Rotolo Middle School Eighth Grade Band

Teacher
Keith Ozsvath 630-937-8784 keith.ozsvath@bps101.net www.rms8band.edublogs.org

Rotolo MS Band

Course Objective
The objective of the 8th Grade Band is to continue to refine each student's musicianship and skills so they can perform both individually and within a concert band setting to the best of their ability. The skills each student learns will prepare them to participate and contribute in high school band. This will be accomplished through instruction in small group lessons, full band rehearsals, and individual practice completed by the student.

Supplies & Class Materials

BRING THESE EVERYDAY! Three-ring binder w/ CLEAR COVER on front & back Essential Elements 2000: Book 1, 2, or 3 (keep in binder) Alfred Drum Method book (For Percussion Only) Foundations for Superior Performance book (keep in binder) All music handed-out in class (keep in binder) Instrument BERP for brass players (order replacement if needed) Pencil Strength #3 reeds for woodwinds (Vandoren are highly recommended)

Band Uniform
The band uniform consists of the RED BAND POLO SHIRT, black pants, black socks, and black shoes (no gym shoes). Occasionally, band members will be allowed to wear the RMS BAND TSHIRT and jeans for performances.

Rehearsals, Lessons & Performances

Full Band Rehearsal: The 8th grade bands rehearse during the school day for approx. 40 minutes each day. Students are expected be seated with instrument and music, ready to play 2 minutes after the bell. Students will also be dismissed 2 minutes early to put away their instruments and belongings. Small Group Lessons: Small group lessons take place during full band rehearsal. 2-3 lesson groups meet during this time each day. Students are grouped based on their progress in the Essential

Elements method book, not necessarily by instrument. For example, if there are five students all on page 23 of the EE book, they would be in same lesson group. Lesson groups will adjust each month based on each student's progress. Performances: Band is unique in that instruction and practice take place during the school day, but most performances occur outside of normal school hours. This has allowed our band program to participate in some pretty incredible events like the Indianapolis 500, Chicago White Sox games, Chicago Fire games, and band festivals at Northwestern University & VanderCook College of Music. In addition, band concerts are usually in the evenings, but can also be during the school day. Attendance at all performances is required. A copy of the band calendar is included in the firstday packet and can also be found online - http://rms8band.edublogs.org/

Practicing
Practicing is essential to the progress of the individual student and how the individual positively contributes to the whole band. Emphasis is placed on the quality of practice, rather than the quantity of practice time. In other words, Practice it until you know it! Students are expected to achieve a weekly goal from their Essential Elements method book, answer a reflection question, as well as practice the band music assignment each week. The weekly goal, reflection question and band music assignment can be found in the practice journal. The practice journal is checked at every small group lesson for 2pts.

School-Owned Instruments
Students that play bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, baritone, tuba, and horn have the option of using a school-owned instrument to avoid having to carry these large instruments to and from school. There is a $50 maintenance/repair fee that is paid at the end of the year. Students that play percussion pay a $50 maintenance/repair fee to maintain the large and extensive amount of percussion instruments. The School-Owned Instrument Contract can be found at: http://rms8band.edublogs.org/

Instrument Security
The RMS music faculty and administration make every effort to provide safety and security for each student's musical instrument. However, the school is not responsible for lost or stolen instruments. Parents should record the make, model, and serial number of their child's instrument and consider covering the instrument under your homeowner's insurance policy.

Student Expectations
1) 2) 3) 4) Be Respectful. Be in your seat ready-to-play 2 minutes after the bell. Gum & food is not allowed in band rehearsal. (Water is OK) If you need to leave the room for any reason, you must sign-out & have a pass.

Grading
50% Small Group Lesson - 10 points per lesson

Practice Tracker - 2 points 2 pts. Goals/Assignments written with measures and/or page numbers 0 pts. Goals/Assignments not completed or student does not have practice tracker at their lesson. Preparation - 6 points 6 pts. Student has completed the weekly Essential Elements book goal 0-5 pts. Points are awarded based on partial completion of the weekly goal Materials 2 points 2 pts. Student has all class materials 1 pt. Student is missing class materials (mouthpiece, music, pencil, reeds, etc.) 0 pt. Student does not have instrument, therefore cannot effectively participate. Missed Lessons: A make-up lesson is expected. Make-ups will be during band rehearsal or before/after school. The student should see their band teacher to sign-up for a make-up time.
50% Full Band Rehearsal

Daily Grade 2 points per day 2 pts. Contributes and has all class materials 1 pt. Student is missing some class materials (mouthpiece, music, pencil, reeds, or behavior is keeping the student from contributing to rehearsal) 0 pts. Student does not have instrument, therefore cannot effectively contribute in rehearsal. Playing Tests on selected measures in band music & scales points vary Occasional Written Quizzes points vary

State & National Music Standards

Our curriculum is aligned with the state and national music standards. Illinois State Fine Arts Standards: STATE GOAL 25: Know the language of the arts. STATE GOAL 26: Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.

 STATE GOAL 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. National Standards for Music Education: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. Reading and notating music. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music. Evaluating music and music performances. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside of the arts.