Advanced Band Syllabus

Welcome to the Teeland Middle School Band Program! We continue a proud tradition of helping students grow musically, socially, and academically. My goal is to teach you as much as possible about music and help you become a skilled and knowledgeable performer.

Through musical performance, you'll learn to appreciate various styles, work together to achieve common goals, develop discipline, and understand the foundations of music. This syllabus will guide you in discovering the joy of music.

At Teeland, we have Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Bands. You'll play a range of music, from classical to jazz, focusing on developing essential skills like posture, breathing, fingerings, and tone production. Daily practice is crucial, and private instruction is highly encouraged.

Everything in this syllabus is important, but pay special attention to the sections in bold in the Table of Contents.

I hope you enjoy your musical journey here! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

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 TECHNIQUE BOOK

Advanced Band class will use the Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician. Students Will need to purchase this from the music dept. via SchoolPay for $5. You may pay through SchoolPay in the Payment Portal: Click Here or cash or check to TMS.  If you have trouble, please see Mr. Robson for help.  

PRIVATE LESSONS

It is highly recommended that you consider taking PRIVATE LESSONS.  Nothing can take the place of this kind of individual; expert attention, and guidance.  PRIVATE LESSONS greatly increase your development as a musician.

BAND ROOM RULES

1. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the band room at any time.
2. Leaning on equipment (especially music stands and percussion instruments) is not permitted.
3. When seated in a chair, keep all four legs touching the ground at all times
4. When you choose to leave your music at school, it must be kept in your band locker.
5. Walking only is permitted in any part of the band room at any time.
6. Students may be allowed in the music office only with permission of the band teacher.
7. You may touch and play only your own instrument.
8. Only percussionists may touch percussion equipment.
9. As a band student, you are expected to respect others by the speech you use, and the way you treat other's property.
10. Students will follow these rules for the purpose of having a more productive band class this year.

BEHAVOIR

Our primary responsibility in band is to learn music.  Any behavior which distracts from or interferes with this learning process will not be permitted.

The BAND ROOM RULES are provided as a special guideline for your BEHAVIOR while you are in the band room.  Quiet attention to the teacher, remaining in your seat during the class period, and following directions are naturally expected of you in the band just as they are in your other classes.  All Teeland School rules and policies, as outlined in the Student Handbook will be strictly enforced.

NORMAL REHEARSAL ROUTINE

To use our rehearsal time efficiently, we need a consistent routine.

As soon as you enter the room, unpack and set up your instrument, grab your music and stand, and return to your seat. Use this time to warm up, practice assigned material, or tune your instrument.

Two minutes after the tardy bell, or when everyone is seated, the conductor will stand on the riser. At this point, stop all activities and listen for instructions. If you're not in your seat by then, you will be marked tardy. Daily participation points are earned by having your music, book, pencil, planner, and instrument ready.

With five minutes left, the rehearsal will end. Quickly put away your instruments and stand, then return to your seat to be dismissed by Mr. Robson.

Class will be dismissed by the director (not the bell) when:

1. The room is back in order.
2. All students are seated quietly.
3. All reminders and announcements have been made.

MATERIAL GRADE

Each student will need the following items in class every day:

• Sharpened pencil (NO PENS)
• Instrument (sticks and mallets for percussionists)
• Music and Music Folder
• Supplementary HSMSM Book/Binder
• At least 2 playable reeds (clarinet, saxophone, Oboe & Bassoon)

You will be responsible for all items.  If you cannot afford any of these items, let the director know so that assistance can be arranged. 

INSTRUMENTS

You are expected to provide your own instrument. Teeland has a limited number of larger and some smaller instruments available on a first-come, first-served basis. You should have your instrument by the end of the first week of school. On the first day of class, inform the director of your first and second choice of instruments to avoid having too many of the same ones.

*Payment link for Rentals*   

Percussionists will need their own pair of the following:

• Snare Sticks (5A or 7A)
• Medium timpani mallets
• Hard plastic xylophone mallets
• Med-Hard Yarn Mallets 

*All can be purchased at Matanuska Music, Amazon Link or available for rent from TMS* 

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

All band members must have performance attire. 

They are:

Boys:                                                            

White Tuxedo Shirt(ordered through the school), Black slacks or pants,  Black shoes,  Black socks, and provided bow tie.  NO JEANS

Girls:

White Tuxedo Shirt(ordered through the school), Black skirt (knee length) or Slack Pant,  Black shoes,  Natural or black stockings/socks, and provided bow tie. If wearing leggings, please cover with a skirt.  

PERFORMANCE GRADES(CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED)

TMS will perform two concerts a year. When you receive the performance schedule, review it with your parents and add the dates to your family calendar to avoid conflicts. If an unavoidable conflict arises, notify the director AT LEAST ONE WEEK before the performance with a written note from a parent. The note must include a specific reason for your absence so the director can decide if you may be excused and allow time to redistribute parts. Requests to be excused less than a week before the performance or after the fact cannot be accepted.

Below are the criteria for PERFORMANCE GRADES:

A - You arrive on time for the warm-up, are dressed appropriately (see PERFORMANCE ATTIRE), behave appropriately in the warm-up, on stage, and in the audience, and stay with the band for the entire performance. 

C -  You fulfill all but one of the requirements for an "A"

D -  You fulfill all but two of the requirements for an "A"

F -   You fulfill all but three of the requirements for an "A"

LOCKERS

During the first week of school, you will be assigned an instrument locker. These lockers are for storing musical instruments only and must be kept clean and organized.

Your locker is not to be shared unless arranged at the time of assignment. It is school property and will be inspected regularly. If misused, you will lose locker privileges and will need to carry your instrument from class to class.

EXTRA HELP

If you are having difficulty with any of the music we are working on in class, you should come in before or after school for individual EXTRA HELP.  However, you should always make an appointment with the director before coming in for help. They will also be glad to help you with any special music or audition material on which you may be working on.                                          

EXTRA CREDIT   

Occasionally, you'll have the opportunity to earn extra credit by attending concerts or recitals. To receive credit, bring the program to band class the next school day with your name clearly printed and signed by a parent. Many of these concerts are free, and performances by any High School or Middle School will qualify for extra credit.

Be sure to check with the director beforehand if you plan to attend a performance for extra credit.