Period 4 Percussion 2023-2024

Percussion II Ensemble Syllabus 2023-2024 

Name Matt Huot. Phone 831-674-2751 Email: [email protected] 

Standard: Perform with expression and technical accuracy, in ensemble performances, a varied repertoire for programs of music that includes melodies, stylistically appropriate accompaniments, and in a variety of contrasting styles, demonstrating sensitivity to the audience and an understanding of the context (social, cultural, and historical) 

The purpose of this course is to build up a skill set on a variety of percussion instruments(snare drum, tenor drums, bass drums, and cymbals) that will contribute to on going musicianship.  With this study students will have the ability to perform in front of others with ease. The over-arching take away is performing all types of music in real time with a full ensemble. By the end of this course students will be able to read standard percussion notation at a more advanced level and execute advanced techniques on a variety of percussion instruments: standard rudiments, advanced rhythmic counting, and other drum patterns. 

Course Description 

Students will continue to develop their instrumental performance abilities with hands on learning improving upon their prior knowledge of music reading, performance, and theory on percussion instruments. Students will expand their knowledge of the role of percussion in music in history and today's culture. This course will evolve into drumline and marching band performances. Students will be required to perform in large groups in the classroom and at events outside of school such as concerts and sporting events.  

Classroom Code of Conduct 

All students are expected to arrive to class on time that means before the bell rings. Once in the music room students will set up their drum and music stands in a timely manner. After setting up is done students will put their cell phones in their backpack. The only time cell phone use is permitted is when students are tuning their guitars. This is a performance class your focus should be on the music at all times. First offense warning, second offence phone taken for the period, third offence taken for the day, and fourth offence sent to the office and a meeting with your parents.    

ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS: 

Grading for this class is dependent on three things: attendance, participation, and class work. 

Participation: Students need to be accountable for doing work in class including warm ups as a full class, practicing in groups, and being present during teacher’s lectures.  Participation also includes performing in concerts and sporting events these dates are to be determined. Participation is worth the most because this is a performance based class. This portion is worth 50% of your grade.  

Class Work: Any assigned work must be done in a timely matter meaning before the deadline.  I will except late work only in certain instances such as illness or family issues. In terms of late work you need to check in with me so I can determine if you are excused from the deadline. In general keep up with assignments and other class work such as playing tests. Class work is worth 40% of your overall grade. 

Grading: 

Participation 50% 

Attendance 10% 

Class Work 40% 

Grades for each grading period 

A (90-100%)  

B (80-89%)  

C (70-79%)  

D (60-69%)  

F (0-59%)  

An Incomplete shall be given only when a student’s work is not finished because of illness or other excused absence.  If not made up within six weeks, the Incomplete shall become an F. 

Board Policy 5121 (b) 

Effect of Absences on Grades: 

If a student misses class without an excuse and does not subsequently turn in homework, take a test, or fulfill another class requirement which he/she missed, the teacher may lower the student’s grade for nonperformance, based on the value of the missed assignment. 

The Board believes that 5 unexcused absences per grading period constitute excessive unexcused absences. Students with excessive unexcused absences may receive a failing grade and not receive credit for the class (es). 

Students and parents/guardians shall be informed by the teachers if class credit is withheld due to excessive unexcused absences. Each time an unexcused absence occurs the student and parent/guardian shall again be notified of the district’s policy regarding excessive unexcused absences. When a student has 4 unexcused absences a phone call and/or meeting will be arranged by the teacher with the parent/guardian. 

Special Circumstances 

Excused late work If a student has a legitimate excuse why they missed an assignment or test it must be approved by the administration and or note from parent.  

Plagiarism and cheating 

No form of plagiarism is allowed this includes copying and pasting sentences and paragraphs from an outside source onto an assignment. Another form is using others answers on a test of paper and passing it off as the student’s own. I have a zero tolerance policy if found guilty the student’s work will be counted as a zero in the gradebook. 

Class Expectations 

This class includes advanced levels of understanding in terms of musicianship on the instrument.  Students will take sticks and practice pads home weekly for personal practice time. There will be a set amount of home practice time required. Students will receive weekly practice cards to record hours of practice. For the class to progress students must put in a certain amount of hours per week some where between one to two hours per week. If a student so chooses they have the ability to accel to a higher level by setting up private lesson times with the teacher either at lunch or after school. Please be proactive and approach the teacher for extra help.  

Materials 

Drum sticks 

Drum practice pads 

Assigned percussion instrument 

Notation and practice packets