Cinnaminson High School Bands

Concert Band

Course Syllabus 2023-2024

Course Name:  Concert Band

Teacher:  Dr. Nick DiSalvio

[email protected]

865-829-7770 x3803

Course Content:  Concert Band is an instrumental music ensemble in the style of the traditional Military Wind Bands. This class is for students who wish to participate in a performance-based ensemble whose repertoire consists of compositions of an intermediate to advanced level.  Studies will be aligned with the New Jersey Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Standards.

Course Description:  This is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students with a desire to play a traditional band instrument. Music skills such as note-reading and sight-reading will be included in course study.  Students participating in this course will be required to participate in two concerts and rehearsals outside the school day (winter and spring) per school year.  Additional performances and/or rehearsals outside the school day may also be required.  Individual attention will be given to students wishing to participate in region and All-State\ensembles.

Course Objectives:  Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills that increase aesthetic awareness in music and how it relates to the other performing arts.
• Refine perceptual, physical and technical skills through creating music.
• Produce artistic musical performances using music and arts elements, technology and media.
• Analyze performances, both theirs and others, demonstrating knowledge of the process of critique.
• Explain various historical, social and cultural influences which have generated artistic accomplishments throughout the ages, and which continue to shape contemporary music.
• Collaborate in small and large groups with other students in performance situations as well as classroom activities.

Required Texts and Resources:

• A band folder (provided by the teacher)
• Music by various composers and arrangers (provided by the teacher).
• Sight-reading materials (provided by the teacher).
• Band Instrument and parts required to function (provided by the student - please see Dr. DiSalvio if you have a problem procuring an instrument).
• Notebook and pencils (provided by the student).

Course Policies:

• Student participation will be graded on a daily basis.  Any student unprepared (without the required materials) or unwilling to participate (doing work from other classes, disrupting rehearsal) will be marked down for the day.  
• Students are expected to practice their instrument at home weekly in order to prepare their music for performance. Failure to do so will result in a reduced participation grade for the week.
• Cost of replacing lost music and/or resources will be the responsibility of the student.  
• All students are required to follow all policies cited in the student handbook.

Responsibilities:  Students are to:

• Arrive on time to class, and be ready to work when the bell rings.
• Bring all required music and materials to class every day.
• Take notes and mark music as instructed.
• Turn in any assignments completed and on time.
• Refrain from eating and chewing gum in class.  Drinking water only in class is allowed due to the physical demands of performing.
• Treat the teacher and their fellow students with respect.
• Actively participate in class each day.

Evaluation:  The following types of evaluation will be used in this class:

• Quizzes, worksheets and written assignments.
• Sight-reading and Prepared Music exams
• Participation and behavior at concert performances and rehearsals.
• Participation in rotations a minimum of two (2) times per marking period.
• Class participation.

Rotations:

Rotations must be scheduled during periods when students have study halls or free periods which correspond with Dr. DiSalvio’s office hours.  A list of office hours is posted on the bulletin board outside the Band Room (C135).

Grading Policy:

Quarterly Grade

Weekly Rehearsal Participation: 10 points

Rotations (2 per marking period): 50 points

Tests: 100 points

Performances: 200 points

Important Dates:

Please understand that as regulations change, so may these dates.  I will provide updates as soon as I receive them so you may adjust your calendar accordingly.

Winter Concert: December 20, 2023

Spring Concert: May 29, 2024