Kern High School District DPC#: _4722

Office of Instruction Approved by Board: 06/24/02

Beginning Band

A. COURSE INFORMATION

Grade Level: 9-12

Length of Course: 1 year

Maximum Credit: 40

Type:
Recommendation for Enrollment: Permission of Instructor

B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE

This course is intended for beginning wind and percussion players as a continuation of their
music education. In the fall semester, students will choose an instrument and then learn that
instrument. Second semester will be a continuation of the first but will move into more difficult
study. This course meets the KHSD fine arts graduation requirement and the University of
California’s “F” requirement.

C. BOARD-ADOPTED TEXTBOOKS

Published instrumental literature consisting of a variety of styles by various composers both

classical and contemporary for concert and marching season.

D. SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Essential Elements 2000 Books 1 and 2

Recordings of classical and contemporary Band Wind Literature
Multimedia presentations
Copy right free Fundamental worksheets

E. BRIEF OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT

1. Music Fundamentals
a. Good tone production and breath support
b. Intonation
c. Rhythmic accuracy
 d. Blend and balance
e. Phrasing and musicianship
f. Musical styles
g. Sight-reading music

2. Study music fundamentals (First 19 weeks)

a. Explore music through Essential Elements 2000
b. Study Fundamentals through same course of study
c. Listen and Evaluate Music of other bands and ourselves
d. Read and write music
e. Play instruments
f. Tests are every week
g. Practice Reports are turned in every week

3. Review music fundamentals, study more difficult music, and study

some band literature to prepare for concert. (17 weeks)
a. Explore music through Essential Elements 2000 book 1 and 2
b. Review fundamentals through Essential Elements and other
literature
c. Listen and evaluate music of bands and our own recordings
d. Read and write music
e. Play instruments
f. Prepare literature appropriate for beginning bands for
performance.
g. Practice reports are turned in every week
h. Tests occur every week.

7. Review and Final Exam

Suggested Instructional Activities:

Home practice
Group practice (sectionals)
Analysis of recordings
Outside Concert attendance
Small ensemble performance
Solo Performance
Audition for honor groups
Private lessons

F. BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES FOR BEGINNING BAND

All objectives are taught on an ongoing basis, throughout the year and are cross-referenced
with the Visual/Performing Arts standards as indicated below:

Artistic Perception (ARP); Creative Expression (CE); Historical & Cultural context (HC);
Aesthetic Valuing (AV); Connections, Relations, & Applications (CR):

Upon completion of the fall semester the students in the Advanced Band will be able to
demonstrate the following knowledge and skill:
 1. Students will be able to define and perform the fundamental elements of musical
performance, such as: tone, intonation, rhythm, blend and balance, dynamics, style,
and phrasing. (ARP, CE, AV)
2. Students will be able to identify and perform different styles of music and music from
other cultures. (ARP, CE, AV, HC, CR)
3. Students will be able to identify compositions of various composers for many time
periods including: 20th century, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. (ARP, CE,
AV, HC, CR)
4. Students will be able to identify and perform our nation’s music and be involved in
community patriotic celebrations. (ARP, CE, AV, HC, CR)
5. Students will be able to show musical progress on their individual instruments in the
areas of tone, technique, and musicianship. (ARP, CE, AV)
6. The students will be able to explain that it takes the values of cooperation,
responsibility, hard work, and dedication in order to create a work of art. (ARP, AV,
CR)
7. Students will be able to analyze and evaluate their own group’s performance. (ARP,
CE, AV)
8. Students will prepare, perform and audition for the director, which will include playing
all major scales, chromatic scale, a solo, and sight-reading. (ARP, CE, AV)

Further Adherence to Visual/Performing Arts Standards:

Artistic Perception

In band, processing, analyzing, and responding, are skills used constantly by students. As the
students play music, they must process and respond to the following: playing their rhythms
with the ensemble, being in tune, and responding instantly to correct any of these problems.
Students also demonstrate an increasing understanding of the language symbols and notation
unique to music. This understanding allows an increased sensitivity to the contrasts, subtleties
and meanings in music and its text. The elements of music are applied in rehearsal,
increasing over time, and culminating in performances.

Creative Expression

Students will demonstrate an increasing understanding of the role of dynamics, articulation,

melody, harmony, and correct tone production on their instrument. Students will become
increasingly independent in their ability to apply the principles of notation, symbolism, music
theory, and be able to utilize them to adlib solos or compose music of their own. They also will
participate in several performances every semester.

Historical & Cultural Context

Students will understand the cultural, social, and historical setting unique to each composition
of the music they rehearse and perform. Students will be exposed to a vast range of music
from the various cultures and periods of Classical, romantic, Baroque, and 20th Century music.
The music will also cover many areas, including Classical, Afro-Cuban, Latin, Jazz, and Rock.

Aesthetic Valuing

Students will develop and increasing ability to recognize musical styles in performances by
themselves and others. Students will develop an increasing ability to recognize and analyze
excellent performance and respond with increasing appreciation.

Connections, Relations & Application

 Students will develop an increasing appreciation for the importance of teamwork,
discipline, commitment, and independent study in music. This understanding will be applied to
endeavors in other subjects and activities.

G. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

Grades in music are subjective and are based on the following.

Daily Participation, effort, and attitude ....................... 50%
Attendance at Performances ....................................... 30%
Tests and Quizzes ......................................................... 20%

Grading scale for tests and quizzes:

90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
59 and below F

Semester grade weighting:

1st Quarter Grade 45%
2nd Quarter Grade 45%
Final Exam 10%

Other Factors:

1. Attitude – Responsibility, dependability and cooperation.

2. Achievement – Music Progress. (weekly assignments and tests)
3. Attendance – since this is a daily activity class, students are graded on both daily
attendance and attendance at performances.

Semester Final – includes a written test that will cover music terms and fundamentals, and an
individual playing test.

May, 2002