Houston Independent School District



Hogg Middle School Band2011-2012David Michael Sells: Director of BandsE-Mail: dsells@Conference: 5th PeriodPhone: 713-802-4700Course Description:The instrumental band program at Hogg Middle School has been designed to give each student sequential, guided instruction as they move from Beginning Band to the Concert and Symphonic Bands. Through the study of instrument care, instrument mechanics, music notation, music vocabulary, music theory, and music history, students will develop a comprehensive knowledge of their instrument and how they will participate in a small and large ensemble. Students will also have the opportunity to audition for the All-City Band, Region Band and test their skills in the Solo and Ensemble competition. Goals and Aims:The importance of a performing arts program is to present aesthetic enjoyment, create accomplishment, give exposure to different styles and genres of music, and build connections to other subject areas of learning through a holistic approach. Beginning Band-All members of the beginning band classes will learn how to: successfully put their instrument together; read, understand and apply music notation to their craft; have a general knowledge of musical vocabulary; understand their role as an individual player; master three major scales and perform in at least two major concerts during the year.Concert Band-As well as reinforcing the skills of the previous year, members of the Concert Band will also: learn sight-reading techniques; expand their musical vocabulary; understand their role as a section and ensemble player; master six major scales and perform in multiple concerts. Symphonic Band-As the top performing group at Hogg Middle School the Symphonic Band will have multiple opportunities to play in a variety of venues. Symphonic Band members will build on previous learning as well as: expand sight-reading skills; develop higher level musical vocabulary; understand their role in a performance ensemble; master the 12 major scales and perform in at least two concerts, multiple assemblies, three contests/festivals; and compete in various solo/ensemble and Region 23 activities.Expectations and Procedure:All students will be required to abide by the HISD Student Code of Conduct, Hogg MS discipline plan and all Band Hall rules. Hogg Band Expectations:Food, gum and drinks are not allowed in the Band Hall at any time!This is a School Policy!Only pencils are allowed for use in the Band Hall!Perfume and body sprays (Axe, etc.) are prohibited.Shirts must be tucked in, pants must be worn at waist level, and belts must be visible.This is a School Policy!Do not get out of your chair without raising your hand for permission.Respect the Band Hall, equipment and each other at all times!Follow all GuidelinesI have the right to teach, you have the right to learn!Daily Routine Procedure:Students will enter the room and pick up their music folder.Students may not pick up someone else’s music folder.Students will then proceed to the instrument cabinet to take out their instrument cases. Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets and French Horns may take their cases to their chairs where they will put their instruments together and then put their cases under their seat.Trombones, Baritones, Bass Clarinets and Tubas will move their cases to back of the room where they will put them together and then go to their chair.Once students take out their instruments they will have the opportunity to warm up on their own before the bell rings.Once the bell rings, all noise should cease so we can begin the group warm up.Restroom and Water Fountain:Students will be allowed to use the restroom only if it is an emergency. Students should use the restroom during passing periods. No student will be allowed to use the restroom or water fountain during the first 20 minutes or last 20 minutes of class.Students that go to the water fountain will go one at a time. Students will have one minute to use the water fountain. Students may bring a water bottle to class with the understanding that other teachers may not allow water in their classrooms. Grading Policy:Each Six Weeks grading period will be divided into Daily Work, Daily Quizzes, Practice Log, and Tests/Concerts.Daily Work 50%: All students in attendance are expected to have their materials and to be ready to work. If you are well enough to come to school, you are well enough to play. Daily work is divided into 4 parts:Instrument: 30%Music: 20%Pencil: 20%Participation: 30%Daily Quizzes 15%: Daily playing quizzes will be at random and spread throughout the ensemble. Students will never know when I will call on them to play, so band members will need to practice their assignments at home so they are prepared.Practice Log 10%: Students are expected to take their instruments home to practice. If students repeatedly leave their instruments in the Band Hall, parent contact must be made. It is imperative that students practice at home! Beginning/Concert Band students