Syllabus 2023-2024
Section 1: Code of Conduct
Participation in instrumental music classes is voluntary, and therefore is a privilege which carries certain expectations, obligations, and responsibilities. Members of all performing arts classes are reminded that they are extremely visible representatives of our school and our community and are expected to demonstrate Benton P.R.I.D.E. at all times:
- Perseverance
- Always give your best effort. When something is difficult, keep trying until you get it. Be patient with yourself.
- Respect
- Observe district, campus, and class rules at all times.
- Demonstrate a high level of respect for all people, possessions, and property.
- Leave things in better condition than you found them.
- Be willing to help others and contribute to a positive learning environment.
- Integrity
- Demonstrate through actions, not words, what it means to be a good student and citizen.
- Refuse participation in or connection with all illegal or illicit activities.
- Act in a manner that reflects well on your school, your family, and, most importantly, yourself and do everything you can to build a positive reputation that you can be proud to carry with you into adulthood.
- Determination
- Participate fully and to the best of your ability during classes, rehearsals, and performances, even when you are having a bad day.
- Maintain a positive, can-do attitude in the face of difficulty.
- Excellence
- Maintain regular, punctual attendance at school, in all classes, and at after-school rehearsals and performances.
- Maintain academic grades and eligibility.
- Have all equipment and materials ready to use daily.
- Meet all deadlines. If necessary, ask for an extension.
- Ensure self-preparedness through
- individual practice.
- proper performance attire made ready well in advance.
- well-maintained instrument and musical materials.
Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
Section 2: Course Description
In the instrumental music program, students will develop performance skills with musical instruments while learning patience, teamwork, responsibility, listening skills, and an appreciation for music. Students will become familiar with a variety of genres and styles. Technique will be emphasized in order to establish and develop a firm foundation leading to control, confidence, and excellence in performance. Students will also develop knowledge of music theory, history, and repertoire as it relates to their instrument and their development as musicians.
Section 3: Course Objectives
- Music Literacy: Students will learn to read and interpret conventional Western music notation.
- Performance: Students will take advantage of multiple performance opportunities, both on and off campus, to perform music representing a variety of genres, styles, and cultures.
- Cooperation: Students will actively listen in an ensemble setting and understand how their individual part fits into the “big picture.”
- Technique: Students will develop the skills necessary to produce and support excellent quality of sound on their instrument.
- Analysis: Students will develop the ability to analyze and describe music using content vocabulary.
- History: Students will be able to identify and describe primary developments in the history of relevant repertoire including influential composers, performers, styles, and techniques.
- Reflection & Self-Assessment: Students will critically evaluate their own and others’ musical performances and apply their findings towards personal and collective musical growth.
- Cross-Disciplinary: Students will gain an emerging understanding of the creative mindset and the interaction and similarities among various art forms.
All objectives fulfill aspects of the California Music Content Standards.
Section 4: Musical Instruments
The recommended method of providing your student with an instrument is by renting or purchasing a high-quality instrument from a local vendor (see page 13). However, a limited stock of school-owned instruments is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All instruments are issued complete and in working order. Any consumable parts (see page 6) are the responsibility of the student and their parents. Students and their parents are responsible for the costs of general maintenance and routine repairs of school instruments while in their care. School-owned instruments are to be returned on demand in the condition in which they were received.
Important: Please do not attempt to repair instruments yourself! Bring it to the Director first; if the Director cannot fix it you will be referred to a reputable local professional repair shop. Any damage to an instrument caused by attempted “do-it-yourself” home repair will be the financial responsibility of the student and their parents.
The cost to repair damage, whether accidental or malicious, or replacement in case of loss or theft is entirely the responsibility of the student and parent.
Important: Please do not attempt to repair instruments yourself! Bring it to the Director first; if the Director cannot fix it you will be referred to a reputable local professional repair shop. Any damage to an instrument caused by attempted “do-it-yourself” home repair will be the financial responsibility of the student and their parents.
The cost to repair damage, whether accidental or malicious, or replacement in case of loss or theft is entirely the responsibility of the student and parent.
Section 4.1: Instrument Cleaning
Students are responsible for cleaning their instruments prior to checking them in at the end of the school year. Cleaning instructions and materials will be provided by the Director and instruments will be cleaned under supervision during instructional time. Instruments that are returned without being properly cleaned may be assessed a cleaning fee of $25.
Section 4.2: Privately-Owned Instruments
Students who own instruments are encouraged to bring and use them.
