Middle School Band Syllabus

MUSE 355
Introduction:
The objectives of our class is to introduce and cultivate musicianship within students.
Students will be expected to bring the necessary supplies each day to class as well as a positive
attitude for learning. Throughout this year students will have various at home playing
assignments including regular practice and video recordings of pieces to turn into the Mr.
Sterling. It is expected of the parents/guardians to provide available spaces and times for students
to practice, if this cannot be done then a meeting with Mr. Sterling can be arranged to make
accommodations. Several times a month the high school band director will come and take small
sections of students for a more individualized level of instruction. There will also be several
concerts throughout the year, attendance is mandatory (emergency situations excluded).

Core Objectives:
1. Students will continuously build upon prior musical knowledge to advance
musicianship.
2. Students will develop the benefits of a group mentality within an ensemble.
3. Students will advance their skill on their instrument through diligent practice both
at home and in the classroom.

Class Expectations:
1. Students will play with the best possible sound and technique that they can
produce.
2. Students will have their instrument, method book, and a pencil with them every
day.
3. Students will be sitting in their chair and ready to play within 2 minutes of class
starting.
4. When a section is not playing they will be either working on a given task from the
teacher or listening diligently to the sections currently playing.
5. Students will respect both their own property as well as others at all time.
If a student should not be able to follow the expectations listed above the repercussions
will be as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A verbal warning
A meeting with the student after class
A 3% grade reduction
A call home to a parent/guardian to discuss what solutions can be made
A meeting with the principle, parent/guardian and Mr. Sterling

Grading Layout:
10% - Class participation
30% - Performance Attendance
30% - Playing Tests
30% - Practice Journal

Concerts:
Concert dress is the band shirt (for sale online at www.myimaginaryschool.com) and
black slacks (or other preapproved pants), socks and shoes.
Concert Dates:
Holiday Concert soon before winter break
March Concert Approximately middle of second semester
*Recruitment Concert travel to elementary schools to recruit students for
band and is a dry run of the May Concert
May Concert Within last couple weeks of school
*Concert only for 6th grade band students

ISSMA Solo and Ensemble:

Every spring the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) hosts a series of
opportunities for students to advance their musician ship by performing in smaller ensembles or
on their own. It is highly encouraged that students participate in these activities because of the
ability to explore and hear others (and represent your school!). Students who participate in Solo
and ensemble will receive a 5% extra credit put to their final grade at the end of the school year.
Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to volunteer to help manage these events as we
would always appreciate a helping hand. Accommodations can be made to see your son or
daughter perform.

Additional Music Opportunities:

Private Lessons are always a positive thing for each student to take part of. These
students are often able to excel through the curriculum and achieve a level of musicianship that is
highly sought after when entering the high school level. Please contact Mr. Sterling via his office
phone number with your name, your childs name as well as a call back time with a good time to
reach you between 7:00am and 4:00pm to begin the process of arranging lessons with an
instructor.

(Optional - any other unit plans (e.g., composition) or music opportunities (e.g., lessons)
you wish to share)