Northwest, Where the Best Do Their Best to be the

BestNORTHWEST JACKSON MIDDLE SCHOOL “SOUND OF PRECISION”

BAND

Ms. W. Brown, Band Director

Northwest Jackson Middle School Band7020 Hwy 49 NorthJackson, MS 39213

Wangela Brown, Band DirectorEmail: wangbrown@jackson.k12.ms.us

Office Ph#: (601) 987-4956Fax# (601) 987-4975

Dear students and parents,

Welcome back to school for the 2018-2019 school year! We are looking forward to another great year of making music exciting and educational. Northwest band has been very successful in previous years and we want to continue in the path of excellence. Therefore, we will strive to enhance the band program through hard work, teamwork, cooperation, oneness and moving toward a common goal.

One of the key elements of success in any music program is communication between the director and parents. I will do my part to keep you informed of your child’s individual progress as well as all the band’s performances and events. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns.

Parental support is ONE of the most important factors in the success of any band student.

This year is my eighteenth year at Northwest as band director. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Jackson State University. I have five children, four sons and a daughter who are grown and all musicians. I love to read, exercise, and I truly love teaching life through music.

“If You Desire to be Great, Music Can Help Take You There!”

Northwest Jackson Middle School “Sound of Precision” Band Syllabus

FOREWORD

Band has a unique place in the school curriculum. While it is an academic class in the sense of having a definite curriculum and expected competencies, there are some aspects of band membership that require participation outside of the normal school day. Students and parents should understand that the success of the band program depends on every band member performing their responsibilities to the group and that participation is also required of each band member.

There are many benefits that students can realize by being a member of the band program. The intense concentration and training required to perform in band is the same kind of training that produces success in any field. Band develops coordination, organization, teamwork, and mental discipline. Bands invariably have a high percentage of the school’s top ranking academic students. Scholarship and musicianship go hand in hand.

Through the cooperation of every student, parent, and teacher, we can have many enjoyable experiences affording musical growth, accomplishment, appreciation and recreation. With this achievement, students should develop a sense of pride and respect necessary for the continued success of the NWJMS Band Program.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the NWJMS Syllabus is to provide each parent and band student an understanding of the educational and musical expectations of the NWJMS band program. It serves as an academic agenda to explain to every band member (and their parents) what is expected of them and to outline the music fundamentals that govern the students’ individual success and operation of the band. Please read each section carefully and keep the syllabus “handy” for future reference.

MISSION

The mission of the Northwest Jackson Middle School Band program is to provide its students with an enjoyable experience in music, ultimately guiding each student towards having a life that is enriched by listening to and creating music. It is to ensure that students know and experience the uniqueness of music, understand themselves and their world by creating, expressing, communicating meaning to realize the value of humanity’s most essential universal language. Students will achieve high standards of musical excellence, mutual respect, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic. In pursuit of this goal, students will develop self-esteem, confidence, character and meaningful relationships with others.

Description of Bands

Beginner Band: (August – May) No Prerequisite. Full year Course. Beginner Band is designed to

introduce first year band students to the foundations of music through learning the basic music fundamentals adjacent individualized instructions, performance, musicianship, and maintenance of band instruments. Students are expected to rent or purchase their own instruments and accessories with the exception of large school-owned band instruments (tubas, baritones, and French horns). Students will master approximately two years of training over the course of the school year. Practice at home is required, mandatory and private lessons are suggested and preferred, but not required. “Sound of Precision” Beginner Band members are expected to have materials for class as well as participate in class activities. Adherence to Band rules and procedures are required.

Intermediate Band: (August- May) 2nd year students One full year of band required. Immediate Band is a continuation of

the acquired skills from Beginner Band to further enhance the basic fundamentals of music and also to introduce new skills essential towards the advancement of band students on their instruments. Practice as home is required along with after-school rehearsals. Concert Band participation is required and mandatory as well.

Advanced Band: (August-May) 3rd year students Two years of band required. Advanced Band is a continuation of

Intermediate Band to continue their instrumental development at the most advanced levels. Practice at home is required. Rehearsal and performances are mandatory and expected throughout the year. Students are expected to participate in Marching Band and Concert Band seasons.

Marching Band: (Fall ) Consist of Intermediate and Advanced Band Students.

