Student Activities: Band

Band syllabus 07-08

Expectations for band

by Jim Jordan

August 15, 2007

BANCROFT-ROSALIE PANTHER BAND

2007-08

Mr. Jim Jordan, Director

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES-

The Panther Band has a rich history and tradition. We hope to work together to continue bringing back the “Pride of the Panthers” to the community, school, and students. This will need to be accomplished through a great deal of patience, work, continued recruiting, and growth (both musically and in numbers).

EXPECTATIONS-

The following information is a checklist that will increase your success and education in band. As a group, these expectations should help us focus on our goals and objectives:

1. Always put away your instrument completely. It should be taken apart and

stored correctly in its case and placed in the correct storage slot.

2. Folders-Please put your music into your assigned pep/concert band folders and place in the correct storage slot. Folder slots will be assigned during the first full week of school and will be checked occasionally for a grade.

3. Starting class-You must be in your proper seat with music and instrument put together by the time the bell rings. Announcements or warm-ups will then start the class. It’s very important to be on time, since we are the 1^st period of the day. If you are not ready and playing during warm-ups, you risk the chance of receiving a poor grade for the day. Percussionists should either be playing with the band during warm-ups or preparing equipment for our first song that is listed on the board.

4. Ending class-Class will normally end 1-2 minutes (subject to change if abused) before the bell rings. Instruments and music should be put away, students should return to their seats and announcements will be given if they weren’t at the beginning of class. DO NOT line up by the door and wait for the bell.

5. ABSOLUTELY NO GUM, CANDY, FOOD OR DRINK IN THE MUSIC ROOM!!! The only exception is that water is acceptable or with prior permission from Mr. Jordan. You may be warned once early in class if you are in violation of this policy, however, 15 minutes of after school time may be assigned for the violation. Repeat offenses will result in 30 minutes of after school time and a possible detention through the main office.

6. Attendance-Attendance at all events is mandatory. Performances ARE your homework for this class. Each student is allowed one absence from pep band per semester, no questions asked AS LONG AS they notify the director 24 hours in advance (as long as ensemble balance is maintained). Conflicts do arise, however, and in those cases the following policy will be followed:

a. Excused absence-Cleared in advance (if possible) with the director or under special circumstances (illness, family illness, family emergency, etc.)

b. Unexcused absence-Not cleared by the director in advance. Skipping a performance or not planning ahead to attend the performance.

7. Effort-Always give your best effort. Ability is often over rated, effort never is!!!

8. All supplies must be paid for unless otherwise designated by the director. This includes reeds, shoes, shirts, valve oil, slide grease, etc.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES-

Throughout the school year, there will be several additional opportunities that will assist in your growth as an instrumental musician. There will be honor bands, pep bands, performances, and other ways to contribute to the school, community, and your own personal growth and education. I strongly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities and use them to enhance your growth as a musician.

BEHAVIOR ISSUES-

We have all been in classrooms where behaviors have disrupted the educational process. Disruptive classrooms deprive students of the education that law says they have a right to. Do not engage in behaviors that will deprive others or consequences will be given.

CONSEQUENCES:

1^st offense-Verbal/written warning

2^nd offense-Verbal/written warning, 15 minutes after school

3^rd offense-Verbal/written warning, 30 minutes after school, call to parents

Serious offense-Immediate removal from the day’s class, visit with Mr.

Sjuts, call to parents, detention or other disciplinary action taken

BAND ATTIRE-

The marching band will utilize band t-shirts, blue jeans, white shoes & socks for summer and early fall marching. These band t-shirts may be used for pep bands and possibly one concert. Band uniforms will be used for fall/winter marching and possibly one or more concerts. Often for honor bands, band uniforms are the attire you are expected to wear.

GRADING-

Class participation and attitude: 20%

Attendance at performances (concerts, pep band, marching): 40%

Attendance at lessons: 40%

CLASS PARTICIPATION/ATTITUDE:

You will be graded twice a week on random days, based on attitude and effort.

PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE:

Attendance at performances is mandatory. Grades based on pass/fail.

LESSON ATTENDANCE:

As lesson times are established, you are expected to be there or reschedule.

LETTERING-

Please refer to the page with the heading “BAND LETTERING POLICY 2007-08”

EVENT CALENDAR-

Please refer to the page with the heading “BAND EVENT CALENDAR 2007-08”