HS Band Benefits & Requirements '13-'14.pdf - NCSBands

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Syllabus 2013-2014 NCS
HS Band Class daily 7:50am - 8:45am
Teacher
Mark Lyons (B.M., M.M., Certified, Highly Qualified)
Mlyons@NCSAZ.ord
602 978-5134 (please use email)
http://NCSbands.wikispaces.com
Philosophy
Every student can understand music, develop mastery of music, and benefit from
an extensive number of successful musical accomplishments regardless of talent
or lack of talent. Only willingness and belief are prerequisites. In fact, “Hard work
beats talent, when talent won't work hard.”
Americans agree that learning to play an instrument as an individual is valuable.
It inherently and uniquely promotes complex thinking, language acquisition,
aesthetic awareness, bodily kinesthetic mastery, and creative communication,
besides acquiring the skill to play the instrument. But, learning to play an
instrument in band in relationships with others expedites this growth and
inherently fosters virtuous godly character, teamwork skills, responsible
citizenship, lifelong learning, career readiness and more. Band students benefit
through positive cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning experiences in
relationships with others. Every band member is extremely valuable and plays a
vital role in the life of each piece of music.
A supportive home environment, effective classroom teaching, and student
responsibility brings enjoyment, great experiences, and rewards for each student
that can be enjoyed for a lifetime in the vast and ever expanding world of music.
Course Description
This artistic class of skill development and discovery builds upon previous music
classes, and teaches reading and performing music in standard musical notation
using band instruments in the band setting. Arizona sets specific musical
standards for student achievement by grade level and by musical group. A
detailed list of musical goals/outcomes is available on the website.
Course Fees
Other schools charge a participation fee, music fee, instrument usage fee, and/or
activity fee. Other schools also require audience members to pay for their ticket
to attend a concert. NCS band fees include:

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$ 25 Solo & Ensemble Festival or Regional Honor Band Audition
$ 20 NCS School instrument usage (optional) plus actual repairs
$ 15 Band shirt
$ 3 Per printed music (music is loaned freely, purchase is optional)
$300 Band trip should be between $300-400 (depending on factors)
Please also consider using the AZ state private school tax credit -up to $1,006
married filing jointly- to help fund students' tuition. Forms are available in the
band room, in the office, and on the website.
Course Objectives
High school students participating in class as instructed will be able to:
Read, notate, compose, arrange, improvise and perform music from different
genres and diverse cultures with others and as a soloist.
Understand the relationships among music, the arts and other disciplines (such
as math, history, geography, science, and culture).
Understand music in relation to self and universal themes (i.e. love, conflict,
celebration, sorrow, joy, fear, challenge, sacrifice, patriotism)
Listen, analyze, describe, and evaluate music and musical performances.
Materials
Standard of Excellence Enhanced Band Method Book vol. 3
Standard of Excellence Music CD
iPAS software
SmartMusic (optional)
Supplemental music (provided)
A band instrument in top playing condition, accessories, and a pencil
Percussion: drum sticks, timpani mallets (medium), hard rubber bell
mallets, all in a stick bag marked with your name
Saxes & clarinets: 4 working reeds at all times
Brass: valve oil &/or slide grease
Rules
Rules for you
1) Be on time. (In your seat with materials ready when the bell rings or the
beginning of class indicated by the clock or director.) In the professional
music world “early” is on-time, “on-time” is late and “late” is fired.

