6:30 pm

- This performance will be to show the parents what weve learned so far, and
explain how they can help you be the best musicians you can be.
Winter Concert- December 16, 6:30 pm
- All of the school bands will be performing in this concert.
Dates for permission slips will be provided as we get closer to the actual date.

Im looking forward to working with you all!!!