Freshman / Sophomore Band 

1^ST Quarter

First Week

Assign instruments, identify beginners, cover grading policy and behavior expectations.

Week 2-4

Collect $15 Lab Fee for first semester. Introduce Bb, and Eb major scales for memorization, A major for Extra Credit. Introduce the concept of togetherness in the ensemble using chord patterns and scales. Get students familiar with exercises for Ensembles Drill Method Book. Start sectional/individual rehearsals.

Week 5-9

Continue scales, start work on short concert, of Pep Band Music for 1^st Quarter Concert. Start sectional rehearsals. Quarter Exam

2^nd Quarter

Introduce Ab, and Db Major scales for memorization, E major for extra credit. Begin preparation for christmas Music for Christmas Concert around early December, continue sectional rehearsals. School concert the last week of school during lunch. Possible performance for interscholastic. Quarter Exam. Semester Exam.

3^rd Quarter

Collect $15 Lab Fee for 2^nd Semester. Introduce F and C major scales for memorization, B major for extra credit. Begin preparation for spring festival, spring concert, Feeder school program and Graduation. Continue sectional rehearsals. Perform for Interscholastic event, probably Girls B. Ball or Boys Volleyball. Quarter Exam

4^th Quarter

Introduce G and D Major Scales, F# major for extra credit. Complete preparations for spring festival, spring concert and graduation. Emphasize Togetherness, Dynamics, Phrasing. Begin registration for SY 00/01. Semester Final Graduation around May 20.

 GRADING POLICY

Grading in Freshmen/Sophomore Band is based on a percentage system whereby daily participation, practice sheets, performances, playing and written tests, quarter exams and semester exams are weighted with the final grade being determined by the percentage of total points earned each quarter. The grading system is as follows:

DAILY PARTICIPATION

Students is in assigned seat with all necessary equipment, music reeds, etc., actively participating in the group, NOT TALKING OR INTERRUPTING REHEARSAL.

20% of quarter grade

PRACTICE SHEETS

Students record practice time outside of the school Rehearsal. 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week minimum. As consistency is more important than total time, a Maximum of 90 minutes in one day will be counted towards the practice time. Parental signatures are REQUIRED every week. School instruments may be taken home but must be returned by 2^nd period every day.

10% of quarter grade

PERFORMANCES

While the primary focus of Fr./So. Band is to improve group and individual skills without the pressure of a High School performance Schedule, at least once a quarter, as well as Christmas, in the spring, and the DOE Festival there will be a public performance for the students to demonstrate the skills learned and to feel the thrill of performing. Attendance at these performances is required by everyone works together.

Approximately once a week a short written quiz on materials covered or an individual playing exam from music we are working on will be heard in class. It is important that the students feel comfortable playing in front of their peers.

Every quarter, the students are expected to memorize two major scales and their respective arpeggios which will be played in class. A third scale and arpeggio may also be memorized for extra credit. These scales will be the basis for our daily warm-ups.

SEMESTER EXAM

The first semester exam is the Watkins Farnum Performance Scale which is a standardized sight-reading test. Second semester final exam is participation in the graduation exercises/awards assembly or the last major performance of the year with students from Concert Band.

10% of semester grade

SECTIONAL/INDIVIDUAL REHEARSALS

Sectional rehearsals will be scheduled throughout the semester for small group, like the instrument instruction via on campus field trips. Rehearsals will be staggered throughout the day so as to minimize the burden on any one class. Individual rehearsals will be scheduled for those remedial students needing extra attention at address playing deficiencies, or for advanced students wishing to accelerate their music instruction. Attendance is not required, however, materials covered in sectional rehearsals may be used as part of playing tests.

BEHAVIOR POLICY

Students are expected to follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook. Upon arriving to class, the students are expected to prepare for rehearsal by putting together their instruments, getting their music ready, and taking their assigned seats as quickly as possible. Individual warming up of their instrument is encouraged. Rehearsals begins when the Conductor takes the podium, usually after attendance and any individual problems have been addressed. When the Conductor takes the podium, all playing and talking shall cease! Rehearsals begins including group warm-up, announcements, rehearsal of selected music, etc. At the end of rehearsal, all music and instruments are returned to the storage room or music file cabinets.