Marching Band members are expected to represent Northwest with high standards of discipline. These students perform at football games, parades, pep rallies, school activities, and some invitational out-of-school activities. Attendance at after school rehearsals and performances are required and mandatory.

Concert Band: (Spring ) Consist of Intermediate and Advanced Band Students.

Concert Band members are expected to represent Northwest with high standards of discipline. These students perform at in-school activities and programs, JPS District Concert Band Festival, and invitational out-of-school programs. Attendance at after school rehearsal and performances are required and mandatory.

Goals and Various Objectives

Goals:

The success of the band is determined by the success of the individual. That success is measured by each member’s commitment, effort, and pride in making a difference every single day, in everything he or she does. The goal of the NWJMS Band and band director is to provide students with the best music education while developing each student’s character. This goal is achieved through hard work, goal setting, responsibility, and cooperation.

Educational Objective: To instill in each participating member the desire to succeed in all

his/her academic endeavors. To provide aesthetic expression and outlet for creativity through music

as a performing art. To educate each student as to the importance of teamwork in all

aspects of life.

Cultural Objective: To develop an appreciation of music through exposure to and

performance of the best available marching and concert band music of various cultures.

Public Relations Objective: To represent Northwest Jackson Middle School in the school and the

community as well as in the JPS District Band Festival.

Recreational Objective: To provide all members with a creative and balanced use of leisure

time and proper use of social skills.

Please Note: Northwest Jackson Middle School is an International Baccalaureate World Middle Years Program School. Our music program

will include the curriculum, standards, and objectives from the IB Curriculum, the State of MS curriculum, and the JPS District curriculum as they are available. Emphasis will be placed on the creative process

and reflection. There will also be an integration of other subjects in all band classes. Each objective previously listed will tie the entire

curriculum together so that the overall goals will be achievable and successful.

Beginner Band (1st year)Beginner Band is designed to introduce first year band students to the foundation of music through learning the basic music fundamentals adjacent individualized instructions, performance decorum, musicianship, and maintenance of band instruments. These students DO NOT participate in advanced band activities; however, they are learning during their entire beginner band year the importance of obtaining great musical skills as they are learning to play their instruments. These skills will be enhanced as they progress into 7th and 8th grade performing band and band classes.

Music Theory1. Define, identify, and demonstrate basic music theory terms and symbols.

a. Recognize and illustrate the musical alphabet and staff, bar line, double bar line, and measure.

b. Recognize and illustrate various time signatures (e.g. 2/4, ¾, 4/4); Treble and Bass Clef signs and ledger lines; note and rest values.

c. Apply and recognize musical symbols (e.g. flat, sharp, natural, tie, slurs, repeat signs, accidentals, key signatures (B flat, E flat and F), fermata, and breath mark.

d. Recognize and demonstrate 1st and 2nd endings, fine’, Da Capo, accent, Dal Segno ,and pick-up notes in music.

e. Recognize and define solo and soli.Assessments: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals on music written and playing tests.

Orientation to Musical Instruments1. Assemble and use proper care and maintenance of band instruments.

f. Instrument assembly.g. Display use of proper hand and fingering positions while holding the instrument. h. Demonstrate proper instrument care and maintenance.i. Demonstrate correct posture and seating positions while holding a band

instrument.Assessments: Teacher observation of each student.

Performance1. Play using a tone quality that is characteristic of a beginner while demonstrating the

correct embouchure/grasp of the mouthpiece and the concept of articulation and/or tonguing.

a. Proper embouchure /grasp of the mouthpiece while playing.b. Demonstrate the proper sitting position for correct posture.c. Correct articulation techniques.d. Use of correct procedures for playing the snare drum.e. Identify and demonstrate beginner rudiments.

2. Clap, play, and count basic rhythmic patterns using notes and rests while illustrating basic mathematics to divide, multiply, add, and/or subtract longer notes into shorter ones or vice versa.

a. Clap, play and count whole notes and rests. b. Clap, count, and play half notes and rests. c. Clap, count, and play quarter notes and rests. d. Clap, count, and play eighth notes and rests. e. Clap, count, and play dotted half notes and rests. f. Clap, count, and play dotted quarter note and eighth note rhythm patterns.3. Play scales on wind instruments and play basic rudiments on percussion instruments while observing key signatures. a. Play B flat concert major scale. b. Play E flat concert major scale. c. Play A flat concert major scale. d. Play F concert major scale. e. Play flams. f. Play paradiddles. g. Play a 5 stroke roll. h. Play a double stroke roll.Assessments: Students will verbalize and write musical notation rhythms. Students will perform rhythm concepts on their instruments.

