Syllabus for Band

Overview:

High School Band is an elective program designed to provide students in grades 9 through 12 with instrumental music performance skills and opportunities. The course deals with the physical, technical and interpretive concepts of instrumental music performance in both solo and ensemble settings. The band program is arranged to require students to attend and participate in: a.) the credited band class, b.) weekly lessons/sectionals and c.) scheduled rehearsals and performances both during and beyond the school day.

Textbook(s) and Other Resources used:

Selected band literature, student lesson books, scales, theory worksheets, and instrumental solos.

Outline of Content:

First Quarter

Topics:

· Marching band techniques

· Sight-reading Concert band literature

· Instrumental techniques

· Preparation for Festival of Carols

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types:

· September: Outdoor & indoor Marching band rehearsals

· October: Concert band seating auditions

· October: Rehearsals for Festival of Carols

Second Quarter

Topics:

· Improvement of Concert band literature

· Improvement of Instrumental techniques

· Preparation for Festival of Carols

· Jazz Band techniques

· Chamber ensembles

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types:

· October: Jazz Band auditions (new members)

· October: Jazz Band sight-reading and rehearsals

· November: Formation & rehearsal of Chamber ensembles

· November: Concert Band rehearsals for Festival of Carols

· November: Prepare for festival auditions

· December: Festival of Carols Dress Rehearsals & Performances

Third Quarter

Topics:

· Sight-reading Concert, Jazz, & Chamber ensemble literature

· Continued improvement of Instrumental techniques

· “Lab” band

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types:

· January: Collect 1^st semester music, sight-read Spring music

· January: Formation & rehearsal of “Lab” band

· January: Prepare for Senior band/orchestra festivals

· February: Rehearsals for Spring concerts

· February: Prepare for Jazz festivals

Fourth Quarter

Topics:

· Continued improvement of ensemble literature

· Continued improvement of instrumental techniques

· Next year’s ensembles

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types:

· March: Jazz festivals

· March: Music in our Schools Concert

· April: High School Music Showcase

· April: Junior band/orchestra festivals

· April: Prepare for Spring concert & Memorial Day parade

· May: Spring concert, Music Banquet, Memorial Day parade

· May: Sign up for next year’s ensembles