Mr. Leon Sieve conducts the Symphonic Band which primarily consists of students in grades 10 - 12. A variety of band literature representing many contrasting styles and historical periods will be studied and performed in a major concert at least once each Trimester (concert performances are required attendance). Class emphasis will be on furthering the development of instrumental and ensemble performing skills. Students will participate in a variety of activities to increase individual music skills and understandings: individual lessons (private music lessons are provided by the instructors), listening to recordings and large ensemble performance experiences. Students are also required to participate in selected Pep Band events.
Rosemount HS Band Grading Policy
Grading Element..................% of Trimester Grade
Lessons......................................................50%
All Band members are expected to participate in four lessons per Trimester.
Each lesson is assessed/graded based on the quality of the student's performance
in that lesson, which is a direct result of adequate and quality preparation/practice
at home. Regular and correct practice (as taught in the band lessons) is the
"homework" for successful band lessons that earn good grades! Band
lessons are equivalent to "weekly quizes" that occur in all other
academic classes.
At RHS, we do not require a "set amount" of practice time each
day, and there are no "practice cards" to complete. However, we
highly encourage daily practice! A student will improve their musical abilities
significantly more by practicing a little each day instead of practicing
for a longer period of time once or twice a week. Much of practicing involves
the building up of muscle memory and if we leave that training for even
a few days the muscles will "forget" what they learned. As a result,
music practice cannot be "crammed" like a person might do for
a test. Success in music can only be achieved through the repetitions that
a daily practice routine brings!!
Regular consistent practice insures musical growth, successful lessons and
a good grade in Band!
QUALITY REGULAR PRACTICE = QUALITY LESSONS = QUALITY GRADE IN BAND!!!
Required Performances.................................15%
At least one required Concert/Performance occurs each Trimester
Daily Participation & Special Projects............25%
Attends class on time, with instrument & music, actively participating,
no deductions for inappropriate behavior or tardiness. Also includes Tests
and/or Auditions. Scale auditions (required of all Band members) will occur
near the end of Trimester 1, and will serve as the final exam and chair
placement in each section.
Special Projects..................................10%
Tests, quizzes and/or Auditions. Scale auditions (required of all Band members)
will occur near the end of Trimester 1, and will serve as the final exam and
chair placement in each section.
% of Trimester Grade Total ..................100%
GRADING SCALE:
A 90% - of total possible
A- 86% - of total possible
B+ 82% - of total possible
B 80% - of total possible
B- 76% - of total possible
C+ 72% - of total possible
C 70% - of total possible
C- 66% - of total possible
D+ 62% - of total possible
D 60% - of total possible
D- 50% - of total possible
F Below 50% - of total possible
Band Lessons
Band Lessons are the foundation of the RHS Band program. Lessons are an
opportunity for each student to receive individual help in developing individual
instrumental music skills, knowledge and understanding. Band class is an
opportunity for you to apply those skills in an ensemble setting. Practicing
is your homework for Band. You are responsible for being able to perform
your assigned lesson material and Band music to the best of your abilities.
You decide how much practicing is necessary for you to accomplish this and
earn the grade you want.
1.) Band Lesson Frequency - All Band students are scheduled for one
private 15-minute lesson each week for four consecutive weeks during
a 12 week trimester.
2.) Lesson Scheduling - Students are scheduled out of their study
halls and Band period whenever possible. All other students are placed on
a rotating schedule, and will miss 15 minutes of a class for their lesson.
Students on the rotating schedule will not miss a portion of any class more
than once during a trimester. Lessons are always the same day every week,
the time/period of the lesson schedule rotates.
3.) Make-up lessons - If a student misses a lesson (for whatever reason) it is the student's responsibility to make-up that lesson as soon as possible (within one week of the absence) by simply signing your name to a new lesson appointment/time on your lesson instructors schedule (posted in the Bandroom). Students may not receive more than two lessons in one week. In the case of an unexcused absence, lessons will be made up at the discretion of the instructor.
4.) Communication of student progress in Band:
A "Grade Sheet" record is located inside the lesson book of each
student stating the date the lesson occurred, assignments and grades for
each lesson attended. This is the primary indicator of student progress
in Band.
Mid-term progress reports, brought home by each student.
Report Card, mailed home after the conclusion of each Trimester.
"Schoolview" online gradebook access for all parents is available.
5.) Students are responsible for purchasing lesson books. These may be purchased through the RHS Band Office, make checks payable to Rosemount High School.
6.) You must have a minimum of four (4) lessons per Trimester. The Band Directors will record your lessons in their gradebook. There are twelve weeks in each Trimester. You may only schedule one lesson per week. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE SURE YOU COMPLETE FOUR (4) LESSONS EACH TRIMESTER! Additional lessons beyond six during a Trimester would serve as extra credit to "boost" the overall grade for that Trimester.
7.) STUDENT LESSON ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITY
A. Inform your teacher of a scheduled lesson one day in advance. Ask about
what you will miss and make arrangements to stay current.
B. If your teacher wants you to remain in class, respect that teacher's decision.
Schedule a make-up lesson within the week by simply signing your
name to a new lesson appointment on your lesson instructors schedule (posted
in the Bandroom).
C. Be on time for your lesson and return directly to class after the lesson.
No loitering in the halls or no other stops along the way back to class! Please
do not abuse this privilege to attend lessons!
D. Be responsible. The privilege of being released from class to attend a music
lesson carries with it the responsibility to communicate effectively with your
teachers.
E. On the day of your lesson, before school begins, stop in the Bandroom to
get your pass excusing you from class to attend your lesson. Passes will be
on the Bandroom table prior to 7:10 AM.
