Band Syllabus
Ryan Wooldridge, director
Woodmont High School
Greenville County Schools
Objective:
This class will evaluate the level of musical proficiency in each student. The director will then select a course of study that is beneficial and relevant for the students. Students will be expected to learn basic musical terminology, basic musical reading skills, performance skills, listening skills, and show advancement on their instrument.
Procedures:
Listening to PA announcements Everyone should be quiet
Pledge of Allegiance Stand and say pledge or stand silently
Moment of silence Stand or sit silently
Entering the classroom Go directly to instrument/music/seat/warm-up
Beginning of class/rehearsal When the director steps on the podium, the class is silent
Announcements Check the white board (beginning of class)
Leaving your seat Raise hand and ask for permission
Asking a question Raise your hand
Responding to questions Raise your hand
Storing music Place all of your music in your folder in your slot
Passing in papers or music Pass to the left
Tearing down the room Last group of the day put stands and chairs away
Lockers Keep neat and orderly
Using the phone Ask for permission
Entering the band office Knock before entering
Turning in fund-raising money Write appropriate information on the envelope and deposit it into the white box
Class dismissal Wait for the teacher to dismiss, not the bell
Fire Drill Go quietly to the assigned area, remain as a class
Getting Help Ask the teacher he or she will set up a help session
Practicing Structured Daily practice (see section in handbook)
Merits Put Merit sheets in the manila folder inside the office
Entering the band office Knock before entering
Sectional rehearsal Be on task, work on assigned music only, and strive for perfection
Individual rehearsal Be on task, work on assigned music only, and strive for perfection
Expectations:
Each student must have an instrument. Failure to have your instrument within one week will result in removal from the class.
Every student is at a different level in the band classes. They are expected to take their given assignment and work toward mastery.
1. Scale requirements:
9th grade: 9 Region scales with appropriate octaves.
10-12th grade: 9 Region scales beginning of the Semester and 12 scales by the end of the Semester.
2. Instrumental proficiency:
9th grade: Be able to perform music at a grade III-IV level.
10-12th grade: Be able to perform music at a grade IV-V level.
- Have the ability to be self-directed in a DAILY practice routine. (minimum 25 minutes per day )
- Be prepared each day to play and rehearse in a focused learning environment.
- ALWAYS be prepared with all performance needs: reeds, mouthpiece, music, mutes, pencils, brains!
- Due to the nature of our expectations; talking, lack of attention, sloppy posture, lack of focus, etc. will not be tolerated!
- Work everyday to improve yourself and the band by promoting the total effort rather than the individual.
- Realize that there is always a place for those who care and work hard, but no place for freeloaders!
- Pack up only when dismissed. Remain inside the band room until the bell rings.
- The assignment of parts and chairs will be done to best enhance the overall performance of the band…not to stroke egos……Do not get your feelings hurt if you’re not playing the part that you like.
- Understand that any time wasted during rehearsal due to lack of attention or distractions will be made up during lunch or after school.
- Enter the room promptly and efficiently each day. Be in your seats with instrument and folder out and percussion set-up, warming up on your own when the bell rings.
- Enjoy Playing Your Instrument And Making Music!!
Equipment
Students are expected to have the proper equipment. Proper equipment should be as follows:
Saxes and Clarinets – Reeds, swabs, reed holders, working instrument, pencil
Flutes – Tuning rod, swab (should be something silk) , pencil
Brass – Cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush, valve oil, pencil
Percussion – Practice Pad, Vic Firth 2B sticks (A stick bag and a selection of yarn mallets would be nice but not necessary for the class), pencil
School Owned Instruments
Students will be allowed to use school owned instruments provided that a Woodmont High School Band Instrument Lease form has been signed by a parent or guardian and returned.
Attendance Policy
The only excusable absences are pre-arranged* school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, i.e. illness, death in the family, religious holiday.
*Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the director.
For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student and parent:
• Director must be notified 1 week in advance.
• An absentee request form must be filled out and on file.
• For illness, a doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
• Even if cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity on that same day must be cleared with the director as well – please send an email to rwooldridge At greenville.k12.sc.us
• In extreme cases, a voicemail may be left, with a follow-up personal call (864)355-8670.
• Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student!
The mere filing of an absentee request form does not constitute whether an absence is excused. The above policy is firm in regards to what is excused.
IF AN ABSENCE IS APPROVED BY Mr. Wooldridge (any performance) an alternative assignment must be completed and due on the day of the performance.
Grading Policy
Late Assignments
Late assignments are 10 points off each day they are late.
Major Grades (60%)
30% Written Test & Playing Test (Playing tests are based on the level of the student.)
30% – Performance Grade (Concert attendance and participation are required.)
Minor Grades (40%)
Homework- Practice time may be assigned.
Participation- 30 point weekly grade.
| Choices | Consequences |
| No instrument | -5 points |
| Lack of participation in warm-up | - 3 points |
| Lack of participation for whole class | -10 points |
| Chewing gum | -1 points |
| Excessive talking | -2 points |
Discipline Policy
1.) Respect others: Do not talk during rehearsal.
2.) No food or drink is allowed during class time. No gum at any time.
3.) Students must follow the Woodmont Handbook Discipline Code.
4.) Students must respect the fact that students are learning on different levels.
5.) Only touch your own instrument.
Failure to follow the rules and expectations will result in one of the following consequences:
1.) Warning (first day of school)
2.) Call Home
3.) Detention
4.) Referral to the principal
5.) Removal from the group
