Due 1/27/11

At the top of your paper:

Name              Date                 Mod

Title: Concert Etiquette

Twenty complete sentences MINIMUM (you may write more).  Be detailed and make sure you answer every question.

No lists. No one word answers. No incomplete sentences.

Describe the concert etiquette for formal performances. How should you, the performer, conduct yourself ? What are some ‘good practices and habits’ that you should do every performance (before, during and after) ? Why is it important  for you to practice how you will perform before  you get out in public ?  What do we mean by the statement ‘people hear you with their eyes before you sing your first note’ ? In light of that statement, what should you do ?

Take YOUR part for music currently in your folder:

7^th and 8^th grade band, Chester Variations

6^th Grade – Mt. Ranier March or Asian Folk Rhapsody

You will write a narrative (minimum 20 sentences) describing all of what happens in your music from the first measure to the end.

For example, after looking at your music, you may write:

My time signature is 4/4.  The song begins slowly from measure 1-20.  At the beginning of the song, I am supposed to play loud (forte). My music gets softer at measure 9. I then rest for four measures (13-18).  The tempo of the music speeds up at measure 19. I don’t come back in playing until measure 27, where my part is loud and has staccato markings under each note.  There is a crescendo at measure 30 that takes me from playing soft to loud and I stay loud all the way through measure 38.

 

The above example is what is expected. When looking at your music, make sure you cover all dynamics, articulations, and any complex rhythms.  If you have any accidentals that show up, be sure to write about them too.

Pass in to Mr. Gilliard no later than NEXT CLASS.

If you write less than 20 sentences or do not cover ALL of your music, you will not get credit.

Practice Log #5 is due  Wednesday 11/16. 

Mod 2A

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, Long Tone #1a, 1b

Song #1: Fortis (entire song) Focus on legato phrasing at the legato sections.

Song #2: Flashpoint (25-end/entire song) Focus on dynamics! This song is worthless without dynamics!

Song #3: A Call for Peace, mm. 1-21. Do NOT cut notes short. Take a quick breath at the end of each PHRASE.

Mod 3A and Mod 5A

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, #1, Long Tone #1 and #2

Song #1: Fortis (entire song) Focus on legato phrasing at the legato sections.

Song #2: Flashpoint (25-end/entire song) Focus on dynamics! This song is worthless without dynamics!

Song #3: A Call for Peace, mm. 1-21. Do NOT cut notes short. Take a quick breath at the end of each PHRASE.

Mod 4A

Method Book: Standard of Excellence bk. 1 Enhanced p. 6, 7, 8 (#1-22)

Song #1: Mt. Ranier March, mm. 1-20

Other Music: First Five Notes Warm-Up

Hey Mod 4! So let’s work on controlling our sound.  Tonguing our notes on a continuous stream of air (no breathing between notes and no cutting notes short!). We have full instrumentation, so we’re not ‘weak’ in any area.

You will be getting NEW MUSIC on Monday.

Percussion Students

All music for YOUR assigned part for each song:

Fortis (entire song)

Mt. Ranier March (entire song)

Flashpoint (entire song)

A Call for Peace (mm. 1-21)

Percussion Packet: Page 4, A thru T

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Three quick reminders:

#1 Missing Assignments:

- Internet Assignment (500 points) – did you complete yours ?  Mr. Gilliard has extra copies at the back of the room. You’ve had over a month to get it done.  No excuses.  A ZERO will go in for your grade if you don’t turn it in.

- Practice Logs (100 points each log – no make-up).  You can’t ‘catch up’ to a missed workout.  The best you can do is start practicing regularly NOW and recording it correctly.  Blank logs are located at the back of the classroom and available for download on the downloads page.  If you cannot print one off, record the information (some students have simply drawn a chart and made their own), answer the questions on your own paper (handwritten) and turn it in (along with a parent signature). Monitor and record your time carefully. Practice your instrument correctly.

Remember: if I tell you to do something in class, then I expect you to KEEP DOING IT UNTIL YOU DO IT CORRECTLY when you get home. And when you get it correct….keep doing it. No excuses.

#2 – Upcoming Rehearsals.

• Wind Ensemble • EVERY TUESDAY from now until the concert – 4:00-5:30 pm.
• Tue. Nov. 15 – Wind EnsembleWed. Nov. 16 – Jazz Band

  Tue. Nov. 22 – Wind Ensemble

  Tue. Nov. 29 – Wind Ensemble

  Tue. Dec. 6 – Wind Ensemble

  Wed.  Dec. 7 – Jazz Band

  Mon. Dec. 12 – Percussion Rehearsal

• WINTER CONCERT – Tue. Dec. 13, 2011.  7:00 pm!

