SHS Staff Pages: Gerdes, Shelly

Junior High Band Syllabus

Course Syllabus

By Shelly Gerdes

June 22, 2004

Syllabus for Junior High Instrumental Music, Grades 7-8

The instrumental music curriculum at this level will focus on repertoire ranging in difficulty from Grade 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 which is designed for the band students in their second through fourth years of study. Music will be sequentially introduced throughout the school year that use the music skills learned in the first two years of study. Music will also be provided that will challenge the student in to higher levels of difficulty that offer new music concepts.

More personal exploration into the student’s own abilities as a performer will also take place in class and lesson times. Students will have the opportunity in the second semester to participate in solos and small groups that usually perform at an elementary/ junior high contest. Students with at least two years of study on one band instrument may also have the opportunity to start learning a second instrument. This decision is based on a student’s desire and music proficiency, parent and teacher consent, and instrument availability through the school or through a purchase by the student.

Course Events

1st Quarter

1. Get accustomed to playing with good balance, blend, and intonation in the band setting of grades 7 & 8.

2. Learn to play more independently in part writing. An example of part writing would be to have the clarinet section divided into the parts of 1st clarinet, 2nd clarinet, 3rd clarinet, and bass clarinet.

3. Learn music fundamentals from the method book and apply them to band compositions.

4. Periodically take playing quizzes to prove accuracy of knowledge and playing ability of music fundamentals in the method book, and music to be perfected in band. Take written quizzes when necessary to prove knowledge on written music terms and symbols. Usually 2 to 4 quizzes a quarter.

5. Read several charts to let the director gain knowledge of the music strengths and weaknesses of the band. Reading several charts will let students practice music reading skills and interpretation of rhythm and notation. Students will learn to look for similarities and differences in composition styles and composers.

6. Some students will have the opportunity to learn a new instrument which derives from the bands’ need of the instrument, student desire to learn another instrument, and availability of the instrument.

7. Lessons available on a “need” basis or desire to learn more than the class teaches, and to learn new instruments. Lessons occur outside of class time unless an assistant is available at class time.

2nd Quarter

1, Statements 1-7 of the 1st quarter are applicable to 2nd quarter.

2. Try to be at the midpoint of the method book by end of 2nd quarter.

3. Continue to perfect music from 1st quarter as well as receive new music.

4. Prepare at least 3 compositions for the December concert. page 2

3rd Quarter

1. Statements 1-7 of the 1st quarter are applicable to 2nd quarter.

2 Students may sign up for solo and small group entries for the March contest and take weekly lessons to prepare the music.

3. Learn continually more difficult music (grade 2-1/2) and become more proficient on music fundamentals of tone quality production, technique, articulations, dynamics, balance, intonation, and blend.

4. Prepare 2 -3 songs for contest in March and participate in the event, along with solo, and small group entries.

5. Begin preparing music for the May concert

4th Quarter

1. Statements 1-7 of the 1st quarter are applicable to 2nd quarter

2. Statements 3 and 5 of 3rd quarter are applicable in 4th quarter.

3. Continue preparing music for the May concert and perform on it.

4. Learn some basic marching skills and senior high music being used for the Sam Wymore Days Parade. Junior high band students can be in the parade performance if they attend the rehearsals held the week of the parade.