Northwood High School Instrumental Music

Course Syllabus 2019-2020

Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony,
String Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra,
Chamber Winds and Percussion, and Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Ben Case: bencase@iusd.org - (949) 936-7259
Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Marching Band, Jazz
Ensemble III, Chamber Winds and Percussion, AP/CP Music Theory
Mrs. Whitney Tavlarides: whitneytavlarides@iusd.org - (949) 936-6155
String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Guitar Studio, Marching
Band, Jazz Ensemble I
Mr. Erik Emery: erikemery@iusd.org - (949) 936-7357
Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble II
The NHS Instrumental Music Program and its students are proud to exemplify the school’s core values of
MUTUAL RESPECT, COMPASSION, AND INTEGRITY in all rehearsals, performances and interactions.
Student experiences in each ensemble will be rooted in the 8 Studio Habits of Mind. Students will:
 Reflect – How can I assess my work and process?
 Explore – How can I embrace experimentation and learn from my mistakes?
 Express – How can I create art that expresses my feelings and ideas?
 Develop Craft – How can I learn the process of an art form?
 Envision – How can I see the next steps of my work?
 Understanding Arts Community – How can I learn and interact with other artists?
 Observe – How can I look closely to find new meaning?
 Engage & Persist – How can I develop focus on my work?

Grades: Academic grades are based on the following:

 Attendance and Daily Participation ........................... …………40%
 Performances/Assessments/Monthly Sectionals ..... …………60%

Given the nature of their shorter rehearsals, for Marching Band and Jazz Band attendance, excessive tardies will result in
the lowering of one’s grade by 1/2 letter for every 3 tardies in a grading period (i.e. 3 tardies = A, 6 tardies = A-, 9 tardies =
B+, etc.). Extra credit opportunities for these two classes will be available at the director’s discretion.
Jobs are NEVER considered an excused absence. Any conflict must be cleared by the Director of the ensemble at least two
weeks notice before the performance. Make up project/assessment will be given to all students that miss a performance.
Expectations:
Performances are required for all groups. A few after or before school rehearsals and sectionals may also be required. Individual
practice for all groups is mandatory and private lessons are highly recommended. Performances should not be missed for any reason.
Unexcused performances may mean removal from the class by the director and/or a failing academic grade.
Individual Preparation outside of the class time is essential and required by the University of California and California State
University schools for the “f” requirement to ensure the students’ success throughout the musical process. There will be work that
students must complete outside of class. Work will include, but not be limited to, practicing for individual and group performances and
projects, and written assignments pertaining to the deeper understanding and application of the curriculum.
In order to retain placement in what is considered a premier ensemble or to be authorized for membership in extra-curricular community
ensembles, students must maintain an “A” grade of at least 95% and exemplary attendance habits. Per agreement with extra-curricular
community ensembles of the immediate area, attendance at all NHS Performing Arts events is mandatory, and takes priority over
engagements of the community ensemble.
Members of the Wind Symphony will also be performing in the Chamber Winds and Percussion, those students that play with the full
orchestra. The music for this ensemble will be rehearsed generally on Mondays after school, along with additional rehearsals as needed.
Those in Wind Symphony not performing with the full orchestra will be working on chamber music throughout the year, and have
additional performances in the spring.

REMINDER: VISIT http://bit.ly/2019IMAgreement and COMPLETE THE STUDENT AGREEMENT

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Expectations (Continued):
Members of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble I are required to hold
monthly 30-minute sectional rehearsals. These rehearsals can be held at lunch, tutorial, before school or after school. Attendance at these
rehearsals is mandatory.
Behavior:
Students are expected to adhere to the Timberwolf Code of Conduct as outlined in the Student Planner and online at
www.northwoodhigh.org, in relation to both behavior and academic honesty. Furthermore, students will follow the classroom rules to
maintain a positive classroom environment. Consequences are at the discretion of the director.
1) Be respectful to yourself and others
2) Be ON TIME for rehearsals AND performances
3) Always come prepared (instrument, music & pencil)
4) No eating or drinking in the instrumental music room or performing arts center, except for
bottled water
5) Cell phones should be stored in backpacks, cases, or lockers, and are not allowed out during
class unless otherwise directed by an instructor
Supplies:
Books and sheet music will be supplied to the student. Students should bring their instrument, music, and a pencil to class each day. A
metronome (digital or quartz) and a tuner are extremely useful for home practice. Mark your parts only in pencil. A charge will occur for
missing or damaged music.
Instruments and Equipment:
Some instruments are available for checkout (first come/first serve) to use in school events only. Students are financially responsible for
any repairs. Please insure the instrument under your homeowners’ policy or purchase a separate insurance policy for it.
Lockers:
Lockers are available for all students but most will have to share. Students will be issued an instrumental music program lock which
MUST be used. ONLY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM LOCKS ARE ALLOWED. All other locks will be removed at no
liability to the Instrumental Program. The locker request is attached to the ‘Member Agreement’ at the end of this syllabus.
Concert Attire/Uniforms:
All instrumental music students are required to wear appropriate concert attire. If you have a concert dress, tuxedo, or suit you've outgrown, please consider
donating it to the instrumental music program.
GIRLS participating in instrumental music performances are to wear completely black, floor-length, one piece, dresses with black dress
shoes OR a black suit. Spaghetti straps, halter necks, or side/back slits are not allowed. A concert dress approved by both Choral and
Instrumental music is available for purchase from the Timberwolves Instrumental Boosters (TIMB). More information on these dresses
will be available shortly.
BOYS participating in the instrumental music performances are to wear black tuxedos or ALL black suits (no charcoal or pinstripes) with
white dress shirts and black bowties. TIMB has worked out discounts at local merchants, and more information will be available shortly.
Students can choose to purchase this attire on their own or through one of the above options, or may borrow the appropriate clothing on a
per-concert-basis from the program. For questions or problems, please see one of the directors.
TIMB Website
All students are REQUIRED to visit the TIMB website www.timbmusic.org. Students and parents should “subscribe” to the
newsletters on the website as important information will be sent through this medium. This website includes updates and vital
information regarding the instrumental music program.
Performance Calendar:
The most up-to-date performance calendar is available online at www.timbmusic.org. It is your responsibility to check with the TIMB website, Canvas, and/or
Directors for updates.
Course Designed to be Taken More Than Once:
Even though the Pupil previously completed the course and received a grade determined by the District to be sufficient to satisfy the
District’s minimum requirements for high school graduation and to satisfy the requirements for admission to the California public
institutions of postsecondary education, the Pupil is requesting this course because the course has been designed to be taken more than
once because pupils are exposed to a new curriculum year to year and are therefore expected to derive educational value from taking the
course again.

REMINDER: VISIT http://bit.ly/2019IMAgreement and COMPLETE THE STUDENT AGREEMENT

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