2019-20 pine lake middle school 8th grade symphonic band
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PLMS Bands 2019-20 Course Descriptions
Beginning Band – Brass (Period 5)
This class is offered to students who are interested in learning a brass instrument.
We will introduce all of the brass instruments and learn the beginning basics of each.
Percussion (drums) is also introduced much later during the year. *Depending on the size
of the class percussion may not be offered until the following year of 7th Grade Concert
Band.
Beginning Band – Woodwind (Period 6) This class is offered to students who are interested in learning a woodwind
instrument. We will introduce all of the woodwind instruments and learn the beginning
basics of each. Percussion (drums) is also introduced much later during the year.
*Depending on the size of the class percussion may not be offered until the following
year of 7th Grade Concert Band.
7th Grade Concert Band – (Periods 1 & 2) This group is for students who have completed 6th Grade Beginning Band (or
have prior experience on an instrument before entering PLMS), and want to expand their
skills. In this band we will perform more advanced concert literature with more
frequency.
8th Grade Symphonic Band – (Periods 3 & 4) This group is for students who exhibit the highest levels of instrument skills and
musicianship. The music performed in this class is the most advanced for the student. In
addition to the THREE school concert performances, this group also performs at school
assemblies and local/national festivals.
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All Course Goals
Students will learn basic musical reading skills and technical performance skills on their
selected instrument. Students will study a variety of song forms and styles in wind band
literature. Students will perform at both concerts and festivals. Participation is a graded
expectation for all these classes. Practicing on a regular basis is an expectation for
students in this class.
Course Content
Attain basic musical reading skills.
Scales, interval exercises, arpeggios, rhythmic examples, chromatic studies,
and sight reading development.
Vocabulary appropriate for literature, theory for transposition, song style and
a variety of song form.
Cooperative learning activities and ensemble rehearsal development.
Learning Activities and Assessments
Individual performance of literature and method book exercises.
Ensemble assessment for blend, balance and intonation.
Parent verification of home practice.
Written quizzes for vocabulary and theory.
School, community, contest and festival performances.
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What do I need for Band class?
Lesson Books:
6th Grade Beginning Band Essential Elements – Book 1 is needed at the beginning of the year. Book 2 may be
needed later in the year. Wait to get Book 2 in case you change instruments.
7th Grade Concert Band Essential Elements - We may be finishing up Book 1 during the first few months. I will
notify students when the purchase of Book 2 is needed.
8th Grade Symphonic Band Essential Elements Book 3 – Book 2 is needed at the beginning of the year. Book 3 will
be needed later in the year.
* Books are available at most music stores. If you are going to a store it is a good
idea to call first to see if your instrument book is in stock.
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Additional Materials
All Woodwind & Brass Instruments:
A care kit (specific to your instrument). It comes with everything you need
to keep your instrument working well to help you avoid unnecessary
repairs.
All Students:
Black, three ring binder with clear plastic protector pages (for sheet music)
Pencil
Wire music stand for HOME practice
All 7th & 8th Grade Students:
Metronome – for home practice.
Chromatic tuner for ALL instruments (except percussion)
Korg TM-50C which includes contact microphone
Clarinets/Saxophone:
6th Grade – Box of reeds. “2.5 “ strength (Rico Royal)
7th Grade – Box of reeds. “3” strength (Rico Royal/Vandoren)
8th Grade – Box of reeds “3.5 ” strength (Vandoren)
Trumpets: 6th & 7th - Size 5B mouthpiece & Humes & Berg straight mute - 101 D model
8th – Size 3B mouthpiece & Humes & Berg straight mute - 101 D model
Trombones:
ALL – Size 6 – ½ AL mouthpiece/small spray bottle
Percussionists:
*The following is required for ALL percussionists:
A pair of drum sticks (Vic Firth 2B or comparable thickness).
A pair of Musser or comparable bell/xylophone mallets 1” or
larger ball.
A pair of Vic Firth general timpani mallets.
A mallet bag to carry these materials.
Mark your mallets and sticks so we know they are yours!
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Concert Calendar 2019-20 All concerts begin at 7:00 PM
November 7th – 8th Grade Band Trimester 1 Fall Concert –
COMMONS
November 8th – Veteran’s Day Assembly - GYMNASIUM
December 5th – 8th Grade Band Holiday Concert - COMMONS
December 12th – 8th Grade Band @ Seattle Center – Winterfest
(Optional field trip during the school day)
December 20th – Holiday Music Assembly - GYMNASIUM
February 27th – 8th Grade Band Trimester 2 Winter Concert –
COMMONS
March 7th – Solo & Ensemble Festival at (Optional)
April 25th - 28th – Disneyland Trip (Optional)
May 28th - 7th Grade Band Trimester 3 Spring Concert –
COMMONS
Please mark these dates on your calendar NOW to avoid conflicts.
Attendance is required & no make-up is possible!
