Elementary Band


Syllabus


5-6th Grade Instrumental Music

Goal: The goal of the 5-6th grade instrumental music is to introduce and foster music education through instruments in a beginning band setting.  The students will become competent on their respective instrument through various opportunities to perform their instruments and through private lesson.   We will comply and meet the standards set for by the MENC National Music Standards.

Materials: music, pencil, paper, and instrument in good working order. If you do not own an instrument you may purchase an instrument from various music stores in the area. Elmwood-Murdock has a working relationship with Dietze Music Co. from Lincoln, NE this relationship is very helpful for the student because Dietze has a representative that travels to the school biweekly for inspection of instruments, student supplies, and possible repair.

Our curriculum is based from the Enhanced Standard of Excellence Music series. We purchase our instrument books and various other music necessities through this music series.   5th Grade will use Book 1 (red book) and the 6th Grade will use Book 2 (blue book)

Assessment:  Students will be assessed through completion of stated competencies.  Each student will move at there own pace until each goal is achieved.  Also students will be assessed in how they interact in a positive classroom setting.  Breakdown follows:

100 Points:      Participated positively 100%
                       Excellent Posture
                       Necessary Materials all present

95 Points:         Participated positively 95%
                        Good Posture
                        Most necessary materials are present

90 Points:         Participated Positively 90%; a few minor problems or lack of participation
                        Good Posture
                        Most necessary materials are present

85 Points:         Participated   85%; a couple of participation problems 
                        Average Posture
                        Some necessary materials are not present

80 Points           Participated 80%
Participation problems do exist
                        Average Posture
                        Some necessary materials are not present

75 Points:         Participated   75%, numerous participation problems
                        Below average posture
                        Materials are not present

60 Points:         Participated   60%, unacceptable participation
                        Poor posture
                        Materials not present

Instrument/Care: As responsible students you must take care of your instrument.  Please treat your instrument with respect and common sense.  If you do not have your own instrument we will provide them either through the school’s inventory or through the local instrument provider.  It is your responsibility to maintain the instrument and return the instrument in the same shape as it was prior to your acquisition. 

After School Lessons:  You are not required to participate in after school lessons but are highly encouraged.  We will be available in the Murdock School Building everyday after school from 4:00-5:00pm.   These lesson times are flexible and can change due to activities and/or schedule changes for various reasons.  Lessons are meant to provide extra help for the student, allow extra-supervised practice time, and help to acquaint students with their instruments.  Lessons will also help the student maintain a level either to keep up with class work or to go beyond the expected level of achievement.

5-6th Grade Concert Band Syllabus

Performances:  We have various performance opportunities as an organization.   We have concerts that include the band and then recitals that will include solos, or a combination.  We also have a special opportunity to perform solos at a Solo Contest held in Malcolm during the spring. 


Concert Dress: Each performance will have 2 choices for dress depending on the venue and event.  1)Slacks, Shirt, Tie, dress socks/shoes for men; and for the ladies we ask for a dress, (over the knees and covering shoulders) dress sandals or shoes.  2) Casual school color outfit).

Expectations/Rules: I just like any other teacher will expect you to try as hard as you can in my classroom.  You are asked to respect everyone in the classroom.  During band I can not tolerate talking amongst students.  Disruptions will be held to a minimum and dealt with the appropriate measure.  I am very easy to get along with as long as you follow these simple rules. 

Class Rules

  1. Respect students and instructor in class
  2. Don’t interrupt instructor or students in class
  3. Bring all necessary materials to class
  4. No gum/candy/food/drink in class
  5. Bring a positive attitude in class

Communication:  Communication is the key to solving many problems and not allowing them to happen.  I will have small sheets that must be dated and signed that you can fill out for any question or request you have.  If you loose your music or have a problem with a neighboring student in the band just write it down on the sheet.   If you do not want to fill out the sheet then you can come by and talk to me.  My office is always open and I am always willing to listen to students.  I would enjoy students just stopping by to say hi and let me know how their day is going.

Thank you for considering for being involved in such a worthwhile activity such as band.  We are happy to have you involved in the program and hope you grow educationally as well as musically.

 

Contact Information
Michael Hanson
Instructor of Instrumental Music
Elmwood-Murdock Public School
School Phone: (402) 867-2341
Email at: mihanson@esu3.org

POLICY FOR 5-6TH GRADE PIZZA PARTY ELGIBILITY

At the end of the year we will have a pizza party for the students that have demonstrated a high standard 5-6th Band.  Listed below are the qualifications that must be met in order to participate in the party.

Competency: Students must complete their respective book. 
                        5th Book 1 (red)
                        6th Book 2 (blue)
            In order to complete the book they must have all numbers checked off in the back of the book.  Only the instructor can check off these numbers.  Extra lessons may be necessary to complete this task.

Attendance at performances: At the beginning of each year the students will be given a list of performances for the year.  Students must be in attendance, proper dress clothes at all performances in order to participate.  An excused absence may be waived if approved by the Director and the Elementary Principal. 

If all qualifications are met they can participate in the 5-6th grade pizza party held at the end of the year usually in late May or early June.