Name of School

Name of School

Memorial High School

School Times

7:35am – 3:00pm

Name of Teacher

Mr. Alvin Jackson

Teacher Contact Number

962-4721

Subject and/or

Grade Level

Band

Email Address

Room Number

Bandhall

Mission Statement of PAISD

Our mission, as the primary source of public education in the

community, is to meet the unique educational needs of our

diverse population by providing a comprehensive quality

education for students of the District.

District Parent-Teacher Conference

Days*

First Semester

Oct 12

Second Semester

March 20

Conference

Times

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

11:00am – 11:30am

Tutorial

Times

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

State Testing

Days*

Oct 16-19

Feb 19-22

April 7, 22-25

District Testing Days*

Progress Report Days*

Sept 19

Oct 31

Dec 12

Feb 6

May 21

Report Card

Days*

Oct 12

Nov 30

Jan 25

Mar 20

May 2

June 11

Date Study Guides Due to Students*

First Semester

Second Semester

Jan 3

May 19 (Underclassmen)

May 14 (Seniors)

Final Exam Schedule*

(All Students)

Jan 16, 17

(Jan 16--1, 3, 5, 7 periods

Jan 17—2, 4, 6, 8 periods

Jan 18 Make-Up)

(Underclassmen)

June 2, 3

(June 2—1, 3, 5, 7 periods

June 3—2, 4, 6, 8 periods

June 4--Make-Up)

(Seniors)

May 28, 29

(May 28—1, 3, 5, 7 periods

May 29—2, 4, 6, 8 periods

May 30--Make-Up)

Course Overview or Objectives

Overview of Course:

Band classes are provided to make preparations for performance in the varsity performing group. In other words, the band class is intended to provide the performing student access to rehearsal time during the regular school day. Therefore, each student in the class is expected to perform his or her best on the assigned music for performing group throughout the year. For example; all band participants will perform Marching Music, All-Region Music, Solo & Ensemble Music and Concert & Sightreading Music.

1. There will be a required test each week.

2. Students will be required to keep a journal.

3There will be a goal or project for each six weeks reporting period.

Band projects may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Half-time Shows (Football Games)

B. UIL Marching Contest

C. All Region Band

D. UIL Solo-Ensemble Contest

E. Band Concert (Fall & Spring)

F. UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest

G. Commencement

H. Research Paper

4There will be two semester exams

5The report card grade will be an average of the weekly test/participation grades

and the six weeks project grades.

6 Band performances will be used as goals and/or projects throughout the

school year for grading purposes.

7 District and State rules for grading and reporting will be followed. Failing any

course causes a student to lose eligibility for band performance in most events

during the school year.

Required Textbooks

Required Supplies

Required Supplies:

Bringing working materials to class daily is required. Instruments, reeds, oil, drum sticks, all assigned music and any other materials that the instructor deems necessary are examples of required materials. Three ring binders and clear page protectors are required. It is the student’s personal responsibility to be prepared throughout the school year for grading purposes.

Teacher Expectations

Overview of Skills Students are to Gain:

1) Perception - Develop intellect and refine emotions, understanding the cultural and creative nature of musical artistry and making connections among music, other arts, technology and other aspects of social life.

2) Expression – Apply the expressive technical skills of music and critical thinking skills to evaluate multiple forms of problem solving.

3) Historical – Reflect on musical periods/styles and understand music’s role in history enabling the student to participate successfully in a diverse society.

4) Evaluation – Analyze and evaluate music, developing criteria for making critical judgements and informed choices.

Behavior:

The information presented in this communication is intended to provide you with a working knowledge of what is expected of you during each class session. Also, the information given, if followed closely, will provide you every opportunity for success in all Band activities.

1. Self-discipline is required. Having a positive attitude towards the learning experience is a pre-requisite for success. Remember; your attitude tells others what you really feel, deep down inside, about an experience you are having or about to have. Refusing to follow “Directions” and/or “Instructions” is a way to demonstrate what your true feelings are.

2. Bandsmanship requires an instrument. Every band student must first have an instrument to play and then the desire to successful with it. Proper care of the instrument and true initiative to master it will provide many hours of enjoyment in the future.

3. Excellent attendance provides excellent participation. You can not learn the skill if you are not present when it is being taught. Be present daily and in your seat when the tardy bell sounds. Bring an excuse otherwise.