2) Be prepared for class. Be ready to learn, perform, and/or test. The
material to be covered for each day's rehearsal will be on the board.
Prepare this material as soon as possible after your warm-up. Do bellwork.
3) Be respectful; follow the rules with a positive attitude. No hats, no
electronic devices (they can be taken away on first sight), no gum, food or
drinks (except water). No complaining (education is a privilege).
4) Complete assignments on time.
Rules for you and others
1) Keep your hands, feet, (your appendages) and belongings to yourself.
2) No talking at the wrong time. Raise your hand. Wait for permission to
speak. Volunteer and participate.
3) Use kind words only. No putdowns, teasing, or harassment. Work as an
encouraging group member (team player). Who are you?
4) Do not disrupt class in any way. No talking at the wrong times.
5) Use bathroom between classes. Each student has at least 50 minutes
each day for personal use (water, bathroom, lunch). Bathroom usage
during class is restricted to emergency usage only. Students must sign out
to use the restroom.
Rules for you and the teacher
1) Follow directions immediately without complaining.
2) Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak. I love to hear what you
would like to say, and I want to honor you by giving you the opportunity to
speak when it is quiet so we can hear you. Do not speak out of turn.
3) Use kind words only.
4) Volunteer and participate. The more you do this the greater your progress.
5) The instructor, not the bell, dismisses class.
Consequences for not following rules: verbal warning, ineligibility for awards,
lowered daily grade (noted on Edline), lunch detention, contact of parents,
referral, parent conference, ineligibility from special events, removal from class.
Consequences for following the rules: excellent grades, excellent progress,
excellent rapport with teacher, respect of students, excellent satisfaction,
enjoyment and fun in music, excellent personal results, development of virtue,
possible rewards and awards, notification to parents, eligibility for special events
and additional future opportunities in and out of music. Students who
demonstrate and maintain responsibility and maturity may gain additional
privileges after first quarter.
A great attitude brings success for the individual and the group. (Catie, Michelle,
Zoey.)
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Switching Instruments
Any child who has been playing an instrument for a semester or longer should
not switch instruments. The instrument which a child plays will usually be the one
with which they will have the most success. Switching is only allowed under the
consultation of the director. Please consider carefully the instrument to play.
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Percussion
Only students who have had 18 weeks (a semester) or more of piano lessons are
allowed to choose percussion as their instrument. Several required percussion
instruments are designed similar to the piano.
Grading
25% rehearsal participation & behavior (formative)
25% practice sheets or honor passes, (formative)
20% written assignments and assessments, (summative)
30% performances (summative)
Personal choice or taste in music is subjective. Performance is objective and
uses musical rubrics for tone, rhythm, pitch, articulation, dynamics, phrasing,
balance, and blend. A student's ability to demonstrate mastery of these elements
of music constitutes their grade. Most students will have to practice the concepts
taught to develop the level of mastery required in the time allotted, similar to
mastering concepts in Math, English, Science class or a sport in the time allotted.
Not mastering a skill leaves the student skill-less, disappointed, with a lower
grade, and decreases the overall ability of the band. Daily grades are recorded
for most days. Grading policies and major percentages can be changed by the
instructor at any time. Grades are available for viewing on Edline.
Private Lessons
Students falling behind, or those wanting to excel should take private lessons.
Please check the website for teachers.
Tracks
A minimum standard of mastery is enforced for all band students. Those exceeding
the minimum standard may accept various challenges or tracks. Each track will
have significant benefits including college scholarships (as evidenced by Ariana
Flatt 2012-2013). Students achieving minimum mastery will be able to enjoy a
lifetime on performing music. Here are the tracks.

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Professional Musician/Top Music Schools in the nation
(Juilliard, Peabody, Curtis, Eastman School of Music)
Band participation every year (leadership or soloist preferred)
Private lessons w/ highest quality teacher starting in 5th grade.
Home practice 30+ minutes a day beginning in 5 th grade
Mastered all major scales one octave
Mastered all major scales full range
Mastered all major scales full range memorized
Mastered chromatic scale memorized
Mastered minor scales full range memorized
Mastered scales at greatest speed possible
Sight reading grade 4
Recitals annually
Memorized solos from director selected repertoire
All State Honor Band participation each year
Participation is Phoenix Youth Symphony (or similar)
Auditions or mock auditions
Music Major
Home practice 20-30 minutes a day 5 days a week
Private lessons 4 years or more
All State or Regional Honor Band Audition
Mastered all major scales full range memorized
Mastered chromatic scale memorized
Mastered scales at greatest speed possible
Sight reading grade 3.5+
College Scholarship (non-music major)
Home practice 20-30 minutes a day 5 days a week
Private lessons 3 years or more &/or All-State Band
Regional Honor Band Auditions
Mastered scales at greatest speed possible
Sight reading grade 3.5+
Rehearsal Skill, Participation & Behavior Points
Each day students can earn 10 points for rehearsal skill and participation. Points
are recorded in the grade book for most days. Individualized, descriptive, or
constructive personal notes may also be notated for each day. In Edline navigate
to the class, the assignment, and comments.
To earn 10 points the student needs to arrive in class prepared, on time, ready to
learn, ready to develop musical skills and develop character. Daily participation
points are reduced for tardiness, talking, bathroom visits, missing materials

