Highlands Middle School
Instrumental Music
2015-2016 Course Syllabus
Instructor: Lori Duncan
Phone: (859) 815-2521
E-mail: lori.hopkins@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Grade: 6
Credit: 1
Description
Instrumental music is a course that explores the performing arts. The performing ensemble
consists of woodwind, brass, and percussive instrumentalists. Emphasis is placed on the playing
of notes and rhythms, musicality, and the understanding of the music. Students will gain a better
appreciation for music by studying and performing various works.
Comment
The main goal of this class is to introduce the performing arts to individuals who wish to expand
their knowledge of music. Students will be expected to read, comprehend, and interpret musical
ideas through ensemble performance. This class will broaden individuals’ ability to perform and
prepare the student for the music section assessed through the discipline of arts and humanities.
Course Standards
Students will
 develop an appreciation for the basic elements of music and for the performing arts
 gain an understanding of rhythmic values, note names, and basic musical
interpretation of any work; this concept will be illustrated through scales, etudes,
musical excerpts, and compositions
 develop a repertoire of musical terms and concepts that can be applied to any work
 express creativity and expression through performing
 increase awareness of listening within an ensemble
 develop their abilities as a performer individually and within an ensemble
 evaluate both individual and group performances using musical vocabulary and
ideals of achievement
Required Materials
Instrument
Pencil/Paper
Black binder with all music in plastic sheet protectors
Method Book – Standard of Excellence
Text: Standard of Excellence
6th Grade – Book 1
Grading
Students will be evaluated on assignments and activities based on the following:
 Weekly Performance Evaluations – 25%
 Performance Assessments – 20%
Performance Assessments Include:
Major Scales
Selections from Standard of Excellence
Sections from Selected Sheet Music
Solos/Etudes
 Written Assessment – 10%
 Concerts – 25%
 Portfolios – 10%
 Weekly Discussion Boards – 10%
Practicing
Students are encouraged to practice at home on a daily basis. Students that are unable to carry
their instrument home may use the band room after school for practicing. Maintaining a
“healthy” practice schedule each week will help ensure that students are successful in their
performance assessments and concerts.
Participation and Attendance
Students will be expected to be on time and prepared for band with all of the required materials.
Attendance is a vital part to the students’ progress and to the ensemble. Students with excused
absences will be able to make up any written or performance assessment. Students will be
assigned a research/listening assignment for any concert that is missed (if the absence is marked
excused). An unexcused absence from a concert will result in a zero. The teacher will arrange
make-up dates. Students will be encouraged to perform in an ensemble outside of the regular
scheduled class and/or audition for one of the ensembles listed below. Private lessons are
available outside of the school day for all students. There is an additional fee for lessons.
Course Content/ Calendar
Class introduction
One week
Music Elements:
All year
Analyzing, creating, and performing
(rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo, harmony, form, and timbre)
+ Treble Clef and Bass Clef
+ 4/4 Time Signature, Note/Rest Values
+ Grand Staff and Ledger Lines
+ 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 Time Signatures, Dotted Note Values, Ties
+ Sharps and Flats
+ Half Steps, Whole Steps, Enharmonics
+ Tetrachords and Major Scales
Periods in music and influential composers:
All year
The Middle Ages
Quarter 1
The Renaissance Period
Quarter 2
The Baroque Period
Quarter 3
The Classical Period
Quarter 3
The Romantic Period
Quarter 4
The 20th Century/20th Century Pop Music
Quarter 4
Styles:
All year
broadway, gospel, musicals, ballads, blues, marches
Performance Content:
Posture and playing positions
Embouchure
Instrumental performance techniques
Scales:
Major (Bb, F, Eb, Ab)
Chorales, etudes, and sight-reading
Winter program repertoire
Concert band festival repertoire (7th and 8th grade only)
Spring program repertoire
Mandatory Performances:
Fall Band Extravaganza
All year
All year
All year
All year
All year
August – January
August - March
January - May
October 19, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Winter Concert
December 7, 2015
6:00 p.m.
Spring Concert
May 10.2015
6:00 p.m.
Additional Performance opportunities:
Northern Kentucky Select Band Auditions
(Northern Kentucky University)
January 9, 2015
Northern Kentucky Select Band Rehearsals and Concert
(Northern Kentucky University)
April 22-23, 2015
Solo and Ensemble Festival
April 18, 2015
* All band information will be posted on the Highlands band website – www.highlandsband.com
(Including concert band, jazz band, marching band, winter guard, and winter percussion info.)