Jazz Band Syllabus
Syllabus

Jazz Band Auditions are after Marching Band and class will begin the 2nd week of October.

Director Michael Hanson    Jazz Band
0 Period: 7:30-8:00a.m. Tues, Thurs.
Goal: 


The goal of the Jazz Band is to produce musicians who can perform at a high level in the Jazz style.  Each student will have skills in order to perform proficiently on their individual instrument and acquire a proficient level of musicianship.  Various music styles will be explored including Swing, Rock, Funk, Latin, and various other forms of music related to the Jazz style   We adhere to the National Music Standards set by MENC.
Attendance:
Attendance is required by all students.   We cannot maintain a high level if students miss class time.  Please consult in your student handbook for more information.
Three unexcused absences will result in removal from the class
Assessment (Daily Grades):  Will be determined as follows:

Your grade will be determined by your participation and preparation in class.  Each class will encompass a possibility of 100 points.  Please note that the final grade will be a P (Pass) or F (Fail) at the end of each quarter in the report card. Procedure of points will follow:
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
If student receives 3 daily grades at 60 points in a semester they will have a meeting with parents, student, guidance counselor, and instructor.
EX:  Johnny was in class for 20 times and averaged 90 (90%) points during class so the calculations follow.
20 x 100 = 2000 (100%) possible.
Johnny daily scores are as follows: 90,100,90,90,90,70,90,100,80,90,90,100,70,80,90,100,80,80,80,100:  Final Grade works out to a 90.2%.
Instrument/Care:   As responsible students you must take care of your instrument.  Please treat your instrument with respect and common sense.  If you don’t 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.  Please consult the handbook for deposits, which may be incurred to students who use school instruments
Necessary Material for Class: You will be expected to have your music, pencil, and instrument in good working order.  It is the student’s responsibility, not the instructor to make sure your instrument is in good working order.
Performances: We have various performance opportunities as an organization.  Each performance will be a requirement.  Jazz Bands are small bands and require every part to participate.
Concert Dress: Each performance will have 3 choices for dress depending on the venue and event.  1) Black slacks, white shirt, tie for men; and Dress, (over the knees and covering shoulders) dress sandals or shoes for ladies.  3) 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 cannot tolerate talking amongst students that is disruptive to the flow of class.  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. 
   
Classroom Rules
1.Respect students and instructor
2.Don’t Interrupt students and instructor
3.Bring all necessary materials to class
4.No gum/candy/food/drink
5.Bring a positive attitude into class
Opportunity Referrals: May be assessed to aide the student.  These referrals are meant as an opportunity to practice after school or before school to improve to a satisfactory level.  Failure to serve a referral if assigned will result in a detention.
Detentions: If a student fails to meet the basic requirements described in this syllabus they may be assessed a detention.  The goal of a detention is to deter the student from actions that are negative to the band program.  Failure to attend a detention may result in doubling the detention, a suspension, a Saturday in school suspension, or removal from class.  Please consult the handbook for more information regarding detentions.
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. 
Enrollment: Enrollment in Jazz Band will be by auditioned process.  All students enrolled in Jazz Band must be enrolled in 7-8; 9-12th Band or Choir in order to be eligible for the audition.  The auditions will begin the first week of October during Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30-8:00am.
Instrumentation
3 Alto Saxes  4 Trombones  1 Bass Guitar/Piano Player
2 Tenor Saxes  2 Trap Set players  1 Flute*
1 Baritone Sax 2 Piano Players  1 Clarinet*
5 Trumpets   1 Guitar Players   1 Vocal*
  • Are specialty instruments that can be used for various pieces and can participate.
We can have small differences in the number of students in the Jazz Band but the instrumentation will be standard.  We can have smaller groups from the larger group perform, or have extra instruments to enhance a specialty piece.
Solos/Improvisation- Students will get the opportunity to have solos and develop improvisational skills that are common in Jazz Band.  Jazz is a music form, an art form, and a reflection of the American Experience.
Thank you for considering in being a part of a worthwhile activity and class that can be an excellent musical outlet.
Michael Hanson
Instructor of Instrumental Music
Elmwood-Murdock Public School

School Phone: 402-867-2341
Email: mihanson@esu3.org