7^th & 8^th Grade Band Syllabus

I. Course Description:

The Cullman Middle School Advanced Band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students with one to two years of experience playing a band instrument. This summer many of the students participated in the Extreme Camp Marching Band, which performed at the Point Mallard Water Park in Decatur. The CMS Advanced Band participates in as many as 12 public performances a year. These performances include a joint half time performance with the CHS band and several home Middle School football games as well as a Veteran's Day, Christmas & Spring Concert.

The band members enjoy special activities during the year such as bringing in guest musicians and attending a band social with CHS band members. Cullman Middle School has a Jazz Band which begins rehearsals in January and performs in the spring. Students who complete their eighth grade year in Advanced Band later perform in the Cullman High Bearcat Band.

This past spring the CMS Band gave a presentation to the National School Board showcasing their use of “Smart Music” technology. Past honors include being selected by the Desire2EXCEL Award program as one of 12 nominees from the International Desire2Learn User Community for the Teaching & Learning Category. Students in the Cullman City School System interested in becoming a part of the band program should contact Linda Bean at 734-7959. Visit www.cullmanband.com for additional information and to be added to our email list.

II. Prerequisite:

At least one year (or equivalent) of training on a band instrument.

III. Objectives:

1. Recognize and define an eighth note, quarter note, half note, whole note and their corresponding rests.

2. Gain an understanding of sound production & technique for said instrument.

3. Develop an understanding of various styles, articulations and rhythms.

4. Recognize and correct intonation problems.

5. Develop an understanding of dynamic markings and the techniques used to perform such dynamic changes.

6. Provide students with a pleasant, positive experience that increases and adds to their appreciation and enjoyment of music.

7. Increase the student’s enthusiasm for the school experience, thus improving attendance and motivation students toward increased academic achievement.

8. Develop in students an enhanced aesthetic sensitivity for music as an art form by disciplined study and application of its various elements, both separately and as they are combined into a coherent musical whole.

9. Prepare students for careers in music.

10. Provide students with a healthy hobby or avocation which can be useful throughout life.

IV. Topics Covered:

1. Music Notation

2. Various Musical Styles and Composers

3. Attending Concerts

4. Sound Production

5. Musical Terms

6. Articulation

7. Marching Band Techniques

8. Concert Band Techniques

9. Jazz Band Techniques

10. Solo & Ensemble Performance

11. 12 Major Scales

12. Chromatic Scale

13. Intonation

14. Instrument Care

V. Equipment:

1. Instrument to include cleaning kit and all necessary items for playing that instrument.

2. Music

3. Pencil

4. Flip Folder & Lyre

5. Band Uniform (Black Pants, Band Shirt & Black Shoes)

VI. Method of Evaluation:

Daily Grades in band are determined by passing off music, scales, or audition material and attending all rehearsals and performances of the band.Unexcused absences from rehearsals & performances will result in ten (10) points being deducted from the 6-weeks grade.

Daily Grades

Daily grades are determined by the following:

Students start each grading period with 100 daily grade points and will keep those points as long as the following expectations are met.

1. Be on time to every rehearsal or performance with instrument, music, equipment, etc.

2. Wear the uniform in the manner it was intended to be worn - clean and neat with clean shoes.

3. Store instrument, music, and equipment in the proper place.

4. Do not chew gum, eat, or drink in the band room or in the stands at games.

5. Follow all rules and regulations as instructed by band directors and found on the band rules information sheet signed by parent/s.(To include all school rules.)

Absentee Policy for Band

Excused Absences:

1. Illness verified by a doctor's note.

2. Death in the family

3. Unusual circumstances verified by a note from a parent, such as:

Ø An illness that does not require a doctor's care yet is serious enough to cause an absence.

Ø A family emergency.

Ø A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Each unexcused absence will result in 10 points being deducted from the six-weeks grade.