Intermediate Band (2nd year)Intermediate Band is designed to continue the development of fundamental skills learned in Beginner Band and also introduce new skills to enhance the musicianship of band students on their instruments.

Performance1. Review different tempo markings (allegro, andante, moderato, ritardando, accelerando) and dynamic/volume markings (piano, forte, mezzo forte, mezzo piano, pianissimo, fortissimo, crescendo, decrescendo, and diminuendo).2. Introduce a variety of musical styles using different articulations. a. Play staccato style. b. Play legato or slurring style. c. Play marcato/march style. d. Recognize and apply accents.3. Introduce playing and counting rhythm patterns and their corresponding rests while using math skills to divide longer notes and rests into shorter ones. a. Clap, count, and play eighth and sixteenth note and rest combinations. b. Clap, count, and play in cut time (whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes and their corresponding rests). c. Clap, count, and play basic rhythms in 6/8 time signature. d. Clap, count, and play rhythms in syncopation.

Assessments: Students will verbalize and write counts for all rhythms above and sight-read rhythms on their instruments.4. Play scales on their instruments while observing key signatures and play basic rudiments on percussion instruments. a. Play E flat concert major scale. b. Play C concert major scale. c. Play D flat concert major scale. d. Play chromatic scale in octaves according to their instrument range. e. Play a flamadiddle. f. Play a flam accent. g. Play a nine stroke roll. h. Reinforce all objectives stated in the Beginner Band Curriculum.

Assessments: Teacher will listen to students play scales and rudiments individually for correct pitches and sticking. All rudiments must be played open, close, open with proper sticking procedures.

5. Play with acceptable tone quality characteristic of second year players.Teaching strategies: The teacher will introduce warm-up exercises designed to enhance and improve tone quality.

6. Perform as a group and individually at various times during the year to demonstrate proper performance behavior and learned skills.

Music Theory1. Define, identify, demonstrate, interpret and apply music theory terms and symbols. a. Identify and demonstrate repeat measure sign, extended rests, D. S. and Coda signs. b. Identify enharmonic tones.Teaching strategies: The teacher will use flashcards, musical terms projects with the above terms and symbols for students to identify and define. The teacher will listen to students perform the terms and symbols they find in their music.

Advanced Band (3rd year)Advanced band year 3 is designed to continue the development of fundamental skills learned in Intermediate Band 1 & 2 plus additional skills pertinent to Intermediate band students on their instruments.Performance 1. Play music with different tempo and volume markings. a. Review different tempo markings and dynamic markings that were introduced in Intermediate Band I. b. Introduce rallentando and other complex musical terms to students.2. Play music in staccato, legato, and marcato styles.

a. Review the musical styles and articulations that were introduced in Intermediate Band I.3. Play rhythm patterns and their corresponding rests. Students will also playmore complex rhythms and their corresponding rests. a. Review rhythm patterns and rests introduced in Intermediate Band I. b. Clap, count, and play eighth note and quarter note triplets. c. Clap, count, and play dotted eighth/sixteenth note rhythm patterns. d. Clap, count, and play basic 6/8 rhythm patterns in two beat pattern. e. Clap, count, and play dotted rhythms in cut-time. f. Clap, count, and play complex syncopation rhythms at appropriate levels of difficulty.Assessments: Students will verbalize and write the counts for all the above rhythms and also perform sight-reading rhythms on their instruments.

4. Play scales and rudiments learned in Intermediate Band I. Students will be introduced to new scales and rudiments on a more complex level. a. Play D concert major scale. b. Play G concert major scale. c. Play G flat concert major scale. d. Play chromatic scale in octaves according to instrument range. e. Play F concert major scale in octaves according to instrument range. f. Play a 5 stroke roll. g. Play 7 stroke roll and other roll rudiments. h. Play flamacue and other flam rudiments. i. Play drag rudiments.Assessments: The teacher will listen to students play scales or rudiments individually for correct pitches, fundamental techniques and sticking procedures.

5. Play with a tone quality characteristic of third year players.Teaching strategies: The teacher will play recordings of professional musicians or invite guest artist to class for students to listen to so they are exposed to characteristic sounds on a more mature, professional musical level.

