Jim Achilles

Syllabus and Handbook

Mr. James R. Achilles

Director

(530) 633-3135 x 2410

jachilles@wheatland.k12.ca.us

Here at Bear River Middle School, we want our students to learn at a level that inspires and prepares them, not just for the class, but for an entire life of musical enjoyments.  Our goals:

• To reinforce through the preparation and performance of music the skills and behaviors which lead to success in all areas of students’ lives.
• To facilitate the discovery and growth of students’ musical abilities through standards-based instruction.
• To encourage students’ social growth through musical activities.
• To build student confidence and poise through competition and performance opportunities.
• To promote the appreciation and enjoyment of all music in the culture of the school and community.

Music is not the most important thing in life.  But it celebrates the most important things, and accompanies the most important things, and expresses the most important things; therefore, it is one of THE most important things in life.

It is a goal of the music department to develop a “Professional Mind-Set” in all music students.  A professional is:

• Prepared.  Students must come to class ready to play and ready with all necessary equipment and music. This preparation includes the practice outside of class by which the student gains mastery over the music.

   

• On Time. Tardiness is not only a violation of school policy, it is hinders the group’s ability to excel.

   

• Attentive. Students listen carefully to instruction and ask relevant and timely questions.

   

• Respectful. Students are encouraging to fellow classmates and respond appropriately to instruction from the director.

   

• No eating or chewing gum during rehearsal. Water is the only drink allowed in class or anytime instruments will be in use.

   

• Use appropriate language.  Disrespectful, profane, or threatening language will not be tolerated.

             

• Be musical!  Every day strive to make music to the best of your ability.

Grades will be calculated based on the following criteria.

Daily Participation, Attendance, Preparation                                          70%

Assignments, Tests, Quizzes                                                                  10%

Performances                                                                                          20%

It is possible to score poorly in band class.  Students who accumulate unexcused absences or fail to prepare for classes and performances will face low grades and possible failure.

Daily Participation

Students begin each class with 10 “participation” points.  Students will be able to retain their points by complying with the Class Expectations listed in this syllabus. Students who do not meet Class Expectations will lose points.  Causes for losing participation points include:

• Coming to class without an instrument and/or music.
• Excessive talking or causing distractions.
• Unexcused absences.
• Performing poorly on a test or quiz—specifically one that was based on material rehearsed in class.

Students are responsible for taking care of the printed music they use throughout the year.  The music remains the property of Bear River School.  Students are responsible to replace each piece of sheet music they lose, mangle, tear, or render useless.  Students will be issued folders at the beginning of the semester in which to keep their music clean and safe.  Each student must label the folder with his/her name.

School instruments are available for student use.  A contract which outlines parent and student responsibilities must be completed prior to instrument check-out for class and home use.  Please see Mr. Achilles to pick up an instrument check-out form.

The following mandatory performances will take place this year. Please set these dates aside and plan on participating.

Pep Night at Wheatland High School ................... September 18

Winter Concert ......................................................... December 16

Basketball Pep Band Performances .................................... TBA

Bok Kai Parade................................................................ March 12

Spring Trip...................................................................... May 12-15

Spring Concert.................................................................... May 26