• Lewis & Clark Middle School Band Syllabus

    Andrew Marjamaa, Band Director

    andrew.marjamaa@jcschools.us

    Jenna Lechner, Band Director

    jenna.lechner@jcschools.us

    Chris Isom, Percussion Instructor

    christopher.isom@jcschools.us

    Welcome to LC Bands

    The 4 Building Blocks of Success in Band

    Materials

    • Working instrument (of good quality)

    • Maintenance supplies (oil, reeds, cleaning cloths)

    • Method Book (school provides)

    • Pencil!

    Routine

    Establish a plan for daily practice at home.


    Prepare all assignments from class by practicing.

    Effort

    Willingness to ask questions and learn.


    Try your best.

    Attitude

    Bring a positive attitude to class daily.


    Be encouraging to your classmates.




    LC Bands Performance Attire



    6th Grade- Dress clothes (examples: khakis, polos or button up shirts, black dress pants, blouse or dress shirt). There will be no specific color requirements of clothing this year, the only strong request is no jeans. 

     

    7th & 8th Grade- Band shirts and black pants, black shoes/socks. 











    Band Grading Policy

     

    Band grades are comprised by the following points:

     

    40% Participation/Performances & Classwork

    • 5 points daily will be given for the following criteria: 

    1. Actively engaging in the music by trying their best. 

    2. Having needed supplies- instrument, book, pencil. 

    3. Using proper playing posture during rehearsal. 

    4. Proper setup and storage of their instrument, before and after class.

    5. Bell ringers.

    • 50 pts. each-Performances are an important part of the band curriculum. They are also the time to highlight all the hard work of the musicians.  For the success of all participants, full participation of the ensemble is expected. Missing a performance will result in a make-up assignment that must be completed before the end of term to be considered for grading. 

    • Various point values-Classwork will consist of supplemental work outside of the Band Method Books.  The only “homework” band students will have is their individual practice time.  

     

    25% Playing Tests- These are recorded tests that students play a selected passage out of their Method Book.  Students are graded on correct notes and rhythms only, two points are given for each measure.  Playing tests are 16 pts. each.

     

    35% Mastery Assessment Tests- These are in-class tests that are given to specifically test a Missouri Standard that is aligned to our beginning band curriculum.  These tests are 20 points each.  Students will be allowed to retest if a score of 14 out of 20 (70%) is not achieved.  

     

    Class Rules

    Discipline procedures will follow the student handbook.

    1. Be respectful of everyone and everything. 

    2. Be prepared.

    3. Be ready to learn.

     

     

     

    PROCESS OF HOW WE LEARN

    AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME

    1. RHYTHM

    • Clap and count rhythms verbally

    • Write and count rhythms

     

    2. AIR PLAY ALONG WHILE SAYING NOTE NAMES

    • Instrument in playing position, moving fingers, slide, or mallets (saying ‘d, d, f…’)

     

    3. PLAY

    • Use a metronome if available. 

     

    SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICING AT HOME

    1. Create a daily routine

     

    2. Practice at least 10 minutes per day

    • It is typical for students to get carried away and practice more (this is good!).

    • It is more beneficial to practice 10 min. per day than an hour one day and 3 days off.

     

    3. Have a goal

    • Having a goal allows students to have productive practice sessions.

    • Each rehearsal day, new material is assigned. This should be the focal point of practice.

    Examples: 

    -Play assigned material with minimal mistakes

    -Isolate specific measures or note combinations that may be difficult

     

    4. Use a metronome

    • Using a metronome helps the students to play correct note values and establish a steady pulse.  Many electronic devices both apple and android have free apps for metronomes, these can also be found on the internet by searching free metronomes. Google also has a metronome built into it’s search bar (just type “metronome”).

     

    5. Music stand

    • Using a music stand allows for the instrument to be kept in proper playing position.  Wire music stands can be purchased from any music supply store for a reasonable price.  If you cannot get a music stand, taping sheet music on the wall or setting it upright on a table can be helpful.  

     

    6. Practice space

    • An environment with minimal interruption is ideal.

     

    7. Repetition

    • Once played correctly, the phrase or note pattern should be repeated several times to

    become a habit.

     

    8. Perform for others

    • Students love opportunities to demonstrate their progress to friends and family.
Last Modified on August 3, 2022