Roosevelt High School
Concert Band Syllabus (2015-16)
Mrs. Terra Jo Haley
Welcome!
This performance-oriented class prepares students for solo and ensemble performance opportunities.
Musical literature includes styles from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century. Composers and
historical musical performance practices will be part of the course of study. Instrumental musician
development as it relates to breath support, production, embouchure and ensemble blend will be
emphasized. Sight-reading and aural musicianship skills will be a primary focus. Students are expected to
participate in/attend all scheduled rehearsals and concerts.
Objectives:
1. To emphasize the development of playing an instrument and music reading skills necessary to
make an enjoyable contribution to a quality instrumental ensemble.
2. To understand the importance of proper conduct, consideration of others and courtesy as a vital
part of the team (band).
3. To enjoy making music. Music is fun, but there is no fun in mediocrity. To ensure the success of
the group, each student, parent and director must realize his/her responsibilities to the group.
Course Content:
There will be performance opportunities each semester. While learning a diverse selection of quality
choral literature, students can expect to learn the following:
*Basic note reading and music literacy
*Key signatures and how they relate to playing an instrument
*Pitch matching and understanding how their pitch relates to others
*Proper instrumental technique; solo playing vs.ensemble playing
*Sight-reading and aural skills
*Unifying sound within an ensemble
*How music interacts with other disciplines
*How music has changed over history and affected people throughout time
*Following and interpreting conducting gestures
*Careers in music
Course Materials:
Students will be given music and an instrument that is property of RHS. It is their responsibility to care
for these while it is in their hands during class or at home. Lost or damaged music and/or instruments
will result in a fine up to full reimbursement for the value of the instrument.
Each student must come to class with a pencil. There will be periodic pencil checks to ensure each
student is prepared to make marks in his/her music during rehearsals. Students must also supply a spiral
notebook for “Do Now” work.
Classroom Expectations*:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Be Seated (in assigned seat) when bell rings.
Be Prepared with all materials when bell rings.
Be Engaged in the lesson, always giving 100%.
Be Respectful!
 Teacher
 Others
 Classroom (No gum/candy, food or drinks – with the exception of water)
 Self
5. Be Responsible! You are in charge of your own success.
*If you do not meet the classroom expectations of this course, the following consequences will be
assessed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Verbal warning
Loss of participation points
Conference with teacher
Conference with disciplinarian/Parent phone call
Referral
*Teacher reserves the right to assign consequences on a case-by-case basis.
Grading Policy:
Daily/Weekly Participation (40%):
Weekly rehearsal grades will be determined through daily participation based on attitude, respect,
cooperation, effort, sectionals, sight-reading, attendance and improvement. See the attached weekly
participation grading sheet.
Skills (20%):
The band member will be expected to improve individual musical skills including but not limited to
playing the instrument, music reading and sight-reading skills. An evaluation of this improvement may
include written quizzes/tests, group rehearsals and individual playing tests.
Performances (40%):
All performances are mandatory. Failure to attend a choral performance may result in failure of the
course for that grading period, if the absence is unexcused. A performance is considered an
examination of the material that has been covered in the player’s class.
Attendance Policy:
As a member of the Roosevelt Concert Band, you have an obligation to your fellow band members to be
at school, at all outside-of-school rehearsals and at performances on time and prepared. We are not
tolerant of poor daily attendance. Read carefully.
1. All students are expected to have excellent daily attendance at school.
2. Absence from concerts will be excused for the following reasons:
 Medical emergencies or personal injury
 Death in family
3. Examples of unexcused absences include but are not limited to:
 Work
 Oversleeping
 Transportation
 Babysitting
4. If you have a special circumstance that may hinder you from adhering to the attendance policies,
on a daily basis as well as performances, you must see Mrs. Haley before or after class to discuss
and possibly make alternative arrangements. Attendance and participation will make or break
your grade. You cannot participate if you are not here.
************************************************************************************
PLEASE SIGN BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY:
We received, read and understand the syllabus information for Mrs. Haley’s Concert Band course:
Student Name
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
(Print)
Parent Name
(Print)
*Parents, please include your email address if you would like to receive periodic updates about the
band department and upcoming events! You may also reach me anytime via email at
Terra.Tolliver@slps.org.
Parent’s Email ________________________________________________________________
Weekly Band Self-Assessment
Name _______________________________________________
Date___________________________
Directions: After reading each statement, circle the number you feel best describes
the amount of time you have exhibited these objectives during this past week in
rehearsal. Add up your scores at the bottom of this assessment.
5 = 95 –100% of the time
4 = 85 –95%
3 = 75 –85%
2 = 60 –75%
1 = less than 60% of the time
**********************************************************************************************
Student Response
Teacher Response
12345
Proper Posture –Used proper posture at all times during
rehearsal.
12345
Technique –Made best effort to use good instrumental
12345
techniques each day (breathing, embouchure)
12345
Folders/Seating –Picked up all needed materials and were 1 2 3 4 5
in seat before the bell rang.
12345
12345
Gum and Candy –Did not chew gum or candy
during rehearsal.
12345
12345
Respectful of teacher, others, & classroom –
(not talking and/or following directions, etc.)
12345
12345
Participated fully in all warm-ups
(unless excused by teacher for illness).
Dates excused: _____________________________
12345
12345
Attention focused on performing during entire rehearsal
Refrained from negative/inappropriate behavior that
resulted in loss of focus during rehearsal.
12345
12345
Displayed a positive attitude each day
12345
Student Response Total
___________________
Teacher Response Total
__________________
Average
_____________