Matanzas Steel Syllabus received August 2008
Director: Rachel Palmer
Matanzas High School
3535 Old Kings Road North
Palm Coast, FL
(386) 447-1575 ext 5121
palmerr@flaglerschools.comromatz1@yahoo.com
Course Title: Instrumental Techniques I, II, III, IV, etc (Steel Band and Advanced Steel Band)
Subject Area: MusicCourse Number: 1301360, 1301370, 1301380, 1301390, etc
Credit: 1.0 Will meet graduation requirement for Performing Fine Arts
Special Note. This course generally requires students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day. This will include at least two after school rehearsals, a midterm concert, a fundraising concert, and a final concert. These performances are mandatory and count as your midterm or final in the class. A calendar of performances and rehearsals will be handed out as soon as possible and is also available on this website. **Additional performances and rehearsals will be announced as they are scheduled.
Guidelines for Success
Come to class ready to learn. Be prepared with a pencil and a good attitude. This will be graded.
Classroom Rules
Do what you are supposed to do when you are supposed to do it.
Follow directions the first time.
Be courteous and respectful of yourself and others.
No food, drink, gum, candy, etc.
Activities
We will be performing a variety of pieces as a group. These pieces will be performed throughout the semester for audiences in the community. We will have 7-8 mandatory performances throughout the semester, including the previously mentioned end of the semester concert on stage.
Grades
Grades are based on class participation (40%), tests/quizzes and other assessments (40%) and the midterm and final which are 20%.
A = 90 – 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 70 – 79 D = 60 – 69 F = below 60
Entering the Classroom
Come in quietly before the bell rings wearing your student ID, get your mallets, go to your pan, and quietly review the piece or skill you are currently working on. Stay where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing.
Tardy for Class
If you are not inside the classroom when the bell rings, you are tardy. You will be directed to the deans office or attendance for a pass. Do not linger in a class with another teacher and ask them for a pass. If you need more time with another teacher (to make up class-work, test, get extra help), get a pass from that teacher, get to my class on time, and then I will send you if class time allows.
Supplies
You will need a PENCIL for this course. You are expected to keep all handouts, classwork, Music Ace report print outs, articles, and tests in the folder for the entire semester. You are responsible for ALWAYS having a pencil on your stand. This will be graded.
Finding out Grade Status
You may check on your grade status by asking to see a progress report at any point in the semester. You will be rewarded for leadership behavior. Demonstrate your strength in character by doing the right thing the first time and your grade will reflect your responsibility. At some point in the 1st 9 weeks, your parents will be invited to school to sign up for a FOCUS account. This will allow them to access your grades from home at any time. Please take advantage of this service.
Student Responsibilities after an Absence
Email or call me as soon as you know you will be missing class. Go over the material you missed with someone in the class and see me after class or at lunch time. You are graded for class participation, so if you are not in class, you will be missing points.
Late, Missing or Incomplete Assignments
Only partial credit will be given for late assignments. Your grade will be lowered by 10% for every day it is late up to 50%.
Communication Procedures with Parents/Families
Parents will be contacted through phone and email throughout the semester regarding student progress. Parents are encouraged to call or email me at any time and for any reason. (447-1575 ext 5121, or palmerr@flaglerschools.com)
Ending Class
Put your sticks away, make sure your folder is in order, your stand is neat, there are no papers on the floor, and your pencil is sharp.
Consequences Misbehavior and misconduct will result in a student conference, then a phone home to parents. Further problems will be handled with a referral to the Dean’s office.
After successfully completing this course, the student will:
1. Demonstrate basic technical skills, including production of characteristic tone, in individual and ensemble performance. MU.A.2.4.1 perform on the steel pan, alone and in groups, using proper playing technique (e.g., posture and stick control) and with proper melodic phrasing, rhythmic accuracy, and articulation.
2. Demonstrate basic solo and ensemble techniques (i.e., balance, blend, intonation, and response to the conductor) appropriate to the literature studied. MU.A.2.4.2 perform music of diverse genres and styles on the steel pan and other percussion instruments.MU.A.2.4.3 perform in small instrumental groups with proper ensemble skills (e.g., blend, balance, and intonation).
3. Demonstrate music literacy by performing melodic and rhythmic notation accurately and expressively through sight reading and practiced performance. MU.A.3.4.1 sight read one’s part in an instrumental score.MU.A.3.4.2 describe how traditional and nontraditional notation and symbols of a written score provide information to the performer (e.g., repeats, key and meter changes, themes, and motifs).
