Marlboro High School Instrumental Music

Course Syllabus

2013-2014

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please read this syllabus over with your child, sign and complete the contact information page, and have your child return the final page by Friday, September 13^th.

I. Course Outline

By participating in band and/or wind ensemble, students will further develop instrumental technique and musicianship skills.  Students will meet in small group lessons once per week during the school day where they will learn and be assessed on technical exercises and ensemble music.  Performances throughout the year will showcase the students’ musical progress.

II. Supplies

Students are REQUIRED to have all necessary equipment with them every day.  This includes:
 

• Instrument in working condition

• Woodwinds: Reeds (have more than one available to use!); swab & cleaning rod

• Brass: Valve oil, mutes

• Percussion: Drum sticks

• Sharpened pencil

For your convenience, D & M Music visits MHS each Thursday to pick up and drop off instruments needing repair and any supplies needed for your child.  Please call D & M at (845) 635-1120 before Thursday of each week if you would like to take advantage of this service.

III. Grading Procedure

Students’ quarterly grades are based on:

 

            a) lesson attendance- 30%      
            b) lesson preparation- 30%                
            c) performance attendance- 30%
                        (See the attached list of required performances for the year.)
            d) performance preparation- 10%

IV. Band Lessons & Make Up Policy

Students will be assigned to a group according to ability level.  Each group will have a designated letter day (A-F) to attend lessons.  Students will each choose a convenient period on their designated day and sign up on the lesson board.  Students must obtain a signed lesson pass from Ms. Santacroce and give it to their classroom teacher before coming to their lesson.  The period selected must be rotated by the student, as not to miss the same class twice in a row.  This system works best at the high school level because of the many honor and AP classes of which band students are frequently enrolled.
 
In addition to attendance, students will be graded on the preparation of their band assignments each week during their lessons.  Students will be given a weekly assignment, comprised of scales or rudiments, exercises in the method books, and excerpts from concert music.  Consider lesson assignments as homework for band class, as student must practice at home throughout the week to be successful.

Students who are unable to attend their pull out lesson on their scheduled day (ex. due to exams) may reschedule with Ms. Santacroce in advance for that week.  Make-up lessons are offered everyday during Lunch 1 (10:54-11:20) and after school.   Students may only use the “Make Up” periods twice per quarter.

V. Communication

Attached is a list of instrumental music events for the year.  Please make sure to mark calendars now to avoid conflicts later.  Should an emergency or family function (wedding, death in the family, etc.) arise, a note from the parent/guardian must be emailed or sent in to Ms. Santacroce in advance of the absence.
           
If there is a question or concern regarding instrumental music at MHS, please feel free to email Ms. Santacroce at jennifer.santacroce@marlboroschools.org or call the school at 236-5810. 

VI. Extra Help

Ms. Santacroce is available for help during the day (specific periods TBA) or after school.  Please make an appointment at least one day in advance for any after school help.
 

MHS Instrumental Music Performances

Required Performances:

Optional Events:

November 22^nd & 23^rd: Area All-State Festival, Tri-Valley High School

January 11^th (snowdate January 12^th): Freshman All County Band Auditions

February 8^th: Junior High All County Band Rehearsal (Freshmen)

March 7^th-9^th: NYSBDA Statewide Honor Band

March 14^th & 15^th (snowdate March 28^th & 29^th): All County Band Festival

Parent signature ______________________________ Date: _____

Student signature _____________________________ Date: _____

(OVER)

Please return by Friday, September 13^th.
Student Contact Form

Student’s Name ____________________________________________

Address

_______________________________________________________

Home Phone            _______________________   Cell Phone _______________

Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________

Work Phone ______________  

Home Phone ______________  

Cell Phone ________________

E-Mail ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________

Work Phone ______________

Home Phone ______________  

Cell Phone ________________

E-Mail ______________________________________

Other Emergency Contact Person           ________________________________

Relationship  ________________________

Work Phone _________________________  

Home Phone _________________________  

Cell Phone ___________________________

Any medical issues we should be aware of (for field trip purposes):

____________________________________________________________