5th & 6th PERIODJUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAND

GREENVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

COURSE SYLLABUS
FALL, 2017-18

INSTRUCTOR: Cody Ortz

OFFICE HOURS: 2:45-3:30 MTWR; 2:45-3:15 F
OFFICE PHONE: 724-588-2500 ext. 2162
E-MAIL ADDRESS: cortz@greenville.k12.pa.us

A. DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the course is to gain musical excellence through an organized musical
curriculum. Each student will be able to display an understanding of musical literacy,
music theory and performance technique. Group Lessons on individual instruments are
also given on a weekly basis. This class will require individual practice and after school
rehearsals to prepare for performances.

B. ORGANIZATION
This is a rehearsal-based course in which concepts are presented by the instructor in
class and practiced by students both during practice periods and outside of class. There
are FOUR practice sheets due each nine weeks as well as various performance and
written assessments. Students should have completed Intermediate Band or Band
Fundamentals as a prerequisite to this class, owing to the highly demanding nature of the
course material and performance requirements.

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To study a variety of repertoire that includes intermediate band pieces, soli

features, marches, popular music, etc.
2. To introduce students to the musical concepts and techniques required to
perform Grade 2-3 ensemble music
3. To reinforce positive practice habits outside of the classroom
4. To experiment with logical, as well as emotional, reasoning to make musical
decisions in a performance setting

D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:

1. A Review of Tone Production

2. A Review of Lisk Tuning Procedure
3. A Review of Time Exercises
4. Basic Major Scales and Chromatic Scales
5. Dynamic Variation
6. Articulationsmarcato, tenuto, slurs
7. Group Tempo Change Technique
8. Marking Music
9. Basic Music Theory
E. GRADING PLAN
For each grading period, student grades will be calculated as follows:
1. Concert Performance 55%
2. Practice Charts 35%
3. Classroom Participation ____ ____ 10%
55% + 35% + 10% = 100%

CONCERT PERFORMANCE:
As a performance-based class, the most significant portion of the grade is attributed to the
concert performance in each of the four 9 week periodsFall Concert (October 24th) and Winter
Concert (December 19th). Attendance at these concerts is mandatory with extremely few
exceptions. (Please note that conflicts with extra-curricular activities outside of GHS are not
acceptable reasons to miss a performance. This is an academic requirement and by enrolling in
this class both parent and student agrees to fulfill this requirement.)

Acceptable excuses for missing a performance include family emergencies, personal health,
absence from school and family losses. In these circumstances, a signed note will be required to
make up the performance grade (in advance, where possible). Make up assignments will be
given on an as-needed basis and will incorporate a recorded performance of the students parts
for the concert, as well as a typed, 2-page paper covering details of one to two pieces from the
concert (ie. historical information, performance information, composer background, etc.). Make up
assignments are due no later than one week following the students return to school.

PRACTICE CHARTS:
Each student will be required to complete 4 practice charts in each grading period. These practice
charts can be found in an envelope directly outside the band room and are turned in at the same
location. One practice chart is due every second, fourth, sixth and eighth week of the grading
period. Practice charts can be turned in up to one week late, for a deduction of 10 points.

As an incentive to study privately, those students who are taking lessons can opt out of these
assignments by turning in a practice record signed by their private teacher. A new, signed
practice record is due at the same time as the practice chartseach second, fourth, sixth and
eighth week of the grading period. If you have questions, please contact me.

You cannot use rehearsal time (class time) as time towards a practice chart.

CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION:
Attendance in rehearsal is vital to success in this class. Therefore, classroom participation will be
counted and a grade assigned for each week. Students may lose participation points due to poor
behavior, significant tardiness, lack of preparation for class, cell phone use, etc.

Percussion: you will not always have part assignments on every piece. It is YOUR responsibility
to keep yourself productively occupied during class time in these circumstances. However, if
there is an available part that is not covered (due to the absence of another student), you must
cover this part regardless of whether or not you have played it before.

Also, anyone caught skipping class will be immediately removed from the ensemble.

GENERAL:
Grades will be updated every week and your recorded grades will be available for your review on
PowerSchool. If there are any concerns over your grades, please come see me during my office
hours after school to discuss any discrepancies you think may have occurred.

