EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL BAND CLASS SYALLABUS
ALL BAND CLASSES D. ALAN FOWLER, Director of Bands
Band Office: 786-5922
The Band Program at Eastside High School is comprised of students in four band classes and the members of the Eastside Colorguard. During the year, the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Techniques classes will perform at a number of concerts. Other special engagements will consist of students from all the classes performing together, as well as in smaller groups. "The Pride of Eastside" Marching Band is comprised of students from all band classes.
The objectives for the course are simple: Provide students an opportunity to perform in a band, continue to learn and mature as both musicians and individuals, and work together to make the Eastside Band a great success. The teamwork aspect of being a part of the Eastside Bands is a tremendous educational opportunity for our students. Performance and other musical and class objectives are posted in the band room and on the band’s website. The students will learn that participating in high school band is a great source of PRIDE and is an experience that will benefit them in many ways throughout their lives.
Requirements:
1. Students need to own or have access to an instrument of good quality and maintained in good playing condition. A test grade will be given to each student the first week of each semester, simply for having their name clearly displayed on their instrument case. (Students using school-owned instruments are asked to contribute $30 to the instrument maintenance/replacement fund.)
2. Music will be provided and each student will be responsible for replacing lost music. The replacement costs are: Marching Packet: $3, Concert music: $.50-$5 ea., Books: Price on cover. (Copy Request forms are available.)
3. Students will be responsible for coming to class prepared to learn. A properly maintained music folder (provided by the director), pencil, and notebook (pockets & prongs) with paper are required for each class meeting. (Staff paper may be needed. This special paper can be purchased at the store, or for a small fee a packet can be provided by the band.)
4. Students will demonstrate a positive attitude and aid in creating a positive learning environment.
5. Students will be expected to attend rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.
Grading:
Band is a co-curricular class for which students receive a grade. Each student will receive a daily grade for each rehearsal. Should the student not have her/his instrument (or music), he/she will receive a zero; however, if the student makes the director aware of her/his situation before the rehearsal begins, then an assignment will be given by which a portion of the daily grade can still be earned.
The semester average for each student will be determined as follows:
Daily Grades / Participation / Attitude / Playing Quizzes 25 %
Test Grades – Playing and Written – be aware we are moving to the Georgia Performance Standards for Band 50 %
Playing Tests / Music Pass-Offs & Labeled instrument case / Stick Bag
Attendance at All Outside of School Rehearsals and Performances * 25 %
Note: With the implementation of InfiniteCampus, these percentages may be adjusted slightly – there is no need to worry.Final Exam Grade Policy: The final grade for the year will be figured as follows – The averages of the 1st and 2nd semesters will equal 85% of the final grade and the final exam grade will account for 15% of the final semester grade.
FINAL EXAM: Playing Test / Written Test over music from the semester, scales, and exercises and the GPS.
Graduation Band participation is factored into the final exam grade.
* Participation in concerts is a vital part of being a band member; therefore attendance at concerts/performances is required. Attendance at all band rehearsals and performances is extremely important. Performances and rehearsals are scheduled many weeks in advance and students are made aware of these dates at the beginning of each semester. Only emergency situations and illness can be accepted as excused absences from a performance. In these situations, contact the director in advance and supply a note of explanation, as soon as possible. If a rehearsal must be missed, please provide the director with a note of explanation PRIOR to the rehearsal (except in emergency situations--follow the same procedures as a performance). Failure to bring a note will result in an unexcused absence. At the discretion of the director, make-up work may be assigned in the event of an excused absence. No make-up work or practice will be assigned for an unexcused absence. Not all of the band students are in the same band class; thus after-school rehearsals will provide us with the only opportunity to have each ensemble rehearse together. Please note: Work is not an excused absence – further explanation of excused/unexcused absences is posted in the band room.
Finally – there is no reason for an “unexcused absence” – Be here or be accountable – Our success depends on it!
rev. 08/02/2011
Band Syllabus p. 2
Band Room Rules:
1. Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect others' rights and they will respect yours.
2. Know the rules in the Eastside High School Handbook and abide by them.
3. Come to class promptly and follow the instructions on the board. Do not leave seat without permission throughout the class period. Sign out/in on the hall-pass sheet whenever you leave the room during class. Hall passes will be limited.
4. Come to class with required materials and ready to rehearse within four minutes of the bell. Be in the room en route to your seat before the bell rings.
5. Take pride in your surroundings. (No food, gum, or drinks in the band room – Clean-up after yourself!)
Over the last few years, I have emphasized the following simple set of rules:
“You know what’s right – Do that! You know what’s wrong – Don’t do that!”
Following the above guidelines and practicing will ensure success here in the band room and beyond!
Discipline procedure: Penalty at the discretion of the director, may include: warning, reduction of daily grade, conference with student, phone call to parent, detention, or office referral. (Severe offenses will result in an office referral prior to other action being taken.)
The Beginning of Class: Students will be counted tardy if they are not in the room when the tardy bell rings, but it is important that they not just stand around once they arrive. With 5 minutes between classes, students will need to move more quickly through the halls than in the past. At Eastside, teachers begin class each day with a “sponge activity.” Such an activity is one that the students can begin immediately upon entering the class room and it should allow the students to begin absorbing the lessons of the day. The majority of our “sponge” activities in the band room will begin with the students entering the room and promptly getting their materials together to begin rehearsal. Tardies are handled through the Eastside Clinic (in the main office). All of your classes will go better if you are ready to learn when you walk in the door.
Positive reqards: The rewards that students receive in band are numerous and often intangible. One tangible reward that students are given is a chance to earn the right to wear the E.* As stated earlier, participation in high school band is a great source of PRIDE, and this pride is something that will stay with students throughout their lives. While goals have been set forth for the band program here at Eastside, these goals will be changing and evolving as we continue to develop into a superior organization. New letter requirements will be posted and detailed during the fall. In short, a point system will be implemented; so be sure to get involved. *Requirements for earning an Eastside Band Letter are posted in the band room.
Positive Rewards:
Communication:
EACH WEEK, A WEEKLY BAND AGENDA (WBA) WILL BE POSTED ON THE EASTSIDE BAND WEBSITE, AND IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH STUDENT TO READ THIS AGENDA AND INFORM THEIR PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) OF IMPORTANT BAND NEWS AND EVENTS. THE BAND WEBSITE:
www.prideofeastside.org
Other EHS Band Internet Connections: twitter – TPOEeaglebands facebook – TPOE Eagle Bands
The best time to reach me at school is from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. each day. There is an answering machine at the band office, and if you are unable to reach me, I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to making this year the best one yet for the Eastside bands. Please note Mr. F’s e-mail address:
fowler.alan@newton.k12.ga.us
BAND BOOSTER NOTE:
The EHS Band Boosters is an organization comprised of the parents of the band and colorguard students who make up the band program. Stop by Monday evening, August 8th during EHS Open House to find out more about the Band Boosters. Marching Band & Colorguard member families are already part of the Boosters by virtue of having paid their MB Fees, all other students need to pay $30 which covers the Band Booster dues and the Concert Uniform Usage Fee. THANK YOU!