are required to practice an hour and a half a week. Symphonic Band members are required to practice two hours a week. Practice Logs must be signed by either a parent/guardian or Band Director.Symphonic Band members will be required to stay one day a week after school for sectionals. Symphonic Band members will receive 1 hour on their practice log for sectional attendance.Tests/Concerts 25%: Tests will be conducted every week on assigned music. All tests can be retaken up to 3 times to get the highest score. Retakes will take place before or after school. When a Concert is scheduled, participation is mandatory. If a student misses a Concert their 6 weeks average will go down a letter grade!Make-Up Work:If a student misses a playing test or quiz they will have three days after their absence to make up the grade. Concerts cannot be made-up.Resources and Books:Beginning Woodwind and Brass:Essential Elements 2000Beginning Percussion:Essential Elements 2000Snare Drum FundamentalsBeginning Band students will be issued a copy of the Essential Elements 2000 book. Students may only write in the book with a pencil and must return the book in the same condition that it was received. If a text is returned in poor condition or is lost, the student is responsible for replacing the book.Concert and Symphonic Band members will be issued a music folder that contains their warm-up and concert pieces. If a student loses a piece of music there will be a 25 cent recopying fee.Instrument Rental and Band Fee:Every student in band is required to rent an instrument. There are two ways you can do this. You can rent-to-own your instrument from a music store such as H&H or Music and Arts, or you can rent an instrument from the school for one year.Advantages to Music Store Rental: At the end of the rent cycle you own your instrument.You may be the only person ever to use that instrument.Disadvantages to Music Store Rental:Price: prices range from $20-40 a month.Distance: If you choose a music store you will have to travel for repair work or customer service. Repair work is not covered under the rental agreement.If you choose to rent from a music store you will have to pay an additional Hogg Band fee of $15 to provide a music folder and Band Shirt.Advantages to Hogg Rental:Price: There is a onetime fee of $40 for the whole year.Repair work is included* in the $40 fee.Band Shirt is included in the $40 fee.Band Folder is included in the $40 fee.Distance: If you rent from the school, you do not have to travel.Disadvantages to Hogg Rental:At the end of the yearly rental, instruments will be checked back into the school.*Normal wear and tear on instruments is covered. However, if a student is purposefully damaging school property they will be required to pay for the repairs and will be punished according to the HISD Student Code of Conduct.Fundraising:Fundraising is essential to a successful Band Program. Fundraising pays for festivals, competitions, equipment and transportation. All students are required to participate in fundraising activities.We will hold many different types of fundraisers throughout the year. Some of the fundraising efforts will include:Candy SalesSpaghetti SupperThe Band Spring Trip is paid for by fundraisers. The Spring Trip will only be available to Concert and Symphonic Band members who are passing all their classes and have completed all band requirements. Beginning Band members are still required to participate in fundraising activities because whatever money is left over is used for next year’s trip. Competitions and Performances:The following activities will be available for Hogg Band members. Those in bold are required events.Beginning Band:Beginning Solo and Ensemble CompetitionWinter ConcertSpring ConcertConcert Band:All-City Band AuditionsAll-Region Band AuditionsAll City Solo and EnsembleUIL Solo and EnsembleWaltrip HISD CompetitionSouth Texas Music Festival – Spring TripWinter ConcertSpaghetti SupperSpring ConcertSymphonic Band:All-City Band AuditionsAll-Region Band AuditionsAll-City Solo and EnsembleUIL Solo and EnsembleWaltrip HISD CompetitionUIL Band CompetitionHogg Homecoming GameReagan High School Band Invite GameSouth Texas Music Festival – Spring TripWinter ConcertSpaghetti SupperSpring ConcertCinco de Mayo ProgramSyllabus Parental FormHogg Middle School BandAfter you have gone over the syllabus with your parents, please have them return this sheet with their signature, your signature, and date.Parental Signature: _________________________________________Date: _____________Student Signature: __________________________________________Date: _____________Band fees may be supplied in installments but must be totally paid by September 30th 2011.Students will receive a receipt when they turn in any money.If you have any questions regarding the syllabus or requirements you may contact me through my school e-mail or the school phone.dsells@713-802-4700David SellsDirector of BandsHogg Middle School ................
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