6. Perform as a group and individuals at various times during the year to demonstrate proper performance behavior and learned skills.

Music Theory1. Play music incorporating music theory terms and symbols introduced in Intermediate Band I. Students will also play music utilizing new theory terms and symbols. a. Identify and demonstrate, and interpret D. C. al Coda and D. S. al Coda. b. Identify, demonstrate, and interpret accent, staccato, marcato, and tenuto.

Teaching strategies: The teacher will pass out repertoire with the above musical terms and symbols indicated to expose students to various styles and genre.

Grading Policies

9 weeks grades for band will be based on the following:Grades: Homework-10%; Classwork and daily grades-40%; Tests-50% Attendance – be in class daily and on time

Preparedness/Materials – have instrument, supplies, pencil and Music; Band binder; Band Method Book

Participation – be an active member of each class/ rehearsal.

- minus point deductions.

Performances, Playing and Written Tests: Attendance – be there, on time

Preparedness – have instrument, supplies, music, uniform (advanced band), etc.

Performance – fully participate in the performance and set-

up/ break- down; perform in a professional manner

instructions and expectations have been given.

Positive Behavior/Discipline – follow all rules, represent and

Respect our Band, school, and community well.

Point Deduction A percentage of all grades will be based upon homework, classwork/daily independent work, and tests. If you are not prepared, do not follow instructions or procedures, or disrupt band class and/or rehearsals, your daily grade will be lowered by the amounts listed.

Attendance Grades Attendance is very important in all classes, as well as in your future life. This is especially true when it comes to attendance in band rehearsals. When you are absent, not only do you miss out on the important material for that day, but also your absence changes things for the entire band, making rehearsal less than ideal. Make every effort to attend every rehearsal. Students who miss classwork and homework due to absence(s) will be allowed to make up all assignments within a timely manner of two school days upon return.

Daily Point Deduction:

Tardy to rehearsal 5 points

Talking or otherwise disturbing a rehearsal (1st) 10 points

Chewing Gum/candy in rehearsal 20 points

Moving around the room or stands w/o permission 10 points

Failure to have all music at rehearsal 10 points

Bringing food or drink in Band Room 10 points

Writing on the board without permission 10 points

Failure to fully participate in rehearsal (1st) 10 points

Talking or otherwise disturbing a rehearsal (2nd) 20 points

Failure to put instrument or equipment away after rehearsal 15 points

Improper care of school instrument or equipment 15 points

Using vulgar or inappropriate language 20 points

Roughhousing in the rehearsal area 15 points

Skipping rehearsal without prior clearance 20 points

Inappropriate display of affection 20 points

Failure to have instrument or supplies at rehearsal 20 points

Failure to fully participate in rehearsal (2nd) 20 points

Eating or drinking (other than water) w/o permission 20 points

Using someone else’s things without permission 25 points

Inappropriate use of school equipment 30 points

Fighting, arguing, or threatening another student 50 pts. + office

Showing disrespect to teacher or other adult 50 pts. + call & possible office

Stealing 100 pts. + office +

band suspensionEvent: __________________________________ Date: ___________

Northwest Band Performance Grade RubricExample: Rubrics will be used as an assessment tool using the

following music fundamentals.Note: Rubric standards will vary depending on the fundamentals

being assessed.

Performance Playing Test Rubric

Standards Achievement Level0 The student does not meet any of the performance criteria.

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8

Note Accuracy

Notes performed with limited accuracy and many mistakes.

Notes performed with adequate accuracy and several mistakes.

Notes performed with substantial accuracy and few mistakes.

Notes performed with an excellent accuracy without mistakes.

Rhythmic Accuracy

Rhythms performed with limited accuracy and many mistakes.

Rhythms performed with adequate accuracy and several mistakes.

Rhythms performed with substantial accuracy and few mistakes.

Rhythms performed with excellent accuracy and without mistakes.

Tone Performs with limited acceptable tone quality of the instrument.

Performs with adequate acceptable tone quality of the instrument.

Performs with substantial acceptable tone quality of the instrument.

Performs with an excellent acceptable tone quality of the instrument.

Playing position and posture

Performs with limited head, body, hand, and

Performs with adequate head, body, hand, and feet

Performs with substantial head, body, hand, and feet

Performs with an excellent head, body, hand, and

feet placement. placement. placement. feet placement.

