Grade 6-9 Band Hand Book

Teacher: Mrs. Oxford

Email: keepingj@staff.ednet.ns.ca

 

Purpose: The purpose of the 7-9 music program is to explore and develop skills in music using instruments that are found in the concert band setting.  Through the instruments and the music we play we will take part in group music making, explore the role of the fine arts in society, use critical thinking skills and learn a new way to express ourselves.

 

Curriculum outcomes:

 

1.)             Explore, Challenge, Develop and express ideas using the skills, language and techniques and process of the arts.

                                                             i.      Use appropriate terminology

                                                           ii.      Demonstrate an understanding of rhythm

                                                        iii.      Perform in group music making

                                                         iv.      Demonstrate an understanding of melody

                                                           v.      Interpret non-verbal gestures making connections to notation and musical expression

2.)             Create and/or present, collaboratively and independently expressive products in the arts for a range of audiences.

                                                             i.      Participate in group music making

                                                           ii.      Improvise and compose music

                                                        iii.      Demonstrate responsibility in individual and group music making

                                                         iv.      Perform, alone and with others

3.)             Demonstrate a critical awareness of and value the role of the arts in creating and reflect n culture

                                                             i.      Discuss music from various historical and cultural context.

                                                           ii.      Articulate the importance of music in daily life

 

4.)             Examine the relationship among he arts and society and environments

                                                             i.      Identify ways music is influenced by society

                                                           ii.      Articulate the relationship between music and other arts.

 

5.)             Apply critical thinking and problem solving strategies to reflect on and respond to their own and others expressive works.

                                                             i.      Justify decisions made to solve musical challenges

                                                           ii.      Make judgements about music they hear and articulate ways to improve it

 

 

 

Assessment:

 

In class participation (60%):  In class participation will include participating in group music making and class discussion.  There will also be written assignments during our lessons.  These will include creative group assignments, reflection journals and theory lessons.  These assignments will help us reach outcomes 1,2, 3, 4 and 5.

 

Term Project(30%):  Due to the scheduling change this year there will only be two options for a term project and you have to do one. Both bands will be playing a variety of music including Jazz, Pop, Rock, and movie music.  I am also open to suggestions on any other styles you would like to try. These projects will help us focus on outcomes 2, 3 and 4.

1.)   Senior Band- This band will rehearse on Tuesday at Lunch hour

2.)   Junior Band-   This band will rehearse on Wednesday at Lunch hour

 

Practice Records (10%):  It will be expected that students will practice an average of 15 minutes a day. The music room will be open after school Monday to Thursday for students that have difficulty transporting their instruments to and from school to practice.  Students will have to present their practice records once a month for grading and parents have to sign it.  This will help meet the outcome 2 sections iii and iv.

 

Junior high Instrumental music assessments:

JH band students will be asked to do a quiz every couple of weeks. I may or may not quiz the whole class in one period.  Each exercise will gradually get harder for the students and will focus on the following areas:  playing the correct notes and rhythms, articulations, and dynamics.  Playing quizzes are done to keep track of the students’ technical skill on their instruments.

 

The following is a rubric that will be used to grade the students on their playing quizzes:

 

 

5

4

3

2

1

Note Accuracy

Notes are consistently accurate.

An occasional inaccurate note is played, but does not detract from overall performance.

A few inaccurate notes are played, detracting somewhat from the overall performance.

Wrong notes consistently detract from the performance.

The wrong notes dominate and it is impossible to tell what the piece is supposed to sound like.

Rhythm

The beat is secure and the rhythms are accurate for the style of music being played.

The beat is secure and the rhythms are mostly accurate. There are a few duration errors, but these do not detract from the overall performance.

The beat is somewhat erratic. Some rhythms are accurate. Frequent or repeated duration errors. Rhythm problems occasionally detract from the overall performance.

The beat is usually erratic and rhythms are seldom accurate detracting significantly from the overall performance.

The beat is unsteady and it is impossible to tell what the piece is supposed to sound like

Articulation

Secure attacks. Markings (staccato, legato, slur, accents, etc.) are executed accurately as directed by the score and/or the conductor.

Attacks are usually secure, though there might be an isolated error. Markings are executed accurately as directed by the score and/or the conductor.

Attacks are rarely secure, but markings are often executed accurately as directed by the score and/or the conductor.

Few secure attacks. Markings are typically not executed accurately.

No secure attacks

Dynamics

Dynamic levels are obvious, consistent, and an accurate interpretation of the style of music being played.

Dynamic levels are typically accurate and consistent.

Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be discerned.

Attention to dynamic levels is not obvious.