With rare exception, there are no bonus opportunities for this class.
 F. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

1. Absolutely no cell phone use during rehearsal timephones will be confiscated if

they are used; you can get them back at the end of the day
2. Treat others with respect
3. Be prepared and on time
4. Absolutely no food or beverages are permitted in the band room, practice rooms,
or storage rooms at any time

G. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. Fireexit building down the ramp, gather in the front corner of parking lot
2. Tornadogo to common room area by the dressing rooms and practice rooms
3. First aid kitlocated in Mr. Ortzs office

H. TENTATIVE LESSON SCHEDULE

DATE WEEK SCALES LESSON TOPIC(S)

8-29 1-1 Bb, Chrom. Review Tone Production, Tuning Procedure, Time Exercises
9-4 1-2 Bb, Chrom. Review Tone Production, Tuning Procedure, Time Exercises
9-11 1-3 Bb, Chrom. Review Tone Production, Tuning Procedure, Time Exercises
9-18 1-4 Bb, Chrom. Dynamic Variation
9-25 1-5 Bb, Chrom. Dynamic Variation
10-2 1-6 Bb, Chrom. Dynamic Variation
10-9 1-7 Eb, Chrom. Dynamic Variation
10-16 1-8 Eb, Chrom. Articulation
10-23 1-9 Eb, Chrom. Articulation
10-30 2-1 Eb, Chrom. Articulation
11-6 2-2 Eb, Chrom. Articulation
11-13 2-3 Eb, Chrom. Group Tempo Change Technique
11-20 2-4 F, Ab Group Tempo Change Technique
11-27 2-5 F, Ab Group Tempo Change Technique
12-4 2-6 F, Ab Group Tempo Change Technique
12-11 2-7 F, Ab Marking Music and Basic Music Theory
12-18 2-8 F, Ab Marking Music and Basic Music Theory
1-3 2-9 F, Ab Marking Music and Basic Music Theory
1-8 2-10 F, Ab Marking Music and Basic Music Theory

I. MUSIC STANDARDS (BAND) BY GRADE LEVELSTUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO

5TH GRADE
o Produce a characteristic tone on their instrument
o Display an understanding of note names and fingerings for the first 5 notes of the
Concert Bb Scale
o Recognize and execute basic rhythms and rests (quarter, eight, half and whole)

6TH GRADE
o Display a continued achievement of all 5th Grade Standards
o Display an understanding of note names and fingerings for the full octave of the
Concert Bb Scale
o Recognize and execute 16th note and tuplet rhythms
o Display an understanding of basic dynamics (piano, mezzo forte, forte) and
articulations (accent and staccato)
o Display an understanding of accidental rules and key signatures
JUNIOR HIGH
o Display a continued achievement of all 6th Grade Standards
o Display an understanding of note names and fingerings for all chromatic pitches
throughout the regular range of their instrument
o Display an understanding of basic music literacy skills (marking music, time
signatures, articulation and dynamics)
o Through performance, display an understanding of the musical concepts of
dynamics, articulation, tuning and tempo change

SENIOR HIGH
o Display a continued achievement of all Junior High Standards
o Display an understanding of all common musical notation and symbols
o Perform, from memory, all 12 major scales
o Through performance, display an understanding of the musical concepts of
dynamics, phrasing, articulation, tuning and tempo changes
J. BAND SYLLABUS SIGNATURE PAGE
By signing this page of the syllabus, you are stating that you have not only read the
entirety of this syllabus, but that you also understand and agree with its implications and
requirements. In particular, you understand the attendance requirements of all concert
performances and that a student would likely fail a grading period for an unexcused
absence at this performance. You also understand and agree to the classroom rules of
conduct, particularly regarding cell phone use during rehearsal time.

This signature page is due on Friday of the second week of the semester. If this page is
not turned in by that time, all grades will be withheld until it is turned in. If this page is not
received by the 4th week of the semester, the student will be dropped from the class.

If there are any questions regarding the content of this syllabus, scheduling concerns,
etc. please contact me through the means provided above. Ideally, email is the most
reliable way to reach me outside of school hours.

Please tear off this signature page to turn in and keep the rest of the syllabus for your
records. A copy of this syllabus can be found on my teacher profile page on the school
website.

_______________________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date

_______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature Date