"SOUND OF THE SOUTH" MARCHING BAND – Course Syllabus
MUS 1181 Fall Semester 2011
Director of Bands: Dr. Mark Walker
Bibb Graves 109
Phone: 670-3281
Email: mjwalker@troy.edu
Assistant Director: Dr. Adam Blackstock
Hawkins Hall 4th Floor
Phone: 670-3986
Email: tblackstock@troy.edu
Saturday dress rehearsals TBA with regard to performance schedule
"SOUND OF THE SOUTH" MARCHING BAND – Course Syllabus
MUS 1181 Fall Semester 2013
The Troy University "Sound of the South" Marching Band is aimed at providing the university
musician with the finest in literature and performance standards for this medium. This ensemble
is designed to serve as both a laboratory for the music education major and a performing
ensemble of the highest caliber for students of any major. Each student has agreed to follow the
procedures as outlined in the Band Manual.
1. Individual responsibility and preparation: All members are expected to be at every rehearsal
and performance. After musical selections are assigned, preparation of all details of the
music is required. Lack of preparation of the music will be considered as an unexcused
absence. Rehearsal times are not intended for learning parts.
2. Attendance: The attendance policy of the marching band is based upon the assumption that
students will be present at every rehearsal. In case of a conflict an excused absence will be
granted upon completion of an excuse form obtained from the graduate assistant. The
excuse form must be completed within one week of the absence. No
forms will be accepted outside of this time frame. Each unexcused
absence will lower the grade one letter from the first with a maximum of
four before dismissal. Two tardies equal an absence. Failure to bring music or
equipment will amount to an unexcused absence. Upper classmen non-music majors who
have a once a week conflict should meet with the Director at the beginning of the semester.
Being absence on performance days and dress rehearsals without any prior communication
with the Director of Bands will lower the grade to an “F” for the semester and may result in
dismissal from the band.
Excused Absences: Illness (verified), death in family or academic and performance conflicts as
approved with an official university document.
Unexcused Absences: Oversleeping, sick boy friends or girl friends, failed alarm clocks, time
needed for homework in other classes, all-night rehearsals, practice, gigs, jam or homework
sessions, power failures, lack of preparation for rehearsal. Failed automobiles may be used
once per semester with verification of auto repair and/or towing.
3. Section Rehearsals: Regularly scheduled section rehearsals are required to work out difficult
parts outside of the normal class schedule. These will be scheduled by the section leaders
as needed.
4. Music Folders: All students will be issued their own folder with a green book. All show music
is required to be hand-copied into the green book. The green book should be at all
rehearsals and performances. It is the responsibility of each band member to keep his or her
green book current as instructed by the section leader. In addition to your green book, you
will also be issued a folio that contains all pep rally and stands music. This is to be
distributed and returned to your section leader at the end of each rehearsal and
performance. There is a $25.00 replacement fee should you lose or destroy your marching
folio. It is your responsibility to return the folio to your section leader in good condition after
each use.
5. Dress: All members will wear the marching uniform assigned to them by the uniform officers.
It is the individual responsibility of each band member to maintain and clean the uniform and
all of its parts. Each member is responsible for obtaining the required shoes (black and
white), gloves and band tee shirt. There is to be no large jewelry or excessive make-up when
in uniform. As the band is always in the public eye, you must always be in full uniform until
you reach the privacy of your changing area. At no times should any band member be in
partial uniform.
6. Equipment and Setup: At various time throughout the semester, members will be asked to
assist in equipment moves, etc. When the ensemble performs outside of the campus, each
member may be assigned a piece of equipment that he/she will be responsible for moving to
and from the performance site. Each percussionist enrolled in this course will be personally
responsible for the moving of all percussion equipment.
7. Performances: The performance calendar can be found at www.soundofthesouth.org.
ADA/Additional Services
Any student whose disabilities fall within the ADA must inform the instructor at the beginning of
the quarter of any special needs or equipment necessary to accomplish the requirements for
this course. Students who have or may be dealing with a disability or learning difficulty should
speak with the instructor and contact the Office of Adaptive Needs Program (Wright 226, phone
670-3220). Various accommodations are available through the Adaptive Needs Program.
Conduct
Students are expected to abide by the Standards of Conduct published in the Oracle, Bulletin,
and the Band Manual.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones are not allowed during rehearsal. If your cell phone rings during rehearsal, you may
be dismissed from the band for that rehearsal or for the season, depending on the
circumstances. EXCEPTION: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A CIRCUMSTANCE OF A
PERSONAL NATURE WHICH REQUIRES YOU TO HAVE A CELL PHONE AVAILABLE,
NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR OF BANDS FOR PERMISSION TO HAVE YOUR PHONE SET ON
VIBRATE DURING THE REHEARSAL.
Grading
Grades are based on attendance. If you attend all rehearsals and performances, you will receive
an A for the semester. Your grade will be lowered according to the attendance policy.