Dynamics are completely ignored

 

Rehearsal etiquette:

 

Rehearsal etiquette is an important part of being a member of a band.  Learning how to listen to other students while they are talking and playing develops a student’s ear and helps them learn how to respect other student’s musical opinions and how to develop their own musical opinions.

 

 

5

4

3

2

1

Rehearsal Etiquette

The student leaves instrument in concert rest when not playing.

 

The student listens to musical suggestions when given by the conductor or other band members and offers their own suggestions

 

The student is always ready to play at appropriate times.

The student leaves instrument in concert rest when not playing.

 

The student listens to music suggestions when give by the conductor or other band members but rarely offers their own suggestions.

 

The student is always ready to play at appropriate times.

The student leaves instrument in concert rest when not playing.

 

The student listens to music suggestions when give by the conductor or other band members but does not offer their own suggestions

 

 The student is always ready to play at appropriate times.

The student leaves instrument in concert rest when not playing.

 

The student does not listen to music suggestions when give by the conductor or other band members and does not offer their own suggestions

 

The student is not ready to play at appropriate times.

The student does not leave their instrument in concert rest when not playing.

 

The student does not listen to music suggestions when give by the conductor or other band members and does not offer their own suggestions

 

The student is not ready to play at appropriate times.

 

 

Music Theory and Journals:

Music theory is important because it helps students understand how the music they are making was written and can help them learn to write music of their own.  By understanding music theory much of the technique involved in playing their instrument can also become easier.

 

5

4

3

2

1

Theory

All the expected work is completed and it is clear the all the concepts are well practiced and understood

All the expected work is completed and although there are some small mistakes the main concepts are understood

All the expected work is completed.  The work indicates that there is some understanding of the material but some concepts have been misunderstood

All expected work is completed. The work indicates that the big picture has been misunderstood but there are some glimmers of hope

All expected work is completed.  The work indicates that the concept was completely misunderstood

 

Practice Records:

 

5

4

3

2

1

Practice Records

Signed by parents.

 

An average of 15 minutes a day

Signed by parents.

 

Missed one or two days

Signed by parents.

 

Missed three or four days

Signed by parents

 

Missed five days

Signed by parents.

 

Missed six days.

 

 

 

Supplies:

Students must have:

A Pencil

A instrument

Cleaning supplies

Standard of Excellence book :Red (6&7), Blue (7 & 8), Green (90)

Binder

 

 

INSTRUMENT RENTAL POLICY:

          Instruments can be rented through several stores such as Music Stop, Buckley’s and Westphal Family Music. Instruments may also be rented through the Dartmouth music centre for students from Bicentennial, which is associated with the school board. If you need assistance with renting an instrument please ask Mrs. Oxford.

 

 

Things students will need for band class!

1.)    Pencil, it is very important to bring a pencil (not a pen) to band class.

2.)    Standard of Excellence book.

a.       Grade Seven will require book one (red) and will be needing book two (blue) for after the winter holidays.

b.      Grade Eight will require book two and will hopefully be moving on to book three in the winter. (blue).

c.   Grade Nine will require book two and  three (green).

3.)    Instrument and cleaning supplies for the instrument

4.)   A binder for keeping sheet music organized.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A MEMBER OF A BAND!!!!

          When you are a member of a band there are several responsibilities that come with it. Being a member of band is similar to being a member of a sports team. Everyone needs to pull their weight and everyone needs to try their hardest in order for the group as a whole to succeed. On the flip side of trying hard, everyone needs to be supportive of the members of the team that are not as strong as others. Music is about creating ties and bringing out the best in everybody! Here are some ways that we can create a positive music-making environment together!!!!!

1.)    Show respect to the teacher and to the other students in the class. Do not talk out of turn, or when somebody else is speaking.

2.)    Come to class prepared… Bring your instrument, your music, your pencil and anything else that you might need to play your instrument. i.e. Reeds

3.)    Make Music… and love it.

 

 

PRACTISING MAKES THE BAND GO ROUND!!!!!!

          Practising at home is how students excel in the band program. It is their self- discipline and determination that really makes the music. Here are some handy dandy practicing techniques!!

1.)    Try to practice at the same time everyday.

2.)    Try to have a stand, pencil, music and instrument with you to practice.

3.)    Practice somewhere that you can concentrate.

4.)    Also start your practice session with some warm-ups.

5.)    Than move onto an exercise from your technique book. Try it slow at first and work out the rhythms and notes. Then gradually speed the exercise up.

6.)    Now it is time to work on some music. Always try to work on the parts that you are having trouble with at a slow pace. If you can play it slow it is just a matter of time before you can play it at tempo.

7.)    Always end your practice session on a positive note!!! Take out your favourite piece and just play through and have some fun making beautiful music!!!!