Early Morning Rehersal Schedule All rehearsals begin at 8:45 and end at 9:45
Wednesday, November 6th - COMMONS
Wednesday, February 26th - COMMONS
Wednesday, April 23rd - COMMONS
Wednesday, May 27th - COMMONS
Concert Clothing Girls – PLMS Music Polo, dress pants/skirt/leggings and black dress shoes
Boys – PLMS Music Polo, dress pants and dress shoes
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Classroom Expectations
HAVE FUN!
Always do your best! 100% effort! Students are expected to provide their
best effort and attitude each day towards the improvement of their musical
skills on their instruments. Be respectful & nice to ALL equipment.
BE ON TIME! A student not on time for class will receive an “Invitation
to Private Dining” from the teacher. When you arrive to class get out your
instrument and begin warming up.
Use the bathroom BEFORE CLASS. NOT DURING!
Use the water fountain BEFORE CLASS. NOT DURING!
Every day on the ActiveBoard you will find our rehearsal schedule. It is
your responsibility to organize your music for THAT DAY at the beginning of
class.
You may approach Mr. Casper at the beginning of class for
EMERGENCIES & SPARE INSTRUMENTS ONLY! The beginning of
class time is the most important time for the teacher. With the large amount
of students in the classroom (as well as the noise level) it is a big challenge
to both hear and help students for anything other than EMERGENCIES.
Be in your seat ready to play 4 MINUTES after the bell. Any student NOT in
their seat will have FIVE points deducted from their daily participation grade.
Students will arrive to class each day with the correct materials and their
instrument in good playing condition for rehearsals.
Have all materials present such as instrument, lesson book, band binder,
TUNERS (Concert Band & Symphonic Band) and pencils.
*Beginning Band: A daily FOUR point participation grade will be given
during class. ONE point for instrument. ONE point for band book and ONE
point for music folder and ONE point for pencil.
Concert Band and Symphonic Band. A daily FIVE point materials check
will be given during class. ONE point for instrument. ONE point for band
book and ONE point for music binder, ONE point for tuner and ONE point
for pencil.
If you have forgotten your instrument please call home to first see if your
parents are able to bring to school. If not you must see me BEFORE CLASS.
There are always extra school instruments available.
If you have forgotten your music you may borrow from the “Extra Parts”
folder at the front of the class. You do not need to ask for permission. Simply
obtain it at the beginning of class. Please return all music back to the folder
after rehearsal.
If you have LOST your music you must tell Mr. Casper BY EMAIL. I will
try my best to get your new copy to you by the next class.
Be a volunteer! Always ask, "How can I help?"
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Behavior Expectations
The student will behave cooperatively with appropriate respectful attitudes for the
teacher, fellow students, facility and instruction being presented.
Always be on task. Always be fingering through your music. Always be
counting your rhythms. You can even be memorizing your part Always
be improving!
Disruption in class sequence of action: o First time in class– A warning
o Next time in class - Student will put instrument away
o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a minor is given
o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a 2nd minor is given
o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a 3rd minor is given
o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a MAJOR is given
Meeting with Vice Principal, Teacher, Student & Parents to discuss
student’s future in the class
o Next time in class – Student will put instrument away and a MAJOR is given
Student is withdrawn from class
A student who does not follow these expectations will get points deducted
from their daily participation grade.
Teacher Grading Guidelines
Students will be expected to perform on their instruments both individually
and in small groups to demonstrate their preparation and technical
development of their selected instrument.
Grading Policy includes:
o 60% - Daily participation, being on time, cooperation and effort
o 20% - Performances scheduled during each trimester
o 20% - Playing or written quizzes/test, handouts and practice records
(6th ONLY)
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Practice Recommendations
Beginning Band – 15 minutes a day/5 days a week
Concert Band – 25 minutes a day/5days a week
Wind Ensemble – 30 minutes a day/5days a week
Playing Tests
6th Grade Beginning Band – Tests for this class will be weekly. They
will be in the form of small groups (4-8 students). Tests will either be examples
from their band book, supplemental materials and/or band music that is being
prepared for concerts.
7th Grade Concert Band - Tests for this class will be weekly/bi-weekly.
They will be in the form of small groups (2-6 students). With the exception of a
few solo. Tests will either be examples from their band book, supplemental
materials and/or band music that is being prepared for concerts.
8th Grade Symphonic Band - Tests for this class will be bimonthly.
They will be in the form of small groups (2-4) students. With the exception of a
few solo. Tests will either be examples from their band book, supplemental
materials and/or band music that is being prepared for concerts.
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PERIOD 5 – BEGINNING BAND
MONTHLY PRACTICE RECORD (Due during the 1st Week of the Following Month)
Student Name ______________________Month - SEPTEMBER “Students should practice 15 minutes, 5 nights a week!”
Please complete the following form by filling in how many minutes you practiced each
night of the week and then total each weeks minutes and have your parent confirm your
minutes at the end of each week. You should not wait until the end of the month for
parents to verify your practicing for the week.
