Course Syllabus
Greetings Parents and Students!
Welcome back to another year of music at Lane MS! If you have not received my welcome letter, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Ron LaGrone and I am the director of bands here at Lane. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you
All the information you need for a successful year of band can be found in this syllabus, so please read it carefully
LANE MIDDLE SCHOOL
BAND VIRTUAL CLASSROOM RULES:
- Enter and leave the virtual music room in an orderly, quiet manner.
- Come to every class prepared! This includes your instrument, accessories, music
- Respectful and appropriate behavior is expected of all students at all times. This includes band equipment.
- “if it’s not yours, leave it alone…”
No student may play any instrument, including all percussion instruments, unless assigned to the instrument or with permission of the owner or Mr. LaGrone. Percussion instruments can cost thousands of dollars and must be treated with care.
- “if you use it, take care of it…”
All instruments, chairs, stands, accessories, etc. should be treated with care. Do not lean on stands, lean on backs of chairs, mistreat any equipment, or use equipment in a manner for which it is not intended.
- “if you take it out, put it away…”
All instruments, sticks, percussion accessories, etc, must be put away at the end of every rehearsal. All percussionists must help put away ALL percussion.
- “if you move it, put it back…”
All instruments must end up back on the shelf, NOT on the floor.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS:
It is important that students practice their instruments/music three to five days a week. Standing during practice is excellent. When sitting during practice, a chair with a straight back is preferred. Both help with proper diaphragm support, breathing, and posture. Practice journals are to be signed by parents and turned in at the end of the designated period. BE PREPARED FOR RECORDING ASSESSMENTS
Grading Policy
Grade Distribution Proficiency Grading
4 This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Exceeds the Standard (Highest)
The student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications of the learning which go beyond what was taught.
3 This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Meets the standard
The student has demonstrated the skill and/or content expected.
2 This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Approaching the standard
The student is able to perform the basic processes and understands the vocabulary which are prerequisites to meeting the standard.
1 This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Partial Success
With help, the student is partially successful in performing the prerequisite skills or meeting the standard.
0 This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Not Enough Evidence or No Work Completed There is little or no evidence that the student has met the standard.
SUPPLY LIST
Method Book: “Measures of Success, Book 1” for your instrument
I highly recommend that all students download the play along accompaniment tracks to these books—these have proven to be outstanding practice help! Also, purchasing a small tuner, metronome, and a portable stand are GREAT tools to purchase for ALL young musicians!
Flute: cleaning cloth and cleaning rod
Oboes, Clarinets, and Saxophones: At least 4 reeds (a whole box is less expensive than buying single reeds) and a multi-reed holder. Clarinets: the reed should be hard enough to allow you to play easily in the upper register. In general, first year players play on size 2 or medium, second year and beyond are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 or Medium Hard. Clarinets need a cleaning swab. Saxophones should use a “Pad Saver.” Oboes should have as many oboe reeds as possible.
Brass Instruments: Valve Oil, tuning slide grease and cleaning snake. Trombones need slide oil and a small spray bottle to water your slide
Percussion: Drumsticks (Vic Firth SD-1), keyboard mallets (hard and rubber), mallet set (bell kit), practice pad
Optional, but RECOMMENDED items for All Band Students:
- High quality mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, or instruments: See Mr. LaGrone
- PRIVATE LESSONS FROM A PROFESSIONAL
Where to go to get musical accessories?
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Practice Tips and Ideas
In order to improve on an instrument, practice is required outside of class. There is no way a student could significantly improve by simply playing within the band class.
To achieve the maximum results from your practice experience, follow these guidelines:
- Set up a routine: Practice the same time every day, in the same place
- Create a practice space free of distractions (no TV, siblings)
- Set a goal/learning target for each practice session
- Follow a model to structure your practice time:
* Warm-Up (5-10 Minutes)
- Start Slow, work on breathing and a good sound
- Brass – long tones, lip slurs, scales
- Woodwinds – long tones, finger exercises, scales
- Percussion – stretch hands, arms, wrists. Bounces, single strokes, rudiments, scales on mallets.
* Technical Practice (5-10 Minutes)
- Practice with a metronome AT ALL TIMES
- Start slow and gradually work up speed
- Range studies and scales
- Technical parts of band music and solos
- Practice specific trouble spots (paper clip/penny technique)
* Performance/Band Music (5-10 Minutes)
- Play as if you are performing in public
- Mark problem spots to practice later
* Sight read/Fun Stuff
- Get a new method book… Mr. LaGrone has many you can borrow
- Get a book of songs you know… every music store has these
- Feel free to borrow books from friends
- Other good Practice Ideas: • Play with friends (duets are AWESOME) • Perform for friends, family, the dog, whoever will listen • Take it one measure at a time, and as slow as you need to • Always think about what you are doing – practice deliberately • Practice in front of a mirror to watch your hand position and embouchure • Listen to your sound – record yourself, you’ll be amazed!
How Parents Can Help
One of the wonderful aspects of being a band director (of which there are many) is the opportunity to work with all the terrific parents who are so enthusiastic and supportive of their kids and of the band program. These parents help out in many ways, like coming in occasionally to help sort or file music, organizing fundraisers, chaperoning on trips, and even assisting in band instruction! In so many ways, the band program could not do as well as it does without the continued and supportive involvement of so many dedicated parents.
Your child will be much more successful in band/orchestra if they have your support. Some small ways to help your child succeed include:
- Show an interest in your child's musical study
- Help your child arrange a regular time to practice
- Provide for private lesson instruction
- Listen to your child practice and encourage them
- Teach your child to be prepared and on time
- Provide for private lesson instruction
- Make faithful attendance at all band activities important
- Please notify me (via email) if your child must miss an event outside the normal school day.
- Provide for private lesson instruction - sensing a pattern?
- Come to all performances and support your kids. They are awesome!
LANE Band Boosters
We are always on the lookout for parents who are willing to give their time to help the band program.
We are looking for assistance in the following areas:
- A committee: consisting of a lead coordinator or president and others to assist
- Assisting with individual instruction (on a specific instrument)
- Fundraising
- Publicity
- Any other skills you are willing to share (e.g. Construction, CPA, etc)
Course Summary:
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