If you are making the decision to purchase an instrument, the Director would be happy to offer guidance and assistance in the selection of a proper instrument and accessories and to direct you to appropriate vendors. Please beware deeply discounted instruments with unfamiliar brand names. Many are poorly made and will do more to hinder a student’s progress than help. It is not recommended to purchase instruments on Amazon. BUYER BEWARE! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A LEMON!
If you are making the decision to purchase an instrument, the Director would be happy to offer guidance and assistance in the selection of a proper instrument and accessories and to direct you to appropriate vendors. Please beware deeply discounted instruments with unfamiliar brand names. Many are poorly made and will do more to hinder a student’s progress than help. It is not recommended to purchase instruments on Amazon. BUYER BEWARE! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A LEMON!
Section 5: Required Materials and Supplies
The following items are required for every class, rehearsal, lesson, and performance:
- An instrument - Rented or purchased from a local vendor or provided by the school on a first-come, first-served basis. See Section 4.
- A lesson book - It is generally expected that students will provide their own lesson book. The books we use in each class are as follows:
- Beginning Band: Essential Elements for Band - Book 1
- Advanced Band: Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Young Band
- Orchestra: Essential Elements for Strings - Book 1
- Percussion Lab: Five Minute Drill by Eric Rath & Ralph Hicks
- A 1” black 3-ring binder - With at least 50 plastic sheet protectors.
- Yes, it must be black.
- Must be a separate binder from other classes as it will be used during performances.
- All paper music issued to the student must be kept in this binder.
- Music is not to be folded, crumpled, squashed into the bottom of a backpack or locker, torn, ripped, marked with pen, or otherwise defaced.
- Music must be returned upon demand in the condition in which it was received. The student and their family are responsible for the replacement cost of any damaged music.
- Two (2) pencils with erasers - For marking music, taking notes, and completing assignments.
- Pen is not allowed near music or music books. Written assignments completed in pen will not be accepted.
- School-issued iPad, fully charged
- A chromatic tuner - It is all-but-impossible to properly learn a brass, woodwind, or string instrument without a chromatic tuner (percussionists are not required to have one, but it’s recommended that they get one once they begin learning timpani). Recommended tuners:
- Tonal Energy [mobile app, ca. $4]
- BandMate [mobile app, free]
- Korg CA1 Chromatic Tuner [ca. $13]
- Percussionists are expected to provide their own drumsticks, practice pad or snare drum, and bell kit.
- Contact a local musical instrument retailer to rent or purchase suitable equipment.
- Musician’s Earplugs - Musical instruments are loud, and hearing protection is a critical priority for musicians. Silicone musician’s earplugs are recommended:
- Etymotic [ca. $14-20]
- EARasers [ca. $40]
Section 5.1: Consumables
Following is a list of additional items that instrumental music students are expected to provide.
Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass):
Valved Brass (trumpet, horn, baritone, euphonium, tuba):
Trombones:
Reeds (clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon):
Flutes:
Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass):
- Rosin
- Cleaning cloth
Valved Brass (trumpet, horn, baritone, euphonium, tuba):
- Valve oil
- Tuning slide grease
Trombones:
- Slide cream & small spray bottle of water (preferred) or slide oil
- Tuning slide grease
Reeds (clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon):
- Reeds
- Cork grease
- Cleaning swab
Flutes:
- Cleaning rod
- Cleaning swab
Section 6: Lockers
- School instruments are assigned to specific lockers in Room 91.
- Instruments may not be moved to a different locker.
- The issued lock must remain with the assigned locker.
- Instruments must be locked in the assigned locker at all times except during rehearsal or when taking the instrument home to practice.
- Locks left unlocked or instruments left outside of assigned lockers may result in loss of school-owned instrument and locker use privileges.
- Instruments may not be moved to a different locker.
- A limited number of lockers are also available for personally-owned or rented instruments on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Replacement cost for lost locks is $6.
- Security is the responsibility of the student. Keep the lock locked at all times and keep the combination a secret.
Section 7: Performance Attire
Performing ensembles are perceived not only by how they sound but also by how they appear. As such, students are required to dress appropriately for all performances.
Formal Performance Attire - Required for all formal concerts and festival performances. Must adhere to Benton Dress Code and School Uniform Policy (Student Handbook page 5). Inappropriate attire may result in removal from a performance and a grade of zero.
Informal Event Attire - Official Benton Music polo and black or khaki pants or shorts.
Please Note - There is a limited supply of loaner attire (shirts, slacks, shoes) for students and families experiencing financial hardship. Loaner attire is available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be arranged for in advance, prior to each event. Inappropriate attire may result in removal from a performance and a grade of zero.
Formal Performance Attire - Required for all formal concerts and festival performances. Must adhere to Benton Dress Code and School Uniform Policy (Student Handbook page 5). Inappropriate attire may result in removal from a performance and a grade of zero.
