Jazz Band

1^ST Quarter

First Week

Assign instruments, cover grading policy and behavior expectations

Weeks 2-9

Review Bb and Eb major scales for memorization. A major for extra credit. Evaluate individual aptitude for Jazz and prepare remedial work as need through Sectional rehearsals. Prepare music for Lunch Concert at School or at Athletic Event. Introduce Swing Style. Begin Sectional Rehearsals for like instruments. Quarter Exam.

2^nd Quarter

Introduce Eb and Db Major scales for memorization. E major for extra credit. Begin preparation of Christmas Music for Christmas Jazz around December 11, Continue Sectional Rehearsals. School Concert the last week of School during lunch. Possibly Represent Sanchez at Best of Carols contest, Pacific Star Hotel and other contests. After Christmas Quarter Exam and Semester Exam.

3^rd Quarter

Introduce F and C Major scales for memorization. F# major for extra credit. Begin preparation for spring festival, spring concert, and Graduation. Continue Sectional Rehearsals. Possible performance at Yigo Fiesta Early February. Performance at Interscholastic event. Quarter Exam.

4^th Quarter

Introduce G and D Major Scales. C# major for extra credit. Complete preparations for Spring Festival, Spring Concert and Graduation. Emphasize Togetherness, Dynamics, Phrasing. Begin registration process for SY 00/01. Semester Final Graduation around May 20^th.

Grading Policy

Grading in Jazz 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. Rehearsals with the Guam Symphony or Guam Territorial Band Society’s as well as any church rehearsals are acceptable. 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

The primary focus of Jazz Band is to improve group and individual skills within the style of Jazz music. There will be performances at Interscholastic Events, Christmas Concerts, Spring Concerts, the Island wide Music Festival, and Graduation throughout the year. Attendance at performances is mandatory, however, should a situation arise whereby attendance is not possible at a specific performance, a note explaining why the performance is being missed will be required.

25% of quarter grade

PLAYING AND WRITTEN TESTS

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.

25% of quarter grade

QUARTER EXAMS

Every Quarter, the students are expected to memorize and perform three Major Scales in thirds, which are to be played in class. These scales will be the basis for our daily warm-ups.

20% of quarter grade

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 with students from Freshmen/Sophomore Band.

10% of semester grade

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.