CADET BAND

A. COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Open to any student with sufficient proficiency in playing a band instrument. Public performances. Purpose is to develop playing ability, musicianship, and appreciation of music as a performer and as a listener. Performance of intermediate to advanced middle school musical literature. PARTICIPATION IN PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED AS A COMPONENT OF GRADE.

B. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION 

Students will be required to play their instruments on a daily basis.  They will be presented with increasingly complex rhythms and pitches to perform.  Class sessions will include instructor demonstration, large group performances, small group or individual performances, and music listening activities.

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Grading Quarter 1: Students will expand the range of notes that they can accurately play on their instruments. Students will analyze instrumental music recordings and describe the relationship to various parts of music being rehearsed. Students will perform music rated at Grade 1 to 1½ that incorporates more complex time signatures and key signatures.
2. Grading Quarter 2: Students will continue to expand the range of notes that they can accurately play including alternate “chromatic” fingerings.  Students will evaluate instrumental music recordings in terms of expression, dynamics, phrasing, etc.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of more complex rhythms including single 8th notes and rests, 8th note triplets, syncopation, and cut time. 
3. Grading Quarter 3: Students will perform music in a small ensemble setting.  Students will evaluate performances of small ensembles and develop criteria for improving performances.
4. Grading Quarter 4: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the musical elements used to create jazz, rock, and pop music. Students will demonstrate an ability to play music in the concert keys of C, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab major as well as g, and c minor.

D. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS AND DATES 

1. Grading Quarter 1: Grade 1 to 1½ music and technique exercises in the keys of F, Bb, Eb, and Ab
2. Grading Quarter 2: Grade 1½ to 2 music and technique exercises in the keys of  F, Bb, Eb, and Ab Major & c & g minor
3. Grading Quarter 3: Trios, Quartets, and Quintets of various levels to challenge students in smaller groups
4. Grading Quarter 4: Grade 2 music, in various keys, that incorporates swing and rock rhythmic patterns

E. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES 

1. Standard Of Excellence Book 2 - Bruce Pearson 
2. Wind Instrument or drum sticks and mallets
3. Chrome Book and writing utensils.

F. GRADING PLAN

1. Playing test will be graded using the rubric provided to students.  The rubric looks at the quality of the students Rhythmic Accuracy, Articulation, Fingerings, Tone Quality, and Dynamic Contrast. 
2. Grading will be based on the following breakdown:  Playing Test 30%, Written Journal 20%,Performances 20%, Practice Journals 10%, Written Work 10%, and Rehearsal Grade 10%.
3. Because this is a performing class, attendance for performances is a part of the grade.  Students who miss performances will be given an opportunity to make up the grade by completing a written report on an assigned music topic. 

G. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS 

Students will be expected to have an instrument (in good playing condition) for class everyday.  Students will be expected to play the instrument each day during class and then practice 3-4 times at home each week.  The class will have 4 major evening performances (1 near the end of each 9 week grading period).  There will be 2-3 playing tests given during each grading period. A calendar with exact dates will be sent home the first week of school.