4. Off-task behavior is unacceptable. You must pay attention to all directions given and remember them as given to you. Talking, leaving your seat without permission and disturbing others in class etc… defeats the both the teaching and learning process.

5. Do not bring food or drinks to class. Your best effort will not occur while food particles, sweets or salt is present in your mouth. Also, insects are drawn into the band area and into your instrument by food and drink.

6. All of the rules pertaining to dress, discipline and attendance as stated in the

campus/district student handbook will be enforced to the letter.

Homework:

Student’s daily homework assignment is to practice the music assigned for the week.

Class Rules

Class Rules/Procedures:

1. Enter class before the tardy bell.

2. Organize the required materials and report directly to your seat after entering the classroom.

3. Do not leave your seat without permission.

4. Do not speak without permission.

5. Have required materials daily.

6. Be prepared to perform daily.

7. Respect others and yourself at all times.

8. No food, drink, gum or candy in the Bandhall.

Grading Distribution*

Major Tests and Projects

40%

Minor Assignments

(e.g., homework and classwork)

60%

Grading Scale*

90-100

80-89

75-79

70-74

69 or below

Conduct Grades*

Satisfactory

Needs Improvement

Unsatisfactory

A conduct grade of a U may only be given if there is documentation of parent notification of behavior concerns.

Standards for Mastery*

Course assignments and unit evaluation shall be used to determine student grades in a subject. An average of 70 or higher shall be considered a passing grade.

Mastery of the skills necessary for success at the next level shall be validated by assessments that may either be incorporated into unit or final exams or may be administered separately. Mastery of at least 70 percent of the objectives shall be required.

Promotion Policy*

Grade-level advancement for students in grades 9-12 shall be earned by course credits. Students may advance to the next grade level when the appropriate number of credits are earned as follows:

Sophomore (10^th Grade) 5 credits

Junior (11^th) 11 credits

Senior (12^th) 18 credits

Graduation Requirements

Students must earn 25 specific credits as determined by their diploma choice and pass all TAKS exams in order to qualify for graduation.

Students not passing TAKS exams may be assigned to remediation classes as determined by the school district.

Make-Up Policy*

Students may make-up work, tests or assessments for excused absences upon returning to school. Students have up to 2 days for each excused absence to complete work missed upon returning to school after an excused absence.

It is the responsibility of the student and/or parent to request make-up work and submit to the teacher.

Students will be allowed to make-up work for an unexcused absence but the grade earned shall be reduced by one letter grade and the work must be completed within one day.

Attendance Policy*

Students may not miss more than 9 unexcused absences for a semester course (e.g., American Government) or more than 18 days for a yearly course (e.g. English). A student may lose credit if they miss more than the 9 unexcused days per semester. Attendance Committee decisions may be appealed according policy FEA.

Reteach Policy*

To ensure that students master the material, reteaching may include, but shall not be limited to the following:

The student may be required to correct or rework unsatisfactory assignments. In these circumstances, the grade earned shall replace the original grade.

The student may be required to retake a major examination. In these circumstances, the grade earned shall replace the original grade.

The teacher may require the student to attend a tutorial program or remedial or accelerated classes. When these are assigned, co-curricular or extracurricular activities shall not interfere with the requirement to attend the tutorial or assigned classes.

The teacher may assign additional work on a particular unit or project for the student to complete.

The teacher may work with small groups during class time while other students work independently.

Academic Dishonesty*

Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be

subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary

penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students.

Other Important Information

Basic Classroom Standards for Assignments:

The majority of the grades will be performance based. Classroom performance, rehearsals and performances can be graded. The rehearsal is an extension of the classroom. Performances serve as a culmination of those skills taught in the classroom. Make-up work, late assignments and incomplete work will not be accepted unless the student: 1) has an excused absence on the date that the assignment is due or 2) has had insufficient time to prepare for the assignment due to excused absence(s).

Students should demonstrate an proficiency in musicianship and/or in musical knowledge based on their individual experience and expertise.

Students should bring required materials to class daily.

Unexcused tardiness and absentees will be addressed as is indicated in the student/teacher handbooks.

Helpful Websites

(*) Denotes District Policy, Procedure or Expectation