Concert Band Syllabus

 

Instructor:  Dean McElroy            Phone 831-5590            e-mail:  director@alisoband.com

 

 

            Concert Band is the introductory band for all incoming Freshmen and other students who are not in Wind Ensemble. This class explores concepts in musicianship, ear-training, theory, music literacy, musical terminology, and music history.  Along with basics, the students will rehearse and perform quality wind band literature throughout the year. The Concert Band will perform three concerts in December, the spring, and June.  They will also perform in festivals during the spring.  The exact schedule is pending, and will be finalized in late September.  Graduation is a required performance.  At this level, students are encouraged to rent/buy their own instruments, take private lessons, and practice 3-5 hours per week outside of class.  We also have a web address at www.alisoband.com.  Please visit the site for updated information and a more detailed philosophy of the wind ensemble program (on the wind ensembles link).

 

Fees:

            There are several costs involved in running a quality music program.  These include music, guest clinicians, and purchase/maintenance of instruments.  For these reasons, $25 is required for participation.  Also, proper practice requires that all students own a metronome and a tuner.  We will purchase these in bulk from Saddleback Horn Repair.  The cost is $10.50 for the metronome and $28 or the tuner.  If you would like to be a part of this bulk order, please have your money in by September 30th.  If you already own these items, or would like to purchase them on your own, you may do so, just please have them by Oct. 1st.  Fundraising is available (see the boosters page on the website), and Nobody will be excluded from the program because of inability to pay.  The Script program in an especially easy and effective fundraiser.  All music students have their own account with the music boosters. Any monies raised over $25 may be used for band trips, future fees, private lessons from approved teachers, and instrument rentals.  Please contact the booster president at president@alisoband.com for more information about fundraisers.  Please also check the booster link at www.alisoband.com for information about booster meetings and upcoming events. 

 

                       

 

 

(please cut and return)

 

 

Student’s Name _________________________  Instrument______________________

 

I have read, and understand the class syllabus   _______________________________

                                                                                                (parent’s signature)

 

Parent’s e-mail __________________________________________________________

 

Metronome   $10.50 _______            Tuner            $28 _______         Music Fee  $25 _______

 

Please turn in by September 30th.  Make Checks out to ANHSIMB

Private Lessons:

            The value of one-on-one instruction with a professional on your student’s instrument cannot be overstated.  Students taking private lessons mature in musicianship in ways that are shocking to both parents and students.  For those wanting to pursue music beyond high school, private lessons are required, or that student will be years behind in college.  Please ask about private teachers.  Many local music stores have private teachers on staff.  If enough interest is shown in a particular instrument, I will find a teacher to come to the school to give lessons at a discounted rate. 

 

Materials needed:

            Percussion:  drumsticks, practice pad

            All members: Pencil, instrument (and appropriate accessories), metronome, tuner

 

Grading:

            Attendance, class participation                              50%

            Improvement (based on recorded exams)             29.9%

            Performances                                                             10.1%

 

Attendance:

            All performances are mandatory.  Excused reasons for absences include severe illness (with doctor’s note) or family emergency.  An unexcused absence will lower a student’s grade by one letter grade (10.1%).  Lateness to a call-time will lower a student’s grade by 5%.  Excessive absences and tardies during everyday rehearsals will also influence the attendance portion of the grade.  Graduation is a required performance.  Please schedule summer vacations accordingly.

 

            Please contact me with any questions you have.  E-mail is the quickest way to reach me.  Music is a rewarding experience for all students.  Thank you for your support of your student’s artistic expression throughout their life so far, and thank you for your future support. 

 

 

Dean McElroy

Director of Bands and Colorguard

Aliso Niguel High School

director@alisoband.com

www.alisoband.com