Mission Hills High School Instrumental Music Program
Concert Band/Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble Spring 2016 Syllabus
Mr. Tramm - email: michael.tramm@smusd.org
attachments: mrtramm1@gmail.com (messages to this address are not checked regularly)
Also keep updated on mhhsband.org, boosters: mhhsband.info, facebook.com/mhhsmusic, and twitter @mhhs_band.
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Attendance/Participation- 60% (70% for Juniors/Seniors)
o Attendance will be taken promptly 5 minutes after the bell rings. Students must be in the band room with
their instrument, sitting in a chair, with their music on a stand in order to be considered present. Anyone who
is not present will be marked tardy or absent.
o PENCILS ARE MANDATORY FOR EVERY STUDENT @ EVERY REHEARSAL!
Musician Profile Essay – 10%
o Write an essay profiling a “hero musician” of your instrument or is of the Classical or Jazz, or Contemporary
worlds. The criteria for the essay will be in a given essay prompt. Sign-Up due April 1st. Essay due
Friday April 15th, 2016.
Proficiencies- 10%
o Each semester, students will be required to perform all 12 major or minor scale exercises for a pass/fail grade.
Requirements are designated based on experience. More information will be given once proficiencies sheets
are handed out. 4 scales + chromatic due 2/19/2016, 4 scales due 4/15/2016, 4 scales due 6/15/2016.
Practice Record - 10% (Freshmen and Sophomores only)
o Students are required to practice outside of class 180 minutes per week (3 hours).
o The minutes may be broken up as the student wishes throughout the week. Sectionals, small ensemble
rehearsals, private lessons, and rehearsals in non-MHHS organizational ensembles (i.e. Palomar College)
outside of class can be considered practice minutes, although keep in mind that individual practice is also
very important.
o A practice sheet will be provided and will be checked every Monday.
Final Solo – 10%
o Students will prepare a piece selected classical literature on their instrument and perform in front of a student
audience. The piece must be a minimum of 5 minutes. Mr. Tramm will have suggestions, self-chosen music
must be approved by Mr. Tramm. Participation in an SCSBOA solo festival will fulfill this requirement.
These solos will also help to determine your placement in next year’s ensembles.
Performances - Absolutely Mandatory
o Please see reverse side for Performance Dates!
o Each ensemble in the program exists for the opportunity to perform. Therefore it is imperative that students
attend 100% of rehearsals and performances. If no excuse note is ever received, an automatic fail will result.
An excused absence, with advance notification of at least 2 weeks, will result in a student’s grade being
lowered by a half letter grade.
o The staff and Director recognize that rare emergencies occur and will work with families to avoid a reduction
in grade. When in doubt, please communicate with the Director.
Extra Credit
o Extra Credit will be given to students who perform in or attend outside instrumental music performances.
Write a minimum 3/4 page double-spaced paper of the experience, and provide either a ticket stub, or the
program.
o Write a minimum 1½ page review of an article from a music education magazine. See Mr. Tramm for
magazines, or ask if your chosen article is acceptable before writing the review.
Please cut here and return to Mr. Tramm by Friday, January 15th for a grade!
I have read my student’s syllabus & understand that participation in the class may be revoked and/or a grade reduction may
be enforced if these responsibilities are not met.
Parent Name:
Parent Signature:
Concert Band (period 3)
Tuesday, February 23rd 2016, Time TBD – SMUSD District Pre-Festival
Friday, March 17th 2016, Time TBD – Temecula Valley HS SCSBOA Festival
Saturday, March 19th, Time TBD – San Diego Winds Compser Festival
Friday, May 27th 2016, 6:30pm – MHHS Spring Concert
Symphonic Band (period 4)
Tuesday, February 23rd 2016, Time TBD – SMUSD District Pre-Festival
Thursday, March 3rd 2016, Performance Time 4:30pm – El Camino SCSBOA Festival
Saturday, March 19th, Time TBD – San Diego Winds Compser Festival
Friday, May 27th 2016, 6:30pm – MHHS Spring Concert
Wind Ensemble (period 5)
Wednesday, February 24th 2016, Time TBD – SMUSD District Pre-Festival
Thursday, March 3rd, Performance Time 8:30pm – El Camino SCSBOA Festival
Saturday, March 19th, Time TBD – San Diego Winds Composer Festival
Friday, May 27th 2016, 6:30pm – MHHS Spring Concert
Dates for all Music Students
Friday, DATE TBD, 6:00pm – Small Ensemble Concert
Tuesday, May 27th 2016, 6:30pm – Spring Concert
Saturday, June 11th 2016, 5:00pm – Band Banquet
Wednesday, June 22nd 2016, Time TBD - Graduation