Course Title: BAND / CHORUS

Grade Level: 9-12

Teacher: Cliff Higgins

Course Length: one semester – Fall 2007

Prerequisites: Students are admitted with director approval.

• Course Description: The purpose of this course is to improve the student's singing or performance on his/her instrument and to develop a well rounded musician. An evening performance at the end of the semester will be given. The date is December 17 th, 2007. This evening performance is a MAJOR component of the final exam. Beginning/Women’s Chorus may/may not have a performance.
• Textbooks/Materials:
• Instrument and supplies to make it work (oils, greases, reeds, mouthpiece, etc.). Players of school-owned instruments may be required to purchase a mouthpiece for that instrument.
• Choral Student ONLY : There is a concert dress or suit that is required for performances. The cost last year was approximately $55 and should remain the same this year
• Notebook with pencil and note paper (as announced)
• Grading: The semester grade is broken down into two equal 9 week quarters.
• Daily participation - 30%.
• Bring equipment to class (instrument, reeds, music, pencil, etc.).
• Participation/attentiveness in rehearsals.
• Quizzes - 10%.
• Written quizzes will be given as needed. Quizzes may be of the in-class or take-home variety
• Test - 60%
• Weekly playing/singing tests
• Performances are test grades

The above categories make up the nine-weeks averages. The two nine-weeks grades count for 85% of the semester.

The remaining 15% of the semester grade is the Final Exam.

Classroom Procedures/Expectations: Students are expected to exhibit personal discipline. Understanding that not all students at the same maturity level, every student is given every opportunity to develop that discipline.

• When director is at podium, all talking/playing must stop. We are preparing to make music together.
• Everyone must give 100% effort, 100% of the time. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
• NO GUM, FOOD, or DRINK in the band room.
• CELL PHONE POLICY – Any visible cell phone will be taken up and turned in to the office. Any cell phone which rings or indicates an incoming call/text message will also be taken.
• Discipline Plan : Student personal discipline is vital to the success of the music classroom. An atmosphere of self control and mutual respect is required. ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY. Minor discipline issues will be dealt with in this way. Major infractions are subject to school rules.
• 1st time – non-verbal or verbal warning.
• 2nd time – conference with student, parent contact.
• 3rd time – detention before school, parent contact.
• 4th time – referral to office.

I have read, understand and will support the syllabus for BAND, Spring 2006. If I have any concerns I will call Mr. Higgins at 638-2342 or at home 935-6508 if I have any concerns.