Bronxville High School Band Program
Ms. Uma Karkala
Grades 9-12
ukarkala@bronxvilleschool.org/Ext: 3819
Course Outline
Each student will build upon their own skills on their instrument, with the focus geared towards ensemble participation. Individual skills will include proper playing position, embouchure, intonation, and the techniques necessary for large ensemble playing. Literature and materials will be progressive and students will be expected to work to their abilities for full ensemble growth.
Requirements
1. Punctual attendance and participation
2. Preparation
3. In Class Sectionals/Performance/Playing Exams
4. Mid-Term Exam/Performance
5. Personal Assessment
6. Final Exam/Performance
GRADING
Participation and Attendance 40%
Class Performance of Homework Assignments/Practice 10%
Student Performance in Class 15%
Winter Concert-Mid-term 15%
Final Concert 20%
Any student who participates in NYSSMA, will receive extra credit towards their grade.
Materials
1-2 Pencils
Woodwinds: Reeds, Mouthpieces, Neckstraps, Cork Grease
Brass: Valve Oil, Slide Oil
Percussion: Sticks, Mallets
Students should also have a 1 1/2 ring binder with sheet protectors.
Instrument Rental, Repair and Care
Instruments will be rented for the academic year to the students by the school. A contract will be sent home to the parents of all students who rent an instrument outlining the Bronxville rental policies. Please sign this contract and send back. Regular maintenance of school-owned instruments will be the responsibility of the school. Parents will be responsible for willful or accidental damage to the instrument during the rental period.
Students may also purchase their own instruments.
Students will be responsible for purchasing their own reeds, strings, oils, straps, and any other accessory to their instruments.
PROGRESS REPORTS
The majority of a student’s grade will be generated from Progress Reports that will be issued every quarter. The reports will assess the following categories.
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Punctuality/Preparedness
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Participation
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Knowledge of Music/Practice
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Improvement/Effort
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Homework Assignments/Playing Assessments
Students will be graded on 5 categories out of 10 points each. This score will then be multiplied by 2 and averaged in with the students playing exams.
Jazz Band
Students interested in playing in an ensemble other than during our regularly scheduled class should consider Jazz Band. The Jazz Band performs a wide variety of styles, including swing, blues, bebop, big band, afro-cuban, and contemporary jazz. Musicians at all levels are encouraged to join.
HS JAZZ BAND - Thursdays @ 3pm
NYSSMA
The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors annual festivals for ensembles and solo evaluations. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the NYSSMA solo festival. In addition to receiving feedback on their playing abilities and progress, the solo festivals serve as the vehicle for students to audition for Intermediate All-County. Students interested in participating should speak to me to determine their piece selection for auditions.
Concerts/In Class Recitals
As a performance based program, there will be multiple opportunities for students to perform throughout the year. All performances are mandatory and attendance to these performances will be reflected in the grading.
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There will be two mandatory concerts per year in the school auditorium
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Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 7pm-WINTER CONCERT
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Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 7pm-SPRING CONCERT
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All Students will be required to perform in in-class recitals both as a soloist and part of a small ensemble
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There are also department wide solo recital-November 18, 2019 will be the first recital concert.
Dress Code for Performances
For Concerts
Middle School
Girls: White Top/Black bottom - Blouse and/or black slacks or black dress dress (can be all black), dress shoes
Boys: White Top/Black bottom - Dress slacks, dress shirt, dress shoes, socks
High School
Girls: All Black dress or skirt /slacks(any color), dress shoes
Boys: All Black jacket, tie, dress slacks, dress shirt, dress shoes, socks
Recitals (Any Color)
Girls: dress or skirt (any color), dress shoes
Boys: jacket, tie, dress slacks, dress shirt, dress shoes, socks
How Parents Can Help
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Show an interest in the music study of your child. Listen to your children and have them perform for you.
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Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.
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Find a quiet place where your child can practice without interruption.
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Keep your child's instrument in good repair with reeds, valve oil, cleaning kit, etc.
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Stress the importance of being on time for all rehearsals.
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Encourage your student to play for others when opportunities arise, in the home, at school, at church, and in the community.
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See that your student brings the instrument and necessary equipment to school each day.
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Attend concerts whenever possible and encourage your child to listen to music of all kinds
Questions/Comments
If you have any inquires or need more information about anything regarding your child’s music education, please feel free to contact me:
Uma Karkala- ukarkala@bronxvilleschool.org - Ext: 3819