Tempo Performs with limited tempo accuracy and stops/starts many times.

Performs with adequate tempo accuracy and tempo is not always steady.

Performs with substantial tempo accuracy at a steady pace but faster or slower than indicated.

Performs with an excellent tempo accuracy without any pauses or deviations.

Articulation Performs with limited articulation accuracy of the ties and slurs fundamentals.

Performs with adequate accuracy of the ties and slurs music fundamentals.

Performs with substantial accuracy of the ties and slurs music fundamentals.

Performs with an excellent accuracy of the ties and slurs music fundamentals.

Musical Style (Theme and Variations)

Performs the theme and variations with limited accuracy of the melodic line.

Performs the theme and variations with adequate accuracy of the melodic line.

Performs the theme and variations with substantial accuracy of the melodic line.

Performs the theme and variations with excellent accuracy of the melodic line.

Grading scale:90-100_____ A80-89______ B70-79______ C60-69______ D

0-59_______ F

TAKE FIVE PROCEDURE:The “TAKE FIVE” procedure is a physical but silent move the director uses to get immediate attention and silence from each member.

The director will raise her hand and count to five spreading fingers open. This is a non-verbal procedure.

Band students are to immediately stop what they are doing and raise their hand in complete silence. Stop, look, and listen. Students who consistently fail to respond will follow the consequences.

GENERAL BAND RULES

1. Respect others and their possessions at all times.2. Raise your hand to speak or leave your seat.3. Take proper care of your instrument, supplies, music, and your

band room.4. Be on time, fully prepared, and fully participate in every rehearsal.5. Listen to and follow instructions the first time given.6. Keep hands, feet, objects, and negative comments to yourself.7. Do not bring food, gum or candy into the band room. Gum chewing

is NEVER allowed.CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal warning.2. Deductions from daily grades.3. Individual conference with director and/or parent phone call.4. Practice or performance probation.5. Disciplinary referral to office.6. Possible band dismissal.

These consequences are meant to be guidelines, steps can be “skipped” depending on the severity of the offense. Any students causing a serious problem will be immediately referred to the office or dismissed from the band.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

TEACHER: Provide the best instruction possible Ensure the learning environment is built on respect, support, and high

expectations Give all students the opportunities and tools to succeed Keep open lines of communication Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude Be creative and exemplify professionalism in learning in a fun, exciting

manner

STUDENT: Attend all lessons, rehearsals including sectionals, and performances Be on time prepared with materials such as instrument, music, method

book(s) and a pencil Practice regularly at home (5 days a week minimum: at least 30

minutes) Take good care of instrument. Normal wear and tear is NORMAL!

Damages happen due to negligence! Keep up with all class work due to band and turn in on time neat and

legible! Maintain a positive attitude

PARENT (S): Provide a quality instrument and all necessary music and supplies.

Exception: school owned instruments (tubas, baritones, French Horns, marching percussion) Parents will provide a mouthpiece, sticks and/or mallets, drum straps as applicable.

When repair is needed, have instrument repaired immediately in a timely manner. (Repairs should not go past 3 days).

Monitor home practice, get your child started, be encouraging in an honest way

Help child keep track of the band schedule and responsibilities Be sure student gets to performances and call times on time or early Help student maintain grades in other subjects, i.e. homework, test

preparation, projects Maintain a positive encouraging attitude Provide opportunities for your child to become familiar with quality

music Be present at performances when possible

BAND SYLLABUS PLEDGE

Grade __________ Period _____/Day _____

I _____________________________ pledge to myself and Ms. Brown, band director, to do the following expectations in my own words:

1. _______________________________________________________________________.

2. _______________________________________________________________________.

3. _______________________________________________________________________.

Student Signature: _______________________

Parent(s) Signature: _______________________

Date: _______________________

RESOURCESBeginner Band: Tradition of Excellence Book 1 by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin

Intermediate Band: Tradition of Excellence Books 1 and 2

Advanced Band: Tradition of Excellence Books 2 and 3

Website(s):

www.musictheory.net

www.smartmusic.com

www.musiclearningcommunity.com

http://www.funbrain.com

www.datadragon.com

http://www.teoria.com/

www.quia.com/web

http://www.ezmusictheory.com/

http://www.good-ear.com/

http://www.happynote.com/en/music-notes.html