Beginning Band Syllabus
St. John Vianney High School
Mr. Alex Borje
[email protected]
Couse Name: Band Fundamentals
Classroom Location: Band Room
Text: Standard of Excellence; Book 1
Course Description:
This course is designed to educate young men in music. At the culmination of this year, the musician should be able to demonstrate skills that reflect the standards of the Missouri Department of Education - music grade level expectations:
Performance Skills: Demonstrate instrumental technique (e.g. fingerings, bowings, stickings, playing position, tone quality, articulation), demonstrate instrument maintenance and care
Expression and Technical Skills: Read and perform music notation at a “beginning” to 2 grade-level, read and perform a short song/piece using effective expression and characteristic timbre
Repertoire: Perform a varied repertoire of music representing diverse culture, genres and styles, apply stylistic elements needed to perform the music of various cultures, genres and styles
Imitation (play by ear): Play by ear simple melodies on a melodic instrument
Group Playing: Demonstrate characteristic timbre, tempo, and dynamics independently for group performance, responding expressively to the cues of the conductor
Improvisation: Improvise simple rhythmic variations in a consistent style and meter
Composition and Arrangement: Create or arrange a short song/piece or phrases using a variety of sound sources within specified guidelines
Rhythmic Notation: Perform standard rhythmic notation in 2/4, 2/4, 4/4 and 6/8 meter signature with bar lines using all rhythm and note values
Melodic Notation: Employ standard pitch notation in the clef appropriate to student’s instrument in an appropriate range and keys
Symbols of Expression: Identify standard symbols for dynamics, tempo and articulation
Symbols for Rhythm, Pitch and Expressive Elements: Use standard notation for rhythm, pitch, and expressive elements to record musical ideas of 2 to 4 measures for instruments
Sight Reading: Sight read standard musical notation at level 2 difficulty - may include changes of tempo, key and meter
Critique Musical Performances: Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between quality and non-quality performance through listening, performing, self-assessment and offer suggestions for improvement
Connections Between Music and Non-Arts Disciplines: Describe ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines are interrelated with those of music. Explain the importance of group participation, perseverance, and commitment in musical and non-musical settings. Describe the similarities between other subject areas and the arts (e.g. talk about the relationships between interpreting music notation and interpreting written language)
Assessment:
The band grade is designed to reflect effort, participation, playing skill and personal progress.
Scale Sequence: Each student will complete assigned scales per semester (20 points per scale)
Performances: Performances are the most essential part to Beginning Band, as it is through the performance that we quantify our results as a group. All 3 performances are MANDATORY and are each worth 250 points: Winter Band Concert, Solo/Ensemble Festival, Spring Concert (dates TBD)
Playing Assignments: 15-20 assignments (10 points each) will be administered during each semester. There will be numerous playing quizzes, consisting of exercises from the book, scales, rhythms and excerpts from concert pieces
Written Assignments: 15-20 assignments (10 points each) will be administered during each semester. These assignments may include a composition, melodic notation, identification of musical terms, critique of music, paper on musical connections and/or music history
Class Participation: 20 points can be earned per class period for excellent behavior and participation. Students are expected to show up on time, with music, instrument and pencil to every class.
Educational Philosophy:
The Vianney Band Program promotes a faith and culture that illumines reality from the perspective of the Gospel. I teach about life through the subject of music. My goal as an educator is to equip my students with the skills to become their own educators, so that they may be successful in college and in life.
Other Policies:
•Food, candy, gum or drinks other than water are not permitted in the Band Room
•Treat all property with respect at all times, including personal belongings, belongings of others and belongings of the school
•Students are to treat everyone with respect at all times, both inside and outside of the classroom
•The Beginning Band will wear coat and tie to formal concerts. Dress shoes and dark socks are required for all band performances
I am very excited to teach you and to help you reach your potential. I look forward to an incredible year in the band room! Please sign this syllabus and return it ASAP, as it will count for your first assignment.
