Jim Achilles

Bear River School

Syllabus and Handbook

Mr. James R. Achilles

Director

(530) 633-3135 X. 2410

jachilles@wheatland.k12.ca.us

Welcome to the Percussion Class at Bear River. In this class we will use the study and performance of music to…

• Reinforce the 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.
• 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%

Performances                                                                                       20%

Assignments and Quizzes                                                                 10%

It is possible to score poorly in this class.  Students who fail to prepare for classes or refuse to participate in performances will face low grades and possible failure.

Daily Participation

Students begin each week with twenty-five “participation” points.  Students will be able to retain their points by complying with the Class Expectations listed in this syllabus. Students who do not comply with the Class Expectations will lose five points a day—and more if no corrections are made.  Causes for losing participation points include:

• Coming to class without sticks or music.
• Excessive talking or causing distractions.
• Performing poorly on a test or quiz—specifically one that was based on material rehearsed in class.

Performances

Performing is an important part of music education.  Performances serve as authentic assessments of musical growth and skill.  They provide a forum in which to apply the knowledge gained in class.  Students must participate in performances in order to pass the class.  They must be prompt and properly attired.

Known mandatory performances this year:

Wheatland High School Pep Band Event                                 September 18

Winter Concert                                                                                 December 16

Bok Kai Parade                                                                                       March 12

Spring Trip                                                                                              May 12-15

Spring Concert                                                                                            May 26

All students need a pair of drumsticks. It is recommended each one purchase Vic Firth MS 2 Corpsmaster sticks. These are best for learning the fundamentals. They can usually be found at music stores like Guitar Center, Skips (Sacramento), or Pete’s (Yuba City). Students should identify their sticks in some way in case they are misplaced. Students who do not have their own can use the sticks in the music room, but those sticks must not be taken home.

It would also be a good idea to purchase a practice pad for home use.

Students are responsible for taking care of the printed music they use throughout the year.  The music remains school property.  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.