4. Notate from dictation the pitch and rhythm of a simple phrase (e.g., stepwise motion; rhythm patterns using half, quarter, and eighth notes). MU.A.2.4.4 perform melodic phrases accurately, after hearing them.MU.A.3.4.3 write the notation for a simple harmonic progression.
5. Demonstrate awareness of the characteristics and functions of significant elements (e.g., tonality, meter, style, form, genre) in the reading and performance literature studied. MU.D.1.4.1 perceive and remember significant music events within a composition (form, etc.)MU.D.1.4.2 analyze music events within a composition, using appropriate music principles and technical vocabulary.
6. Identify and demonstrate use of expressive techniques (i.e., tempo, dynamics, articulation, and phrasing) appropriate to the culture, style, and historical period of the literature studied. MU.C.1.4.1 describe and classify unfamiliar music according to style, period, composer, culture, or performer.
7. Create improvisations appropriate to the literature studied. MU.B.1.4.1 improvise harmonic accompaniments in pentatonic, major, and minor modes.MU.B.1.4.2 improvise melodies over a given chord progression with appropriate notes and rhythm.
8. Compose and arrange music for specific uses such as sight reading. MU.B.2.4.1 use basic principles to create compositions in distinct styles to express an idea or feeling.MU.B.2.4.2 arrange familiar music for voices or instruments for a specific event or function.
9. Develop criteria and analyze varied music performances as a participant or listener. MU.D.1.4.3 understand the musical elements and expressive techniques (e.g., tension and release, tempo, dynamics, and harmonic and melodic movement) that generate aesthetic responses.MU.D.2.4.1 establish a strategy for making informed, critical evaluations of the quality and/or the effectiveness of a performance.MU.D.2.4.2 understand the criteria used in the critical evaluation of one’s own and others’ performances, arrangements, and improvisations.
10. Demonstrate awareness of the role and influence of instrumental music and musicians in history, culture, society, and one’s own life. MU.C.1.4.2 understand the development of American music (e.g., blues, folk, stage or film, and gospel). MU.C.1.4.3 understand the influence of significant composers and performers on music styles, traditions, and performance practices.MU.E.1.4.2 understand how the uniqueness of a given work of music serves to define its artistic tradition and its cultural context. MU.E.2.4.2 use informed consumer choices concerning music based on personal criteria (e.g., rationalize and defend music preferences).MU.E.2.4.3 know the various roles that musicians perform (e.g., entertainer, teacher, or transmitter of cultural tradition), representative individuals who have functioned in these roles, and their achievements.
11. Demonstrate awareness of the connections between music and other subject areas. MU.E.1.4.1 understand how elements, artistic processes, and organizational principles are used in distinctive ways and provide connections between music and other subjects.
12. Demonstrate care and preventive maintenance of one's instrument.
13. Demonstrate responsible participation in music activities. MU.E.2.4.1 know characteristics that make music suitable for specific occasions and purposes and respond appropriately within various musical settings.
Matanzas Steel Make up Assignment
This assignment can earn up to 50 points for either participation or assessment, as necessary to make up for EXCUSED class time, performances, or to receive extra credit. Students may arrange as many pieces as they desire. Pieces may be used for performance by Matanzas Steel now or in the future. Student will receive credit for arranging the piece in the program. Student will arrange an approved piece of music for steel band. Almost any piece of music will work (popular, classical, country, calypso, reggae, inspirational, etc), but student should see Mrs. Palmer for approval PRIOR to arranging the piece, or to get a suggestion from her of something to arrange. Mrs. Palmer will provide a variety of blank sheet music for the student to write on and will help student through the process. Student will arrange the piece for at least 4 parts, including: bass line, melody line, harmony line, and chord pattern (include rhythmic pattern). Student may add additional parts as appropriate for the piece (such as additional harmony parts, additional bass line for tenor basses, additional chord parts, etc). Parts must be written down and be clear enough for teacher to understand. Rhythm should be indicated as well as letter names. Parts may be written in music notation, but it is not mandatory. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Palmer in room 5121, call her at 447-1575, ext 5121, or email her at palmerr@flaglerschools.com
Steel Band Performance Rubric Total Points Possible: 100
| Advanced | Proficient | Basic | Below Average | Poor | |
| Punctuality | On time:30 min before start of performance (6) | 15 minutes late: 15 minutes before start of performance (4) | 30 minutes late: on time for performance (2) | Late for performance | Missed performance |
