Nansemond river High School

Instrumental Music

Small Instrumental Ensemble

Course Outline

 

Instructor:  Mr. Woodis

Required Text:  Standard of Excellence Advanced Jazz Method

Prerequisite:  Beginning Band  or Private Instruction on a wind or percussion instrument.

Co Curricular Activities:  Concert Band

Extra Curricular Activities:  Jazz Band / Pep Band / Marching Band

 

Course Description:  Small instrumental ensemble is designed for students who wish to explore instrumental music in depth.  Emphasis is placed on advanced playing techniques and terminology.   

Performance is required.  All students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week.

 

Students must be enrolled in band class in order to participate in many of the instrumental ensembles with the exception of the Pep Band.

 

Objectives:  The Students Will:

1. Demonstrate technical ability of a moderate to advanced level.

2. Demonstrate a high level 1 of aural skills to include listening and intonation.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of all major scales.

4. Prepare and perform jazz literature of a medium to advanced level.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced terminology.

6. Perform for adjudication

7. Use dynamic contrast and technical skills as a means of expression through improvisation.

8. Develop jazz band skills through improvisation study and classroom participation.

Develop a higher level of self discipline for at home practice and music preparation.

 

Activitities:  The teacher will foster a wide variety of teaching techniques.  These will include, but not limited to the following: 

1. Lecture

2. Demonstration

3. Supervised listening sessions.

4. Discussions

Self-assessment / critique with audio-video equipment.

 

In order to achieve the listed objectives, the students will engage in the following activities.

1. Taking notes

2. Imitation performance on instrument

3. Description of styles and characteristics of appropriate material.

Demonstration of consistent improvements.

 

Projects:  (At teacher discretion)

1. Concerts                                4.  District Band Festival                         

2. Performance activities                       5.  Graduation

Written and oral reports              6.  District Band Auditions

7.  Grading Period Projects.

 

Field Trips:

             Limited

Assessment: 

1. Written and playing tests at the discretion of the teacher.

2. Homework

3. Daily Practice Log

Worksheets

 

Grading Rationale:  Since music is a performing art, all students are expected to participate in all rehearsal and performance activities.  Missing rehearsals and performances will result in a lowered grade for the nine weeks.

1. Homework (Practice Log)                                                                      10%

2. Daily Work.  (Notebook checks, class participation, worksheets.)        20%

3.    Quizzes.  (Performing excerpts, scales etc., written tests, solos.

Rehearsals, playing tests, etc)                                      30%

4.     Tests  ( Performances, 9 wks Notebook, Rehearsals, projects etc)                    40%

 

Class Expectations

1. A notebook should be brought to class daily.

2. A pencil should be kept in the instrument case and placed on the stand daily.

3. Chewing gum, candy, food or drinks are not permitted in the class.

4. Students will not play an instrument until he/she is instructed to do so.

5. The teacher will dismiss the class not the bell.

Correct posture will be demonstrated at all times while playing.

 

 

Please sign and return the portion below to Mr. Woodis as soon as possible.

 

 

I have read the Course Outline, including Class Expectations, for Small Instrumental Ensemble (Jazz Band).

 

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   Student’s Signature                                Parent’s Signature                      Date