8th Grade Band
OVERVIEW
Connecting with each other and creating music are the primary goals of this class! Eighth Grade Band meets four days per week. In Band, we develop both individual growth (lessons & at-home practice) and ensemble growth (through active participation in daily rehearsals). Music literacy is behind all the learning we do. Festival performance, field trips, and the extracurricular opportunities of 8th Grade Jazz Band and Patriots Marching Band are all components of the class. Honor band experiences are also encouraged.
MY PURPOSE STATEMENT & WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME
• I teach to enable all kids to grow up into exceptional people through the processes of high-quality music learning and playing experiences.
• You can expect that I’ll get to know each student; advocate, support, and communicate; hold students to high expectations; encourage and push all students to do and be their best (work hard, think, learn, grow).
MATERIALS NEEDED
• Instrument (with necessary supplies), music stand, pencil, individual lesson book, band music • Brass & woodwinds progress through the Student Instrument Course series to Rubank Advanced Method. • Percussionists use both the Alfred Drum Method and Fundamental Studies for Mallets
COMMUNICATION & GOOGLE CLASSROOM (Code: m2hncvw)
• Google Classroom is where to find assignments, class information, lesson schedules, time charts, etc. • I email parents regularly with updates, necessary info & documents, etc. Have a question? Email me!
CONCERTS (start at 7:00 p.m.)
Mark your calendars! Our concerts are fun, celebratory culminations of our work. Attendance is required.
Wednesday, December 14 8th & 9th Grade Bands
Thursday, March 9 7th & 8th Grade Bands’ Concert
Wednesday, May 24 8th Grade & HS Symphonic Bands
8th Grade Band dresses up for concerts. Our concert attire is black on the bottom and white on the top.
WAIST-UP: - White dress shirt/polo shirt/blouse/sweater with long or short sleeves WAIST-DOWN: - Black dress pants/skirt, socks, & dress shoes
- Tights or hose should be neutral or black (NOT white)
- Skirts must be below the knee when seated.
No words or prints, please. Small logo on a shirt is acceptable. Solid black or white for religious attire. **NOTE: If finances make finding concert clothing difficult, please let me know. Help is available.
VITAL COMPONENTS OF BAND
1. LESSONS (taught during Band class) help you become a better player. They’re all about your individual growth and learning needs.
2. PRACTICE TIME is the most critical element for success in Band and the foundation of musical growth. • The requirement is an average of 150 practice minutes per week over each quarter.
• Due with parental signature at each lesson and at quarter’s end.
3. QUALITY CLASS PARTICIPATION by everyone – preparation, engagement, contribution, etc. – affects our experience together in Band class. Be and do your best! We depend on each other. 4. OTHER ASSIGNMENTS include some music literacy written work, scale memorization, and concert reflections.
GRADING
• Grades reflect student progress on learning and performance on standards.
• SAMS uses a proficiency-based grading system with a 1-4 scale for each essential standard in a class. Simply translated (using the current version of our band lesson rubric):
If your child DID turn in the work, they will receive one of these scores: If your child did NOT turn in the work, they will receive one of these scores: 4
EXT EXTENTS/EXCEEDS
EXTENDS/EXCEEDS THE STANDARD – ABOVE & BEYOND!M MISSING
CAN STILL BE TURNED IN OR COMPLETED FOR A GRADE
3
PROFPROFICIENT
CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCYI INCOMPLETE
NO EVIDENCE
2
APPRAPPROACHING
APPROACHING PROFICIENCY – MAKING PROGRESSX EXCUSED/EXEMPT
DOES NOT IMPACT GRADE
1
BEGBEGINNING
EARLY STAGES OF PROGRESS TOWARD PROFICIENCYNG NO GRADE
ESSENTIAL STANDARDS (What we will learn this year!)
• I can read and play music well on my instrument. This includes accurate notes, correct rhythms played with a steady beat, good tone, good technique, and attention to musical details.
• I can listen to, describe, analyze, and evaluate music and music performances.
OTHER DETAILS
• Percussionists are expected to maintain and are encouraged to expand their set of sticks & mallets.
• A letter will be sent to applicable students & parents explaining the school instruments rental fee. • PLEASE record your serial number and consider a homeowners' insurance rider (full-value replacement).
• Private lessons are always recommended as a great vehicle for in-depth learning and accelerating growth. Some options include our Community Services program, our lists of interested high school students and recommended private teachers, Schmitt Music, MacPhail Center for the Arts, local colleges, etc.
PATRIOTS MARCHING BAND & FUNDRAISING
• ALL 8th Grade Band students are eligible to participate in Patriots when it starts in February. Therefore, all 8th Grade Band students are included in HS band fundraisers for their Patriots & future HS Band accounts. Opportunities begin now (State Fair & US Bank Stadium) plus November (fruit sale), and May (the annual garage sale). Since the curricular HS bands also travel (sometimes), we encourage 8th graders to begin fundraising now even if they don’t think they’ll participate in Patriots yet.
8TH GRADE JAZZ BAND
• All 8th Grade Band students can be in 8th Gr. Jazz Band, even on non-typical jazz instruments. We meet weekly after school starting during 2nd quarter. Auditions are only for seating placement. We perform at least at the Jazz & Pancakes breakfast (March) and at intermission both nights of the Pops Concert (late April). Buying the required book we use is the only “activity fee” (winds $12, rhythm section $14.50).
OTHER DETAILS
• Chair placements take place soon in the fall and again later in the year. Challenges provide a good growth opportunity, are arranged & approved through me, and will take place sufficiently away from concerts, chair placements, and previous challenges.
• All students MUST keep their instruments in a locker during the school day.