Wilde Lake High School

4B PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

Syllabus 2008-09

The band program at Wilde Lake High School has always been dedicated to developing the young percussionist.  The Percussion Ensemble class was designed to not only help students to improve their basic music skills but also develop each student’s performance level on the three main percussion instruments:  snare drum, keyboards, and timpani.  During class each student will be given various assignments to prepare individually to perform for the teacher.  The goal set for each student is to develop equal ability on all percussion instruments. 

In addition to their individual assignments, this class will perform in two different venues.  The first will be as a Percussion Ensemble performing music composed specifically for percussion instruments.  The large inventory of percussion equipment owned by the band program has made this ensemble very successful.  The second is as the percussion section for the Concert Band.  During class time, students will rehearse the music to be performed by the Concert Band at the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Band Adjudication, and spring overnight band trip.  Several evening rehearsals with the wind players will be scheduled throughout the school year prior to each of the major performances.  The dates and times are included in the enclosed calendar and are mandatory for everyone.  Last year, several students missed the rehearsals due to work, forgetfulness, lack of transportation, and a myriad of other reasons.  This is not acceptable.  There are only a small number of rehearsals, and students must attend.  Students missing these rehearsals will have their grade impacted.  These rehearsals are necessary to ensure a successful performance.

Grading is done by individual performance of assigned material on, at a minimum, a quarterly basis.  More frequent performance assessment can be expected.

Note:  Private lessons enhance a student’s performing ability. Many fine, private teachers are available in this area.  If not currently studying privately, students are encouraged to take advantage of this enriching opportunity.  Names are available from the band web link found at www.wildelake.com.

            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.                  All percussionists are responsible for storing equipment in its proper place at the conclusion of each rehearsal.

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.

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.  There are several instances in which a student’s grading will be severely impacted.

1.      Missing a performance will result in the grade being lowered three letters. Written assignments may be given as deemed necessary.

2.      Missing the District Band Adjudication will result in an “E” for the third quarter.

3.      Missing an evening rehearsal will result in the grade being lowered one letter.

4.      Failure to return medical form will result in an “E” in each quarter until received.  A student cannot participate in any field trips until the form is returned.

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.