Beginning/Intermediate Band Syllabus

(5th/6th Grade)
Mr. Clanahan, Band Director
You may reach me at tclanahan@lonedell.org
Or 636.629.0401
Band is a year-long elective course for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Elective courses are the same as
core courses in that each major instructional goals and objectives required for your instruction. You earn a
grade in band just as you will in your core classes. Your band grade is part of your overall grade point
average.
We will be discussing your instrument assignments during the first week of school or so. Please do NOT
purchase an instrument until this time. I will send a letter detailing what supplies you need, as well as a
list of music stores where you may purchase these things. You will be asked to have your instrument
supplies in approximately two weeks.
Before you begin playing in class, you will be learning about music (note names, rhythms, etc.). You will
have daily written work during this time, which will be a large part of your first quarter grade, along with
class participation.
After you start playing in class, you will have short playing tests. We will have 8-12 of these per quarter.
At this time, the grading emphasis will change from written work to playing tests.
After you start playing your instrument in class, you will not have much (if any) written homework in band.
Your homework is to practice your instrument at home. You will be required to practice for 75 minutes
each week. These minutes will be recorded on a practice card, signed daily by a parent or guardian, and
turned in the last day of the month. If you turn in a completed practice log the day it is due, you will
receive 100 points. The second day you will receive 90 points, the third day, 80 points, the fourth day, 70
points and any day after that you will receive 0 points. Please be responsible for this and refer to the class
rubric.
The sixth grade will have several performances throughout the year. Band is a performance-based class,
and these concerts are mandatory. It is REQUIRED that you attend these performances. Each will be
worth 100 points. I have included the dates I know so far. Please mark your calendars now and make plans
accordingly.
In addition to written work, playing tests, and performances, you will be graded on participation. If you
follow the classroom rules, have your materials daily, display a positive attitude, and do your best in class
every day, you will receive all of your participation points.

Classroom Guidelines

1. No food, drinks (except water), or gum AT ALL.

2. Enter the room, get your instrument, music and pencil, and sit down. Do not play until we begin
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

class. If you are not ready to start when I am, you will be counted tardy.
Keep the band room and instrument cubbies CLEAN please!
ALL INSTRUMENTS GO HOME AFTER SCHOOL!!!
Show respect to your teachers and classmates at all times.
Any disruption of class will not be tolerated.
Do not abuse your privileges.

Failure to follow these rules may result in a write up, as well as a loss of participation points. If you forget
your instrument, music, and pencil once, you will receive a warning. Any time you forget after that, it will
result in a 5 point participation deduction for that day. If your instrument is in the shop, you will need to
bring a note from a parent that day. If your parents have questions about the rules, please have them email
me.

Important Band Dates

Saturday, October 10, 2015 Band fundraiser at Wagners from 7:00am to 12:00pm. (Mud Run)
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands Winter Concert 6:00p.m. at Lonedell.
Monday, January 11th Friday, January 29th 2015 Tupperware Fundraiser
March, 2016 (tentative)Fine Arts Fair at Lonedell
May, 20158th Grade Graduation 6:00 p.m. at Lonedell
Please put these dates on your calendars now. I will let you know of any additions or changes in a timely
manner.
Parents and students, please remember that band is a year-long course. You will not be permitted to change
to a different class at the end of the semester. You are making a commitment for a full year. Id also like
you to think about this as a try very hard to keep you informed of what is going on, as well as provide
links to permission slips, practice cards, assignments, etc.
Parents, please email me with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your support of our
band program.
Please return the bottom portion signed by Friday, August 28 2015.

______________________________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the information pertaining to band class.

Student
Signature_____________________________________________________________
Parent
Signature_____________________________________________Date____________