- Top: Black dress OR black collared long-sleeve dress shirt OR black dressy blouse.
- Bottom: Black dress pants, trousers, slacks, or skirt.
- Shoes: Black dress shoes or flats. No heels, sneakers, Vans, Converse or similar.
- Socks / Hose: Socks must be black. Hose is optional, but must be black.
- Necktie or bowtie: Optional, but must be black.
- Jeans, denim, logos, prints, t-shirts, athletic wear, sweats, and colors other than black will not be permitted.
- Skirts and dresses are to be no shorter than fingertip length when arms are straight to the side. Keep in mind that performers are often seated on an elevated stage and plan accordingly.
- Undergarments must not be visible.
Informal Event Attire - Official Benton Music polo and black or khaki pants or shorts.
Please Note - There is a limited supply of loaner attire (shirts, slacks, shoes) for students and families experiencing financial hardship. Loaner attire is available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be arranged for in advance, prior to each event. Inappropriate attire may result in removal from a performance and a grade of zero.
"Music is the space between the notes." -- Claude Debussy
Section 8: Evaluation and Grading
Musicianship [50%]
Performance [30%]
Professionalism [20%]
- Students’ progress and mastery will be demonstrated regularly through assessments which are graded according to a rubric.
- Assessments are generally performance-based, but occasional written assessments will be administered as well.
- Assessments are generally video recorded with students’ iPads and submitted via Schoology.
- Students' face and hands must be clearly visible in all video submissions.
- Students' video submissions must be recorded in one single take and may not contain cuts or any other visual or audio editing.
- Students' video submissions must contain the original audio that was recorded simultaneously with video recording, and audio must be of the student's genuine original performance.
- Any video that contains audio that was not performed live by the student is ethically equivalent to plagiarism and will be recorded as a grade of zero and may be recorded in the student's permanent record.
- Assessments are graded according to a rubric.
- Students are expected to practice regularly (generally daily) in order to be prepared for assessments.
- Students are expected to redo and/or revise assignments until they are able to meet curriculum standards by demonstrating mastery.
- Includes 10% Final Exam grade (second semester only)
Performance [30%]
- Quarterly live performances (i.e. concerts) and corresponding rehearsals are equivalent to written midterm and final exams in academic classes.
- Dates are announced well in advance to preclude scheduling conflicts.
- Proper attire (see Performance Attire, Section 7) is required for all performances.
- Missed rehearsals or performances will be recorded as a grade of zero (see Absence Policy, Section 10).
- Graded according to a rubric and/or self-assessment. The Director reserves the right to adjust Performance grades appropriately for particularly egregious or unacceptable behavior during concerts and performances.
Professionalism [20%]
- Students’ overall daily participation, citizenship, preparedness, effort, and adherence to the Code of Conduct (see page 2).
- Students must have all required materials and supplies for every class and rehearsal to earn maximum credit (see page 5).
- Graded according to a rubric.
Section 5.1: How to Interpret Letter Grades
- A - Standard exceeded
- B - Standard met
- C - Standard nearly met
- D - Standard not yet met
- F - Incomplete
Practice is when you learn your part. Rehearsal is when you learn everyone else's.
Section 9: Late Work
Although meeting deadlines is an important skill for students to master, it is understood that occasionally students may need more time to complete an assignment. As mastery is more important than punctuality, late work will be accepted, provided that the student and/or their parent(s) communicate the need for an extension to the Director in a timely manner. Generally, late work will be graded in the order it was received and on a schedule corresponding to its lateness (e.g. an assignment turned in two weeks late may take up to two weeks to be graded).
Section 10: Absence Policy
Absence from school: In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to find out and make up any assignments that were missed by consulting the class website [MrSummersMusic.weebly.com], Schoology, and/or a trusted peer. The responsibility is on the student to turn in assignments, not on the Director to collect them.
Absence from performance: Given that instrumental music classes are performing arts classes, performances are a large component of each student’s semester grade. Concert dates are published and communicated months in advance so as to preclude potential scheduling conflicts. However, it is understood that occasionally factors beyond one’s control affect a student’s ability to attend a concert or rehearsal. It is expected that families will communicate any scheduling conflicts with the Director well in advance.
Students who miss a performance or dress rehearsal may have their performance grade recorded as zero and/or may be required to complete an additional assignment in order to make up that portion of the student’s grade.
Examples of excused concert absences: serious illness or injury, death in the family, religious observance, etc.
Examples of unexcused concert absences: doctor or dentist appointment, birthday, vacation, lack of transportation, etc.
