Instrumental Music Department
Email
Rosa Parks Middle School 19200 Olney Mill Rd, Olney, MD 20832
[email protected]
Phone 301.924.3180
Instrumental Music Course Overview
Instrumental Music Performance Objectives
A band and orchestra musician should be able to:
 Demonstrate a suitable characteristic tone or sound and blend/balance the tone with the members of the
ensemble.
 Demonstrate the ability to play with precise rhythm and follow the conductor.
 Demonstrate the ability to play in tune individually and within the ensemble.
 Demonstrate accuracy and fluency in the areas of note reading, range, endurance, finger dexterity, and flexibility.
 Interpret the different types of music and respond to the various types of music notation and terminology.
 Sight-read and perform an appropriate level of music in relation to their skill level.
 Demonstrate proper instrument and music care
 Listen to, analyze, and describe music and music performances.
 Understand the relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts including the
relationship between history and culture.
 Demonstrate ensemble skills needed to work in a cohesive musical team or ensemble.
 Demonstrate the skills needed for setting-up, performing, attending, and taking down a concert performance.
Instrumental Music Grading & Reporting
A = Outstanding level B = High level C = Acceptable level D = Minimal level E = Unacceptable level
Each student’s grade will be based on the following:
40% Formative Assessments
Demonstration of Daily Performance Objectives
Students will be assigned points for demonstrating daily performance objectives. These objectives will be demonstrated
through performance on his/her instrument both with the group and individually upon request.
Written Assignments
This grade includes mini vocabulary and rhythms assessments and any other handouts or writing assignments used for
instruction.
50% Summative Assessments
Performance Skills
Formal assessments that reflect the student’s quality and improvement in the following areas; posture, hand position, tone
production, pitch control, knowledge of fingerings, range, endurance, hand coordination, ensemble playing (making
adjustments and corrections – listening to what others in the ensemble are playing), and dynamics.
Written Assessments
This grade includes formal assessments on the completion of a rhythm or vocabulary unit.
Concert Expectations
This grade represents the student’s ability to follow the concert expectations including: attendance, stage performance, and
preparedness of music. If there is no concert in the grading period, a greater emphasis will be placed on performance
skills.
10% Practice Journal (Practice and Preparation).
The student will hand in a practice card every week, which documents the amount of home practice, completed in the previous
week. It must be signed by a parent or guardian each week. The entire “Practice Journal Policy” should be reviewed by
the parents and the student. Productive home practice is an essential part of a quality music program and expected of music
students. DUE EVERY MONDAY!!!!
All assignments are expected to be submitted by due dates. Work turned in after the due date and prior to the deadline may
be subject to a 10% deduction of the grade. Work not attempted and submitted by the deadline will be recorded as a zero.
II. LEARNING SKILLS are assessed based on assignment completion and participation.
C= Consistently


O = Often
S = Sometimes
R = Rarely
Participation reflects how consistently a student engages in learning during class.
Completion reflects how consistently and timely a student completes and submits assignments.
Additional Resources - Students can arrange for extra help during TAP, lunch, or after school. The schedule, along
with many other resources is available on EDLINE.
Daily Rehearsal Expectations









Each musician should be punctual to class. Students arriving after the bell must have a late pass. Food, candy,
or gum is not permitted in the music room during regular instruction. All students should be seated and ready to
play within two-minutes after the late bell.
Please check the board for announcements and objectives.
All musicians are expected to come to class with all of the necessary materials and equipment to fully participate
in class. This includes music, music folder, pencil, extra reeds, valve oil, etc. Refer to the Instruments and
Equipment handout available on EDLINE.
Warm-up should be done in the assigned seat. Warming-up should consist of easy exercises to warm the face
and finger muscles. Loud or strenuous playing during the warm-up can reduce sound quality and endurance.
It is expected that each musician maintain and periodically service their instrument so that it is in good playing
condition. Refer to the Instruments and Equipment handout for details.
Musicians should only play their own instrument. Students should not play other instruments and equipment not
assigned to them. Only percussionists are authorized to play or handle the percussion equipment.
A good musical ensemble is dependant on strong team work within the group. Once rehearsal has started,
talking or socializing is not permitted. Disrupting class will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
If a musician cannot play because of illness, dental work, instrument repair, etc., a note from a parent is required
the day which should be excused. Students may be asked to complete an assignment in place of performing that
day in class.
Before dismissal, instruments should be packed up and placed in the appropriate storage area. Small
instruments may be stored in the hall lockers. When the bell rings, leave the classroom in an orderly manner.
The student’s progress will be monitored and assessed daily. Feedback will be given regularly during class. This will
be reported online and with interim notices. Interims will be mailed to students who are dropping more than two letters,
or who are in danger of receiving an unacceptable grade of an “E.”
Concert Expectations (please refer to the dates indicated in the enclosed Instrumental Music Calendar.










All musicians are expected to attend the required performances listed on the Instrumental Music Calendar.
Performances are the final product after weeks and months of preparation. Performing is the culminating
objective and will be weighted accordingly at 25% of the final grade.
Arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled concert time for set-up, tuning, and any last minute equipment
adjustments.
All musicians are responsible for making sure their equipment and instrument is transported and set-up at the
concert site.
Appropriate concert dress is required. Please review the new concert attire for 2014-2015.
o Boys - black slacks, black or white shirt (Advanced Band and Orchestra wear all Black), and black
dress shoes. A long black tie is optional.
o Girls - black slacks, black or white shirt (Advanced Band and Orchestra wear all black) or blouse,
black shoes with optional short to medium heel.
o Please no jeans or sneakers.
Upon arrival, unpack in the assigned area and warm-up appropriately. Students must remain in their assigned
location until directed to the performance area.
Posture is important while resting and playing. Stage presentation is an important aspect of a live performance.
Great concert etiquette is expected throughout the concert, both as a performer and as an audience member.
Students must refrain from cell phone use for texting or any other activity which would be inappropriate or
distracting to the concert.
All musicians are expected to stay for the entire program for full credit.
At the conclusion of the concert, students are responsible for returning their instruments and equipment to the
designated areas.
Please sign and acknowledge that you have read the Course Overview, Instrumental Music
Calendar & Handbook, and the Middle School Instruments and Equipment handout. The signed
copy of this overview should be stored in your child’s music folder and will be graded for completion.
___________________________
Student Name
__________________________
Parent Signature
___________
Date