Percussion Ensemble
Course Overview 2009-10
The following information is meant to provide you with an overview of the course. Please read it carefully and sign the last page.
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Outline
| Course Description Materials Fair Share Assessment Grading Rubric - New for 09-10 | Playing Proficiencies (“Check-ups”) Honors Credit Concert Uniform Final Thoughts | Percussion Form Grading Rubric |
Course Description
The purpose of the Percussion Ensemble is to offer students a well-rounded approach to learning percussion instruments in order to develop general musicianship. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in all areas of percussion including mallets, pitched and non-pitched percussion, and auxiliary instruments. The students will participate in numerous types of percussion ensembles and may be assigned to perform with the Symphonic Band and/or Concert Band. It is expected that participants are enrolled in the course for the entire year, that they are serious about music, and that they will practice as needed outside of class in order to perform successfully.Materials
Each student will be provided music and instructional books. In addition, students are encouraged to purchase materials to aide development including various types of sticks, mallets, practice pads, and a metronome. The need and use of these items will be addressed throughout the course. Members are also expected to purchase concert attire; please see the section entitled “Concert Uniform” later in this letter.
It is very important that students take good care of all school equipment as the instruments are very expensive and are expected to be used for many years. Students will be charged for repair/replacement of equipment which is damaged due to neglect or carelessness.
At the beginning of the school year, students will complete forms releasing the school district from responsibility for securing personal property (individually owned instruments) as well as forms detailing students’ responsibility for securing/maintaining school-owned equipment.
Fair-Share Assessment
In order to cover many of the unique expenses necessary to operate a fine Percussion Ensemble, each student is required to contribute a $95 “fair share assessment” for the course. Students who are participating in the course for only one semester are required to contribute $50. The assessment covers the cost of a wide variety of music, maintenance and acquisition of instruments, guest instructors, and transportation to special events. Unfortunately, we receive very little funding from WCPSS for these needs.
The assessment can be paid in two ways: 1) remit the entire $95 by Friday, Oct. 2; or 2) remit $50 by Oct. 2 and the remainder ($45) by Feb. 5. Checks should be made payable to “ADHS Band Boosters.” You may also email our booster treasurers at treasurer@adhsband.com to authorize the deduction of this expense from your account (applicable to students enrolled in marching band or those working fund-raising events).
Grading Rubric/Contract (NEW for 09-10)
This year, we will be piloting a new system of grading in our class band ensembles based upon a grading rubric/contract which the students will receive during the first week of each quarter (see sample rubric at end of this letter). Points will be earned for attendance, quality of participation, written assignments, and practice/performance outside of class. The advantage of this system is that students will be better able to understand what is expected of them per grading period. It is hoped that this system will also encourage a bit of “extra-effort” by all.Playing Proficiencies (“Check-ups”)
Playing proficiencies (“check-ups”) will be scheduled throughout each semester to monitor progress. The purpose of this check-up will be to assess progress, provide individualized assistance with music, and offer advice concerning musical opportunities. Students will be expected to be prepared; results of check-ups will influence chair placements and future leadership positions.Honors Credit
Honors credit is available in the Spring semester for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students may receive this weighted credit for Concert Band provided that they perform/complete specific assignments. Information about honors credit will be distributed in the latter half of the first semester. Students will sign-up for honors credit through the band office during the first two weeks of the Spring semester.
Concert Uniform
1) When performing as a Percussion Ensemble, students will wear the following attire:
Black shoes, black socks, black dress pants, and black uniform shirt. Students will be required to purchase the uniform shirt (@$18) from the band office shortly before their first concert in December.
2) Percussion Ensemble students selected to perform with the Wind Ensemble will wear the following attire:
Boys – black shoes, black socks, black dress pants, white tux shirt, black cummerbund and bow tie. The tux shirt/cummerbund/bow tie combo can be purchased for @30 at any formalwear store.
Girls – same as boys above OR eligible students will be measured for a uniform black dress during the first 3 weeks of school. The cost of the dress is @$60 and is due upon receipt of dress (early October). More information about the dress option will be provided under separate cover. You will also need to provide black, closed-toe shoes. Only small jewelry may be worn.
3) Percussion Ensemble students selected to perform with the Concert Band will wear the following attire:
Boys – black shoes, black socks, black dress pants, white button-down shirt, tie.
Girls – black closed-toe shoes, black pants or skirt, white blouse. All hems and slits must be below the knee when sitting, shoulders must be covered, and only small jewelry may be worn.
4) Students will be inspected before each concert begins for proper attire. Students who are not dressed appropriately may be denied permission to perform with grade deduction.
Final Thoughts
We are very fortunate to offer this course at Athens Drive. Due to the “team” aspect of this course, as well as the fact that it is considered an “elective,” students who repeatedly break course policy (making it more difficult for others to learn) will be dismissed. Thank you—in advance—for our support and enthusiasm.
Percussion Ensemble
Please sign and return by Friday, Aug. 28 acknowledging that you have read these course guidelines and will follow the policies contained within to the best of your ability. Students must inform the band office immediately if there is a serious conflict with the schedule and/or if there is a problem procuring the concert attire or fair share assessment.
Student signature ____________________________________
Parent signature _____________________________________
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Grading Rubric