Course Objectives:

• To receive instruction in proper playing posture through demonstration and explanation.
• To achieve proper tone production with emphasis on attacking, sustaining, and releasing through proper breath control and articulation.
• To develop recognition of a variety of rhythmic patterns through clapping playing and use of subdividing to interpret and read music accurately.
• To develop sight reading proficiency by use of rhythm patterns, method books, music theory and a wide range of sight reading materials.
• To use proper hand position, embouchure, and finger positions.
• Be advised on the proper selection of mouthpieces, reeds, drumsticks, and quality instruments.
• Be evaluated periodically by listening to assigned exercises or compositions or through written tests and public performances and evaluation festivals.
• Be exposed to various performance practices relative to band, orchestra, and other musical groups.

Grading Criteria: The grading criteria shall consist of the following: *40% Class Participation, Materials, and Preparation, 15% Performance Exams, 10% Journal Entries and Written Classwork, 15% Public Performances and **20% Weekly At – Home Practice Log.

*For every class day that a student is not prepared for performance i.e. pencil, instrument, notebook, etc. that student will receive a zero in Class Participation, Materials and Preparation each day until the student returns to class prepared to participate.

**A Weekly At – Home Practice Log will be given to each student at the beginning of each week. It is the students’ responsibility to return this log every Friday to the instructor. At the end of each week, every student without a log will receive a zero for that portion of their grade. Those 7^thand 8^thgrade students who particpate in both rehearsals and performances with the Marching Band at Grady High School will get an automatic grade of 100 each week for the Fall Semester.

Homework Policy: This policy consists of practicing your instrument at home and recording it on your weekly at – home practice log sheet. There will be no make – ups allowed.

After – School Rehearsals: Occasionally, there will be after school rehearsals and sectional rehearsals as an extension of instruction and to prepare for upcoming performances. Once dates have been established Symphonic Band will rehearse every Monday and Thursday and Concert Band will rehearse every Tuesday and Friday. Parents are responsible for students’ transportation following all rehearsals.

Required Special Projects: Band is aperformance – based class. In order to meet the class objectives, the band will perform throughout the school year at school – based performances as well as public performances outside the school. Students will prepare and perform in school programs and be given the opportunity to perform in the GMEA sponsored District V Solo and Ensemble, District V All – State Auditions (1^stround) and Large Group Performance Evaluation (Spring Semester).

Required Materials and Supplies: As we have a limited supply of school owned instruments available for students use, it is recommended that students make arrangements to rent, lease or purchase their own instruments. School – owned instruments are issued on a first come, first served basis. There are many reputable music stores in the area. More importantly, students must purchase their own mouthpieces, reeds, neck straps, and other accessories relative to the upkeep of their instrument.

Other Supplies include: