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Skyridge Middle School
5220 N.W. Parker St. Camas, Washington 98607 Band Handbook 2008-2009 Mr. Mark Esser - Director of Bands / Instrumental Music
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Table of Contents:
I. Welcome Letter / Introduction
II. Contact Info
III. The Band Curriculum
IV. Band Program Goals
V. Class Descriptions
A. Sixth Grade Band
B. Intermediate Band (7-8)
C. Jazz Band
VI. Grading Policy
VII. Classroom Materials
VIII. Classroom Rules / Behavioral Expectations
IX. Music Calendar
X. Other Important Information
A. Practice Logs
B. Private Lessons
XI. Identification Card (return)
XII. Parental Acknowledgment Form (return)
Welcome Letter / Introduction:
Welcome to the Skyridge Middle School Band program! Skyridge is a highly academic school that has continued to grow and excel over the years. This band program has an excellent reputation for quality musicianship and does a great job of preparing every student to continue their musical development. I look forward to your participation in one of the most energetic and exciting activities at Skyridge. Each new and returning student has the opportunity to become an important member of a fine music program and it is up to each individual, including me, to maintain this tradition and soar to even greater heights.
This band handbook has been written for the Skyridge Middle School Band members and their parents with the aim of giving information regarding the various phases and activities of the music program. This handbook also contains the goals, policies, and procedures of the program. It is important for students and parents to read this manual thoroughly.
Sincerely, Mark Esser Director of Bands
Contact Information:
Band Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 360-833-5800 ext. 2817
Skyridge Band Program Curriculum:
In our music program, emphasis is placed on musicianship, technique, history, theory, and the development of each student’s musical knowledge. Achieved through hard work, it is the pride in a job well done that makes our efforts worthwhile. The success of the individual leads to the success of the band. Our ability to progress and achieve both as individuals and a band is dependent on our ability to function in an orderly, systematic manner as we strive to attain our goals. The bottom line is that students in band become the best that they can be through music and have fun doing so.
Band Program Goals:
To inspire a lifelong love of music
To build fundamental knowledge of music
To emphasize work ethic, self discipline, and social skills
To gain skills for both playing and listening to music
To build understanding of the relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
To build understanding of music in relation to history and culture
Note - for more information on state and national standards for music feel free to visit:
Class Descriptions:
Sixth Grade Band
This is an introductory class in instrumental playing for those students with little or no musical background. Students will develop musicianship, technique, music appreciation skills, and working music theory skills. By the end of the first year, band students will be prepared to continue in music with many skills. Here is a list of some of the skills to be taught:
- Holding the Instrument - Instrument Care - Practice Habits - Rehearsal Attitude - Rhythm - Sound Production - Note Naming - Fingerings - Time Signatures - Key Signatures - Tempo - Dynamics - Articulation - Form - Genre - Musical “Road Map” - Other Terms / Concepts
Intermediate Band (7-8)
The Intermediate Band is for the students continuing on from sixth grade or those with some musical background. The sixth grade standards and concepts will be re-emphasized and elaborated upon. In addition to music fundamentals students in the Intermediate Band will develop their individual sound, tone, balance, intonation, technique, and listening skills. Students in Intermediate Band will leave Skyridge with the skills and knowledge to take their music to the next level, and most importantly, with a lifelong love of music. Here are some of the skills to be taught in Intermediate Band:
- 6th Grade Skills and Concepts (expanded) - Individual Sound - Tone - Balance - Intonation - Technique - Listening Skills
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is for students who have some musical knowledge and want to explore their musical identity though jazz study. This class is mainly a performance ensemble that focuses on performance in a variety of jazz styles. Jazz band students will learn about special techniques, rhythms, and traditions as they apply to playing jazz and popular music. Students will also learn about the history and culture associated with the major jazz traditions and styles. There will be a strong emphasis on improvisation and all students will have an opportunity to take solos. The standard instrumentation for the jazz band includes trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and auxiliary. Exceptions to this must be approved by Mr. Esser. If you want to participate in jazz band regularly, you will need to play one of the traditional instruments used in jazz. Private lessons are strongly recommended, but not required.
Grading:
Students are required to attend all performances. In the event of an excused absence from a concert a student may earn credit with a make-up assignment/project related to music.
Attendance / Participation 60% Practice Logs 20% Concerts 10% Playing Tests / Assignments 10% Extra Credit 5%
*Handbook Continued on Next Page |
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Band Handbook |