Sincerely,
Alex Borje
St. John Vianney High School
Mr. Alex Borje
[email protected]
Couse Name: Band Fundamentals
Classroom Location: Band Room
Text: Standard of Excellence; Book 1
Course Description:
This course is designed to educate young men in music. At the culmination of this year, the musician should be able to demonstrate skills that reflect the standards of the Missouri Department of Education - music grade level expectations:
Performance Skills: Demonstrate instrumental technique (e.g. fingerings, bowings, stickings, playing position, tone quality, articulation), demonstrate instrument maintenance and care
Expression and Technical Skills: Read and perform music notation at a “beginning” to 2 grade-level, read and perform a short song/piece using effective expression and characteristic timbre
Repertoire: Perform a varied repertoire of music representing diverse culture, genres and styles, apply stylistic elements needed to perform the music of various cultures, genres and styles
Imitation (play by ear): Play by ear simple melodies on a melodic instrument
Group Playing: Demonstrate characteristic timbre, tempo, and dynamics independently for group performance, responding expressively to the cues of the conductor
Improvisation: Improvise simple rhythmic variations in a consistent style and meter
Composition and Arrangement: Create or arrange a short song/piece or phrases using a variety of sound sources within specified guidelines
Rhythmic Notation: Perform standard rhythmic notation in 2/4, 2/4, 4/4 and 6/8 meter signature with bar lines using all rhythm and note values
Melodic Notation: Employ standard pitch notation in the clef appropriate to student’s instrument in an appropriate range and keys
Symbols of Expression: Identify standard symbols for dynamics, tempo and articulation
Symbols for Rhythm, Pitch and Expressive Elements: Use standard notation for rhythm, pitch, and expressive elements to record musical ideas of 2 to 4 measures for instruments
Sight Reading: Sight read standard musical notation at level 2 difficulty - may include changes of tempo, key and meter
Critique Musical Performances: Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between quality and non-quality performance through listening, performing, self-assessment and offer suggestions for improvement
Connections Between Music and Non-Arts Disciplines: Describe ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines are interrelated with those of music. Explain the importance of group participation, perseverance, and commitment in musical and non-musical settings. Describe the similarities between other subject areas and the arts (e.g. talk about the relationships between interpreting music notation and interpreting written language)
Assessment:
The band grade is designed to reflect effort, participation, playing skill and personal progress.
Scale Sequence: Each student will complete assigned scales per semester (20 points per scale)
Performances: Performances are the most essential part to Beginning Band, as it is through the performance that we quantify our results as a group. All 3 performances are MANDATORY and are each worth 250 points: Winter Band Concert, Solo/Ensemble Festival, Spring Concert (dates TBD)
Playing Assignments: 15-20 assignments (10 points each) will be administered during each semester. There will be numerous playing quizzes, consisting of exercises from the book, scales, rhythms and excerpts from concert pieces
Written Assignments: 15-20 assignments (10 points each) will be administered during each semester. These assignments may include a composition, melodic notation, identification of musical terms, critique of music, paper on musical connections and/or music history
Class Participation: 20 points can be earned per class period for excellent behavior and participation. Students are expected to show up on time, with music, instrument and pencil to every class.
Educational Philosophy:
The Vianney Band Program promotes a faith and culture that illumines reality from the perspective of the Gospel. I teach about life through the subject of music. My goal as an educator is to equip my students with the skills to become their own educators, so that they may be successful in college and in life.
Other Policies:
•Food, candy, gum or drinks other than water are not permitted in the Band Room
•Treat all property with respect at all times, including personal belongings, belongings of others and belongings of the school
•Students are to treat everyone with respect at all times, both inside and outside of the classroom
•The Beginning Band will wear coat and tie to formal concerts. Dress shoes and dark socks are required for all band performances
I am very excited to teach you and to help you reach your potential. I look forward to an incredible year in the band room! Please sign this syllabus and return it ASAP, as it will count for your first assignment.
Sincerely,
Alex Borje