Course Outline
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Director : Ms. Karly Lewis
Welcome to the band program at Gilbert Paterson Middle School.
General Information:
All students will receive 3 periods of band per week. During these periods each student is responsible for the following materials:
a. Instrument
b. Instrument supplies ( 3 reeds, cork grease, valve oil, slide grease)
c. Music and folder
d. Method book (provided to your child in class)
e. Pencil
Practice Routine:
All students will be expected to establish a regular practice routine to learn:
a. Scales
b. Exercises from Method Book
c. Music for concerts
Students are required to practice a minimum of 75 minutes per week. A practice sheet will be provided the first week of school or may be printed directly from this webpage (see practice sheets in toolbar). Parents/guardians are to sign this sheet each week.
Concert Dress is required for public performances and includes black pants or a long skirt for girls, white dress shirt or blouse, black socks/nylons, and dark shoes. Jeans are not permitted.
Assessment Procedures
85% Instrumental Performance Tests, Written tests and assignments
Students will be assessed once per report period on material that has been covered in class. This assessment may be written and will always include a live performance of one exercise chosen by my students from a list I provide. Students will receive marks in all or some of the following areas:
- Use of proper fingerings/ use of key signature
- Pitching - is the student producing the correct sound per note
- Tone quality - sound production
- posture while performing
- Rhythmic accuracy
- Articulations - as indicated in the exercises
- Dynamics - as indicated in the exercises
- Self-assessment of performances
15% Practical: Practice Towards Enhanced Musicianship
As a musician, individuals are required to practice assigned scales, exercises, music and music found online or through a store, on their own at home. This practice is recorded to prepare young musicians to understand what responsible acts are required to be successful in the world of music. This is marked on the following:
- Attendance at rehearsals and performances
- Being prepared for rehearsals and performances with all necessary supplies (instrument/mallets, pencil, method book, and music)
PLEASE NOTE: Marks in band are cumulative as band is a yearlong option. Marks are not accurate until the first assessment is complete.
Also, students are welcome to retest after school to achieve a high mark. They simply see me to arrange an after school time.