Absence from performance: Given that instrumental music classes are performing arts classes, performances are a large component of each student’s semester grade. Concert dates are published and communicated months in advance so as to preclude potential scheduling conflicts. However, it is understood that occasionally factors beyond one’s control affect a student’s ability to attend a concert or rehearsal. It is expected that families will communicate any scheduling conflicts with the Director well in advance.
Students who miss a performance or dress rehearsal may have their performance grade recorded as zero and/or may be required to complete an additional assignment in order to make up that portion of the student’s grade.
Examples of excused concert absences: serious illness or injury, death in the family, religious observance, etc.
Examples of unexcused concert absences: doctor or dentist appointment, birthday, vacation, lack of transportation, etc.
Note performances in your calendar well in advance! Stay up-to-date by checking your email and the calendar regularly!
Section 11: Class Rules
There is only one rule in our classes:
- Do nothing that impedes, hinders, or otherwise obstructs the learning of others, or the right of others to an education.
If a student chooses to break this rule or any campus rules, consequences will be as follows:
Occasional infraction: verbal reminder
Repeated infraction(s): conference or detention with director after class
Regular infraction(s): conference or detention with director after class & parental contact
Chronic infraction(s): escalation to administrative intervention
Occasional infraction: verbal reminder
Repeated infraction(s): conference or detention with director after class
Regular infraction(s): conference or detention with director after class & parental contact
Chronic infraction(s): escalation to administrative intervention
- A student who disrupts class or rehearsal may receive a take-home detention to be filled out, signed, and returned at the next class meeting.
- Any student who fights, uses profanity, makes obscene gestures, or damages school property will be referred to an administrator immediately.
Section 12: Restroom Policy
Out of respect for others and the limited amount of rehearsal time available to us, students should make every effort to use the restroom before school, during nutrition, during lunch, or after school. However, three (3) restroom passes will be issued to each student at the beginning of each semester to use in emergencies. Unused passes may be returned at the conclusion of each semester for extra credit.
Section 13: Field Trips and Transportation
Signature of the contract below constitutes approval of your child’s participation in all class-sponsored events and activities including, but not limited to, festival performances, sporting events, and other various performances. Generally, transportation will be via bus owned or contracted by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District. Students are covered by district insurance for all such school-sponsored activities and Parent Permission, Statutory Liability Waiver, and Medical Treatment Authorization forms will be issued to be filled out prior to each event.
Due to legal and liability restrictions, students must take school transportation to and from all official school functions.
Due to legal and liability restrictions, students must take school transportation to and from all official school functions.
Section 14: Photography and Video
Throughout the school year photos and videos will be taken of the groups in class and during activities such as concerts, award ceremonies, and performances to be used for the yearbook, district publications, and the school website and social media platforms. Unless parents notify their objections specifically in writing, students in instrumental music classes may have their images and identities published.
Section 15: Useful Resources
Websites & Apps:
Musical Instrument Retail & Repair:
Imperial Band Instruments - Brass and woodwind rental, sales, and repairs.
15847 Imperial Highway
La Mirada, CA 90638
(562) 245-6043
Morey’s Music - String instrument rental, sales, and repairs.
4834 Woodruff Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90713
(562) 420-9532
La Habra Music Center - Musical instrument rental/sales and private lessons.
1885 West La Habra Boulevard
La Habra, CA 90631
(562) 694-4891
*Disclaimer: these companies are not officially endorsed by NLMUSD*
- Tonal Energy - Tuner and metronome app for iPhone & Android. An absolute must-have for brass, woodwind, and string players. Strongly recommended for percussionists as well.
- BandMate - Free tuner app for iPhone & Android. A decent alternative to Tonal Energy.
- Pro Metronome - Free metronome app for iPhone & Android.
- BlankSheetMusic.net - Free blank staff notation paper that is easy to customize and print.
- MusicTheory.net - Free lessons, exercises, and tools to assist students with music theory.
- SightReadingFactory.com - Fun website and app to improve sight reading.
- SmartMusic.com - Awesome software that gives you realtime feedback on your playing.
- 8notes.com - Free music!
Musical Instrument Retail & Repair:
Imperial Band Instruments - Brass and woodwind rental, sales, and repairs.
15847 Imperial Highway
La Mirada, CA 90638
(562) 245-6043
Morey’s Music - String instrument rental, sales, and repairs.
4834 Woodruff Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90713
(562) 420-9532
La Habra Music Center - Musical instrument rental/sales and private lessons.
1885 West La Habra Boulevard
La Habra, CA 90631
(562) 694-4891
*Disclaimer: these companies are not officially endorsed by NLMUSD*