MACKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

2007- 2008 BAND

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR:  Shelby Huddleston       huddlestons@usd351.com

INTRODUCTION:

The Macksville High School Band is made up of students grade 9-12.  The marching band performs at parades, marching band festivals and competitions, as well as the Macksville High School Varsity Football and Basketball Games.  The success of the marching band relies on the commitment and attitude of each individual in the band.  Every person in the band is a contributing member – when one person is missing, the whole band is affected.  Because marching band is a mix of aural and visual elements, everyone is in the spotlight.  It’s true that band takes a lot of hard work, a lot of repetitions, long hours, and can be very taxing on the body and mind.  There will be some frustrating days, and there will be many fun days as well.  The end result after all those long hours of practice makes it a rewarding experience when you perform your first field show, and the emotions will grow larger as we perform at the festivals.

 

PHILOSOPHY:

Band is intended to foster teamwork, perseverance, time management, responsibility, commitment, and pride and to have fun.  The main goal is not to win 1^st  place trophies or bragging rights to the best marching band in the state; but rather, to grow as an individual by working together with others to achieve a common goal.  For every little task we accomplish, it brings us closer to our main goal.  It is the process that we must go through in order for us to reach our goals and in turn become successful. Success is not measured by the amount of points you score or awards your receive; success is what you have gained through the experience you have encountered during the process.  Overcoming adversity and challenges will make you a stronger and better person. By the time the season is over, you will have learned a lot more about yourself as well as others.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

There are no auditions to be a part of the band.  Auditions will be held for Drum Major and Section Leaders.

 

REHEARSALS:

The Band will meet Monday through Friday during 1^st period.  Tardies will be strictly enforced.   Each student is expected to have a working instrument, music, pencil, and charts at every rehearsal.  If a student does not have all of these items, points will be taken off of their daily class participation grade. 

 

PERFORMANCES:

Most of the performances take place September thru November.  Keep in mind that there is always a possibility for football or basketball playoffs.  The band will be expected to perform at all playoff games.

 

CLASSROOM/FIELD RULES:

1.  All school rules are in effect.

2.  Only band/choir students are allowed in the music room. Friends not part of the band must wait for you outside.

3.  No swearing

4.  No eating, drinking, or gum chewing anywhere in the Music room.
     Water is okay

5.   No horseplay and excessive yelling in the band room.  Be considerate
      of others around you.

6.   Always clean up after yourself

7.   Do not play with any of the percussion instruments. If you are not a
      percussionist, you may accidentally damage it and be held responsible
      for any damages to the instruments.

8.   Respect for other people’s property; do not “borrow” anything without
      asking for permission.

9.   Students are to remember that whenever they are in the public eye that they must look professional.  This means that shirts be tucked in neatly, zippers and buttons fully closed.

 

CHAIN OF COMMAND:

The student leadership assists the band directors and should be treated with respect. The band director through an audition select the section leaders. Keep in mind that the student leaders are human, as well as the band directors; we will make mistakes. The following is a chart of the chain of command.

BAND DIRECTOR / PARENTIAL GUARDIANS

-DRUM MAJOR

-LIBRARIAN

-SECTION LEADERS  (one woodwind, brass, and percussion)

 

 

GRADING:

Performances (parades and games) 100 points

Concerts (Fall and Spring) 250 points

Daily 10 points    Student will get one warning with no points deducted for classroom rule violations.  Second time will result in loss of all points for the day and office referral.

Attitude will be factored in for students who fall in the borderline areas.

Grading Scale:

91-100% A

81-91% B

71-80% C

61-70% D

60%-BELOW F

 

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