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(music or instrument), or inappropriate behavior. Participation and behavior
points can be earned (or lost) in each of the following categories:
present on time = 2 pts.
instrument present & functioning properly = 2 pts.
pencil & music = 2 pts.
full participation (no exits for bathroom, forgotten supplies, etc.) = 2 pts.
positive behavior, effort & attitude = 2 pts.
Practice Sheets, Assignments & Assessments
Each student will receive a practice sheet regularly. One side contains important
information regarding band, the band vision, curriculum, and dates. The other
side may contain practicing tips, the assignment, and a calendar to record the
minutes practiced with the grading scale. Students are to turn in their practice
sheet on the due date listed. Or, instead, the student may earn an "Honor Pass."
Practice sheets will be available at the band website. Written and performance
assessments are made for music vocabulary, theory, notation, and performing
regularly, or at any time.
Honor Pass
An honor pass allows a student to not turn in a practice sheet. Any student can
earn an honor pass by performing the honor pass composition for the date listed.
They can perform in master class for Mr. Lyons, at home using the iPAS software
or on SmartMusic. In either case, a 90% or higher earns an honor pass. Email or
print and deliver the results to Mr. Lyons.
Performances (Required)
Performance attendance is required for many reasons. The nature of a band or
music group is to perform. Band is a fine art, part of the performing arts. The
nature of the band class is to teach students how to communicate and perform
with each other to recreate a musical work to present to an audience. All the
instruction, rehearsal, and practice time culminates in accomplishing the goal of
musically performing as a team the learned concepts and skills. Performances
are celebrations of concepts and skills mastered. Missed performances are
impossible to make up and earn a zero.
Because a band or performing ensemble involves two or more performers, each
performer is intrinsically essential and indispensable, with each part and
performer depending on the others. A performance missing a performer will be
inevitably substandard, in no way achieving the composer’s goal of recreating
their musical conception. The band is a community and communities value and
depend on their members to serve one another. Our attendance at others'

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performances demonstrates honorable citizenship and good character. In order
for us to be treated with honor and value as performers, we need to treat others
with honor and value (the Golden Rule).
Since band is an academic class during the school day, performances outside
daily school hours (in the evening) are required so that students who also attend
other classes during school hours can attend, and parents, family members, and
those in the community who work during the day can attend.
Concerts consist of less time than most sporting events, movies, or worship
services. Performances are fewer per year than a sports team's games per
season. The state superintendent and school district state, affirm, and defend
band as an academic class not merely an after school activity or extra-curricular
activity. Do not take this class unless you can plan to make the few
performances.
Formal Concert Attire
Beethoven said, "Music is a higher revelation than philosophy." More importantly,
we have the examples of 1Chron.15:27, and 2Chron. 5:12. Because of music's
uniquely godly nature, and because our performances are a rare special
occasions that feature and honor students and their accomplishments, attire is
formal black. Boys wear formal black dress shoes, black dress pants and black
socks, black belt, a formal collared, white button shirt and a black tie. Girls either
wear a formal black dress, black skirt and white blouse, or pants and white top.
No spaghetti straps, tank tops, gym shoes or clothing with tears. Clothing must
meet or exceed school dress code policies.

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Music Benefits & Requirements 2013-2014
HS Band
BENEFITS
I understand that to the extent my child participates in music, they will benefit in
these ways:
Musical
Ability to read and perform music
Mastery of an instrument at the beginning band level
Understanding of composers
Appreciation of music and musicians
Character
Development of leadership skills
Improved confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, self-discipline/control
Understanding that every person has infinite value and a special role to
play in a musical ensemble
Activation of both hemispheres and certain cortical lobes of the brain that
only musical activity provides (Science vol. 257, Issue 5066, 106-109)
Improved potential to gain a significant scholarship to college
Other Disciplines
Improved problem solving skills and concentration
Developed study skills
Understanding of geography and various cultures
Exposure to the history of western civilization
Understanding and development of language skills (sentence & paragraph
structure, the function of grammar, and creativity)
Improved understanding of mathematical proportions, relationships,
patterns, sequences
Improved math, science, and language grades
(Please visit our website or http://ncsbands.wikispaces.com/Benefits or
http://www.menc.org)