Day of the
Week
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
WEEKLY
TOTAL
Parent
Initials
TEACHERS COMMENT BOX -
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What should I practice?
Examples from our Essential Elements book
Lip slurs
Scales
Rudiments (Percussion)
Chromatics and rhythm exercises you have been practicing in class each
week
Band pieces
Extra fun pieces on your own
How should I practice? Make sure your practice area at home is set up for success.
o Have a music stand
o Proper chair
o Pencil – markings in your music increase your chance of SUCCESS!
o Proper lighting
o Free from distractions
Tune before you play
Have and use a metronome (7th & 8th)
Slowly at first, then gradually speed it up
Repetition is the key!
Break down larger examples and band pieces by the measure
Spend more time on the things you need improvement, more than on
things that are fun and easy to play! Expand your horizons!
ALWAYS end your practice with your favorite thing to play!
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Introduction to Private Lessons
Private lessons are encouraged for students to ensure success with proper tone
production, technical facility and a higher level of enjoyment for playing. Students in
private lessons provide the proper modeling of instrumental performance while
participating in the school program and usually perform at a higher level of performance
than students without lessons.
Students will benefit from their lessons as they set goals with their instructor that will
include participation in solo festivals and auditions for chair placements in class and for
honor groups in the community. They also benefit when remedial instruction is necessary
to maintain playing skills for classroom goals while providing additional motivation and
encouragement.
Private instructors provide continuity with the school program as well as helping with
personal goals for each student. Every student should expect to prepare weekly
assignments for their instructor. Assignments will include instruction in tone production,
technical facility, reading skills, solo literature, review of classroom assignments from
school and preparation for any chair placement or honor group auditions.
Information Provided by Private Instructors
* List of solo pieces or collections for beginning, intermediate or advanced playing.
* List of recording artist with discography information for purchase.
* Recommended custom mouthpiece and instruments for advancing playing.
* List of recommended accompanist for recitals at solo festivals.
* Written explanation of proper tone production and formation of a proper
embouchure. (Percussion includes hand positions for all mallets and sticks.)
* Teacher Biography including formal education, playing and performance
experience, years of private instruction and list of student achievements resulting
from private lessons. (Max. 5 items.) (Limit completed Biography to half page.)
Materials requested for students to purchase when beginning lessons.
* Lesson plan book that includes music staff paper for weekly planning.
* Method Book and (or) Supplemental Materials including Classroom Book
* Metronome and a Korg Ca-30 or comparable tuner for 2nd year players.
* List of recommended accompanist for recitals of solo festivals.
* Locker size mirror to check embouchure.
* Recommended sticks, mallets and stick bag for percussionists.
Lesson Format for Weekly Assignments
* Tone production exercises and vibrato for advanced players. (Stick control.)
* Technique exercises that may include scale studies, interval studies, arpeggios,
chromatics and any applicable articulations. (Rudiments for drummers.)
* Reading development and rhythm studies.
* Review of classroom assignments or literature.
* Solo literature for recitals and festivals.
* Audition materials for chair placement and (or) honor bands and orchestras.
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PLMS Band Parent Volunteer Request Form (Please return to Mr. Casper A.S.A.P.)
Dear Parents,
There are many aspects that contribute to a successful band program but your help is the most
important key. The items below are very important and any assistance you can provide the program
would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Mr. Casper
Please check any items you would be willing to help with and we will contact you for details?
____ Band Parent Coordinator for each grade – Help contact parent volunteers and arrange help for Mr.
Casper. MUCH needed this year due to the growth of the program!
____ Concert Filming\Photographer – Take digital footage of concerts
____ Music Copying – Copy new music for students in Band or Jazz Band 2-3 times per month
____ Program Layouts for Concerts – Develop program with songs and group personnel listed
____ Concert Supervision/Chaperoning -
PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH EVENT(S) AS INDICATED BY PAGE 5
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________
____ Concert Clean-up – Help supervise set up or take down and of equipment back to band room
____ December and June classroom parties – Help set up and supervise parties
____ Band Historian – Take digital pictures of concerts and send to school on a disc
Parent Name (print) _______________________________________________
E-mail Address ___________________________________________
Student’s Name ___________________________________________
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Parent Signature Form/Checklist
Here is a checklist to help you make sure you have read through the information.
This is also the first assignment of your child.
Please check each of the following stating you have reviewed this with your
child:
__ Introductory letter from Mr. Casper
__ Course Descriptions
__ Student Behavior Expectations & Teacher Grading Guidelines
__ Calendar of Events/Concert Dress
__ What do I need for Band Class?
__ Additional Materials
__ Parent Volunteer Request Form
If you have any questions concerning this information please feel free to call me and I
would be glad to assist. Please have you son/daughter return this form to me by
Wednesday, September 18th (100 points). __ I have received the handbook and have no questions.
__ I have received the handbook and would appreciate a
call to answer a question or concern.
Phone# _______________
Parent Signature ___________________________ Date __________
Student’s Name _____________________________ (Please Print)