LEARNING GOALS
Learning goals for the SHS Band Program are as follows. These goals are derived from the National Core Arts Standards and the New Jersey Arts Standards as well as my own personal philosophy of music education.
- Students will develop effective practice and rehearsal strategies that facilitate life-long music learning.
- Students will understand and meet the stylistic demands of a wide variety of musics, both from the Western canon and outside of it.
- Students will achieve technical proficiency on their instrument that facilitates artistic expression.
- Students will develop individual, chamber and large-ensemble performance skills.
- Students will refine their listening abilities to identify stylistic, affective and basic structural characteristics of music.
- Students will develop a personal mode of musical expression through composition and improvisation.
GRADING
Student progress towards the above learning goals will be measured with a variety of assessment tools. These include weekly recorded part tests, in-class informal assessment, written assignments, a midterm and final exam and attendance. The break-down of students grades is as follows:
Grading Policies
- Part tests - 30%
- In-Class Assessment - 30%
- Written Assignments and Projects - 15%
- Midterm Exam - 5%
- Final Exam 5%
- Attendance/Effort and Participation - 5%
Grading Policies
- Performance-based assignments like part tests or recording projects will be judged according to our performance rubric, linked here
- Written assignments and other projects will be judged according to rubrics specific to that assignment. Rubrics for each assignment will be posted on Google Classroom
- Late work will be accepted until the end of the marking period with no penalty.
- After three missed assignments, the student will meet with the teacher to check in and discuss the missing work
- After five missed assignments, the teacher will reach out to the child's parent or guardian to make them aware of the issue and check in about the child's progress
CONCERTS
Concerts are one way that students demonstrate their hard work and their musical learning to their friends, family, and members of the community. Attendance is mandatory at concerts. Exceptions will be made for exceptional circumstances. These exceptions should be communicated to the teacher as soon as possible. Whenever possible, students who cannot attend a concert should communicate with the teacher beforehand. Unexcused concert absences will result in a loss of the 5 points from the attendance category.
Concert Dates
Concert Dates
- Winter Concert: December 15th, 2020 at 7PM
- 8th Grade Recruitment: February 12, 2021 at 9AM
- District Arts Festival: April 26th, 2020 at 5PM
- Spring Concert: May 27th, 2020 at 7PM