Wilde Lake High School

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Syllabus 2008– 09

An auditioned and highly select ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble explores a variety of different styles within the jazz realm as well as funk and rock.  The Jazz Ensemble performs its formal concerts for the school and elsewhere.  As part of the jazz experience, students are given the opportunity to explore the field of improvisation.  Preparation of material outside of class is essential.  Students are assessed based on individual performance of materials assigned.  Wind and percussion students must also be registered for Wind Ensemble or Concert Band.

Listed below is the Band Code of Conduct, which all members are expected to adopt.

1.                  Show respect for your fellow musicians and director.

2.                  Be on time for class.  Three tardies equal one detention.  After that office referrals will be given, and school administrative policies will be enforced.

3.                  Enter the bandroom promptly, take out instrument, and take seat quickly.

4.                  No congregating in instrument storage room before class.

5.                  Students will not talk when the director is giving instructions.

6.                  Raise your hand when asking a question; it will always be answered.

7.                  Students need to practice and put forth an effort to improve.

8.                  Band is fun; enjoy it.

9.                  A student’s individual adherence to this code will be factored into the quarterly grade.

Jazz Ensemble Year Performance Calendar

October 22                  Fall Jazz Concert, 7:30pm JRT

October                       All State Jazz Audition Tapes Due

October 31                  Fall Jazz Concert, 7:30 pm, JRT

January 23                   All State Jazz Rehearsals & Performance,

                                    State Jazz Conference, Towson University

January 24                   Jazz Artist Concert with Paquita D’Rivera

February 13                 Winter Jazz Concert, JRT

April 23-26                  Band Trip to Virginia Beach

May 15                        Jazz Cabaret – Main Street WLHS

Jazz Artist Reports

November

February

April

GRADING POLICY

Evaluation is done each quarter on performance of assigned material.  Also factored into the exam grade will be an assessment of the student’s daily behavior and his conformance to the Band Code of Conduct, attentiveness in class as well as evidence of progress and preparation through daily practice.  Missing a performance will result in the grade being lowered three letters. Written assignments may be given as deemed necessary. 

The grading assessment will be scheduled as follows.

September

Return course acknowledgement sheet.

October

First quarter playing exam

Return medical form required of all students

January

Mid-term exam

Ensemble auditions for WLHS Band Program, 2009-10

March

Third quarter playing exam

May

Senior final playing exam

Complete course evaluation (seniors)

June

Final playing exam

Complete course evaluation (underclassmen)

Important!!!!

Enclosed in this packet is the medical form that the school system requires to be completed by the parent/guardian of each student in order for them to participate in band activities such as field trips and adjudications. Please return it by October 3, 2008.  If a student takes any medication for any reason, including aspirin, the back of the form must be completed by the student’s physician and include the physician’s signature. This is a Howard County Public School System policy. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in completing this form.

In an effort to keep all the band families better informed, we will try to post all information on a band link found on the school website www.wildelake.com.  Please consult this website for private instructor lists, the band calendar, and other timely band program information. Every effort will be made to place all necessary forms here as well so that easy access can be had by all.