| Attire | Appropriate attire: dress pants or skirt, white shirt, Puts blue shirt on immediately upon arrival, leaves shirt on until concert is over. (6) | Has difficulty getting blue shirt on (4) | Has a hard time wearing blue shirt, takes if off before the end of the concert (2) | Inappropriate attire | |
| Concert Etiquette | Acts appropriately both on and off stage, supportive of other performers, stays for the whole concert (13) | Acts appropriately most of the time, stays for whole concert (11) | Acts appropriately most of the time both on and off stage, has to leave before end of concert to attend another function (9) | Acts inappropriatelyOR unsupportive of other performers | |
| ** Extra credit, 2 points for each audience member in attendance for entire concert |
| Advanced | Proficient | Basic | Below Average | Poor | |
| Performance | Professional attitude, looks like they are enjoying performance, move to the music (15) | Looks like they are enjoying the performance most of the time, flaws in professional look (13) | Blah performance, no energy or enthusiasm, passive participation (11) | Inappropriate actions on stage, talking or other unprofessional behavior SOME of the time (8) | Inappropriate actions on stage, talking or other unprofessional behavior All of the time |
| Technique | Proper mallet use, good posture, & soft touch throughout performance (15) | Minor problems with mallet use or touch (13) | Some problems with mallet technique or touch (playing too loudly) (11) | Problems with mallet technique AND touch (8) | Major problems with mallet use and touch on the pans – playing too loud |
| Accuracy during performance | No audible mistakes, clear and accurate sound (15) | Minimal mistakes made – recovery quick and immediate, does not allow audience to see mistakes (13) | Some mistakes, slow recovery, audience may be aware of mistakes (11) | Some mistakes, facial expression draws attention to mistakes and alerts audience (8) | Major mistakes, causing problems to the ensemble overall, audience aware of problems |
| Advanced | Proficient | Basic | Below Average | Poor | |
| General care | Cautious and appropriate use of instruments and mallets (10) | Minor problems with use (8) | Occasional problems with proper use of instrument or mallets, throwing, hard playing, etc. (6) | Needs constant reminders of how to care for instruments, how to move, tighten screws, inappropriate use (4) | Causes damage to instrument in any way. |
| Moving | Responsible care and use while moving instruments from one location to another, packing in cases or wrapping as necessary, stays/arrives on time for moving and loading equipment when necessary (20) | Late or leaves early and/or has to be reminded to help with the moving process | Does not help with moving process, late, not present or leaves before moving is finished |
Matanzas SteelAbsence/Tardy Request Form This form must be filled out two weeks in ADVANCE, if at all possible
Name: ______________________________________________
Period: _______________________
Today’s date: ________________________________________________________________________
Date of absence/tardy: ___________________________ Rehearsal or Performance (Circle one)
Reason: __________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________(Please be specific, especially if this is a performance)
Matanzas Steel Grading Policy
Your steel band grade will be composed of:
1. Playing and written tests – 40%
2. Participation and Participation in class, rehearsals, and performances – 40 %
3. Midterm and Final Performances – 20%
Student participation in after-school practices and performances (both in and out of school) is an integral part of the steel band program. Since this is a form of supervised homework, grades are assigned for these activities. Musical ensembles work as a group and all members fulfill important roles. When a member is absent, the entire group suffers. In addition, rehearsals and performances are not activities that lend themselves to make-up work, therefore, failure to attend will result in a lower grade.
Students will receive 4 points for participation each school day, based on prompt arrival and preparation for class and appropriate behavior and participation in class. In addition, there will be some mandatory after school rehearsals and performances. Participation in other school-sponsored activities is eligible for consideration to be excused. In-school performances will be excused if a student is having difficulty in a particular class and can not afford to miss it as determined by teacher, parent or student.
Failure to participate in rehearsals or performances due to activities that are not school-sponsored is unexcused. Exceptions may include, but are not limited to: documented doctor appointments, illnesses, etc. Failure to participate will be determined excused or unexcused by the director. Mrs. Palmer should be notified of an impending absence at the earliest date possible by filling out an absence/tardy request. Unexcused absences from performances will result in the student’s grade being lowered by 30%.
This policy is designed, in part, to help your child learn responsibility and reward leadership behavior. The steel band ensemble works together as a group and suffers when one of the members does not fulfill their obligation. Please help me stress the value of responsibility to your child.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely, Rachel PalmerMatanzas High Steel Band