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(BENEFITS p. 2)
While the following benefits/goals are listed on the valleymusicthearpy.com
website, they also apply each child to the extent they participate.
Physical
Improved motor functioning skills (movement, range of motion,
coordination, muscle control, strength, flexibility, agility, eyehand
coordination, ear-hand coordination, perceptual motor
functioning, balance, locomotion, laterality, and directionality, etc.)
Improved sensory functioning (auditory, visual, tactile, kinesthetic)
Improved general stamina and endurance (muscle tone, breath capacity)
Improved physical speech skills (articulation, fluency, pitch, inflection)
Improved life skills
Psychological
Increased emotional awareness
Increased and improve appropriate emotional expression
Increased relaxation and stress reduction
Enhanced awareness of self and environment
Increased volition and motivation
Decreased inappropriate behaviors
Increased impulse control
Improved decision making skills
Improved conflict resolution skills
Improved self-direction and independence
Provided sense of accomplishment
Fostered creativity and imagination
Cognitive
Increased attention span/attention to task
Increased alertness
Improved cognitive skills (learning, perception, recognition, discrimination,
categorization, memory, behavior, impulse control)
Improved communication (receptive and expressive language skills)
Improved environmental awareness
Increased sensory stimulation/integration experiences
Increased aesthetic awareness

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(BENEFITS p. 3)
Social
Increased opportunity for relationships
Increased involvement and participation with others
Increased peer interaction
Increased eye contact
Increased awareness and response to verbal and nonverbal cues
Improved and increased appropriate verbal response
Strengthened interpersonal relationships
Combated isolation and withdrawal
Improved group behaviors (sharing, turn-taking, working in a group)
Promoted group cohesion
Fostered sense of belonging
State Dept. of Ed.
I understand that the state of AZ believes in the value of music education
and desires all students to receive and benefit from music programs.
Our school follows, meets, and exceeds state and/or national music
standards for music when students follow and participate as instructed.
Website
I understand there are dozens of other benefits to music available for
viewing on the music website.
I can also view my child's grade on-line. I understand that Mr. Lyons may
add descriptive or constructive comments to my child's daily grade
available for viewing on Edline by logging in, and selecting the class and
assignments.
Teacher Contact
I understand the best way to contact Mr. Lyons is through email, not the
phone.

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REQUIREMENTS
Band consists of sectionals and rehearsals, home practice, and assessments.
I understand that to benefit from the program, the following are required:
An instrument in top working condition. Student &/or parents are responsible for
maintaining their instrument. Most rental agreements provide for free repairs
and/or replacement.
Rehearsals meet during the school day. A grade is taken for nearly every
rehearsal based upon rehearsal behavior and skill development.
Practicing at home, and preferably in a consistent time and place, with the CD,
the iPAS software, SmartMusic, iPAD, or smart phone to master content for the
week. Practicing brings amazing success, self-confidence, joy, and benefits.
Assessments. All rehearsals, instruction, and practicing lead to performance. If
the student has not done their part to practice, the performance will be a source
of regret, and disappointment. If the student has practiced, assessments will be a
celebration and demonstrate of skills gained while giving valuable experiences.
Assessments happen in class and at special performances outside of class time.
I understand band requires a yearlong commitment. The year’s planned
performances are:
Regular Performances (Castles and Coasters, MIM, and Church performances
may be added)
Musical Instrument Night (help only, no performing) Thursday, Aug. 8, 7pm Gym.
Home Marching Band Performances for boys varsity football team -home only
Fall Performance: Monday, September 30 7:00pm Gym.
Veterans Day Assembly: Tuesday Nov. 12 TBA, Gym.
Solo & Ensemble submissions Nov. 2 through Dec. 20
All School Christmas Chapel: Wed. Dec. 11 TBA, Gym.
Christmas Band Concert: Thursday, Dec. 12 7pm, TBA.
Regional Honor Band Auditions: Jan. 25 TBA, TBA
Winter Recital: Tuesday, February 11, 7pm, Church
Regional Honor Band Festival Feb. 15, All day, TBA
Annual band trip: March 27-30, CA
ACSI All Christian School Band Festival: April 17
All State Honor Band Auditions TBA a Saturday in March or April
All State Honor Band Festival TBA in April
Spring Performance: Thursday, May 8, 7:00pm
Spring Band Chapel: May 14, 12:15-1:00
HS Graduation: May 23, 7pm, CCV

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NCS HS Band
Benefits and Requirements
Parental Return Form
Please sign, and return to Mr. Lyons by Aug. 21.
I
(Please write legibly)
and my child
understand that to the extent my child participates in this class, they will benefit in
the many ways described in this syllabus.
We understand that my child will earn an A, B, C, D, or F in this class reflective of
their behavior and participation in instruction, practicing, assessments, and
performances described in this syllabus of this year long class. An unsigned
syllabus indicates student &/or parent unwillingness to participate in this class.
Parent Signature
Student Signature
Date
Email
Optional phone