Highlands High School
Instrumental Music – Band III
2012-2013 Course Syllabus
Instructor: Lori Hopkins
Phone: (859) 815-2521
E-mail: lori.hopkins@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Grade: 8-12
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 - Foundations for Superior Performance
Grading
Students will be evaluated on assignments and activities based on the following:
 Weekly Participation/Performance Evaluations – 10%
 Concerts – 30%
 Written Assessment – 10%
 Scales Assessments – 20%
 Solo/Etude Assessments – 20%
 Quarter Project – 10%
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 assessments. 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:
Analyzing, creating, and performing using the following elements –
rhythm, melody, form, timbre, harmony, tempo, and dynamics
Styles in American Music and Influential Composers
Periods in Music History:
Influential Composers and Musical Works; Societal Influences on Music;
In-Depth Analysis of Band Literature in Relation to the Following Periods
Renaissance
Baroque
Classical
Romantic
20th Century
Modern
Performance Content:
Posture and playing positions
Embouchure
Instrumental performance techniques
Scales:
Major and minor assessment grid–
 Major Scales – 9th grade
 Natural Minor Scales – 10th grade
 Harmonic Minor Scales – 11th grade
 Melodic Minor Scales – 12th grade
Solos/Etudes (assessed each quarter)
Winter program repertoire
Concert band festival repertoire
Spring program repertoire
Mandatory Performances:
Winter Concert
All year
All year
All year
All year
All year
August – December
December – April
January – May
December 9, 2012
4:00 p.m.
Northern Kentucky Concert Band Festival
Spring Concert ~ HHS Auditorium
April 26-27, 2013
Time T.B.A.
May 12, 2013
4:00 p.m.
Graduation
Spring 2013
Pep Band Games
T.B.A.
Additional Performance Opportunities:
Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra
August 2012
All-State Bands – round #1 auditions
November 13, 2013
Walton-Verona H.S.
All-State Bands – round #2 auditions
All-State Jazz Band
T.B.A.
T.B.A.
Tri-State Band Symposium
January 2013
Northern Kentucky Select Band Auditions
January 12, 2013
KMEA Conference/All-State Band Rehearsals & Concert
February 6-9, 2013
Solo and Ensemble Festival
March 23, 2013
Northern Kentucky Select Band Rehearsals & Concert
March 14, 15, 16, 2013
Governor School for the Arts
T.B.A.
University of Louisville Jazz Festival (Jazz Ensemble Only)
February 2013
Kings Island Music Festival (Jazz Ensemble Only)
T.B.A.
Additional Ensembles (Highlands High School)
Jazz Ensemble
Brass Quartet/Quintet (Holiday Walk)
Winter Percussion Ensemble
Tuesdays 3:00-4:00
* Projects and assignments will be posted on the Highlands band website –
www.highlandsband.com