#3 – Playing Tests will continue through next week.

Band All Band Rehearsals end at 5:30 pm	Choir All Choir rehearsals end at 5:15 pm
Tue. Nov 3 – Wind Ensemble Mon. Nov. 7 – Percussion Rehearsal Tue. Nov. 8 – Wind Ensemble Tue. Nov. 15 – Wind Ensemble Wed. Nov. 16 – Jazz Band Tue. Nov. 22 – Wind Ensemble Tue. Nov. 29 – Wind Ensemble Tue. Dec. 6 – Wind Ensemble Wed.  Dec. 7 – Jazz Band Mon. Dec. 12 – Percussion	Tue Nov. 2 – Chamber Choir Wed Nov. 9 – Chamber Choir Rehearsal Thu Nov. 17 – Chamber Choir Rehearsal Mon. Nov. 21 – Full Chorus Rehearsal Mon. Nov. 28 – Full Chorus Rehearsal Thu Dec 1 – Chamber Choir Rehearsal Mon. Dec 5 – Full Chorus Rehearsal Thu Dec. 8 – Chamber Choir Rehearsal

Tuesday Dec. 13, 7:00 pm Winter Concert 

Students must arrive DRESSED by 5:45pm.

Practice Log #3 is due on the last day of the quarter – Thursday 10/27

Mod 2A

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, Concert F Descending #1, Long Tone #1a, 1b

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 1-39

Song #2: Flashpoint, mm. 1-24.  You may practice additional parts of the song so we can get through it quicker.

Song #3: A Call for Peace, mm. 1-9 or 17-24 if you rest the first 9 measures.

Mod 3A and Mod 5A

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, Concert F Descending #1, Long Tone #1 and #2

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 39-59

Song #2: Flashpoint, mm. 1-12

Very proud of the progress you are making Mod 3.  Mod 5, you’re only a little behind….you can catch up.

Mod 4A

Method Book: Standard of Excellence bk. 1 Enhanced p. 6, 7, 8 (#1-22)

Song #1: Mt. Ranier March, mm. 1-20

Other Music: First Five Notes Warm-Up

Hey Mod 4! So let’s work on controlling our sound.  Tonguing our notes on a continuous stream of air (no breathing between notes and no cutting notes short!). We have full instrumentation, so we’re not ‘weak’ in any area.

Percussion Students

All music for YOUR assigned part for each song: Fortis, Mt. Ranier March, Flashpoint, A Call for Peace.  Practice the entire song.

Percussion Packet: Page 4, A thru T

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Three quick reminders:

#1 Missing Assignments:

- Internet Assignment (500 points) – did you complete yours ?  Mr. Gilliard has extra copies at the back of the room. You’ve had over a month to get it done.  No excuses.  A ZERO will go in for your grade if you don’t turn it in.

- Practice Logs (100 points each log – no make-up). Sorry, we can’t rewind the past three weeks. You can’t ‘catch up’ to a missed workout.  The best you can do is start practicing regularly NOW and recording it correctly.  Blank logs are located at the back of the classroom and available for download on the downloads page.  If you cannot print one off, record the information (some students have simply drawn a chart and made their own), answer the questions on your own paper (handwritten) and turn it in (along with a parent signature). Monitor and record your time carefully. Practice your instrument correctly.

Remember: if I tell you to do something in class, then I expect you to KEEP DOING IT UNTIL YOU DO IT CORRECTLY when you get home. And when you get it correct….keep doing it. No excuses.

- Parent Form (500 points). Did you get yours signed ?  Simple assignment. Get it done.

#2 – Upcoming Rehearsals.

• 7th and 8th Grade Band 10/27, 4:00-5:30 pm.
• Jazz Band – Wed. 10/26, 4:00-5:30 pm.

#3 – Playing Tests over the next two weeks.  Tuesday and Wednesday of next week especially.

Wow, that was quick!

Kudos to all the students who turned in practice log #1.  All those who missed the assignment – don’t get too happy about your progress report. It will probably drop at least one letter grade as of tomorrow afternoon. 

Don’t worry. On Monday 10/10, you’ll get an individualized progress report with your CURRENT grade (Progress Report is only through 9/24).

Blank logs are located at the back of the classroom and available for download on the downloads page.  If you cannot print one off, record the information, answer the questions on your own paper (handwritten) and turn it in (along with a parent signature).

No excuses.

Monitor and record your time carefully. Practice your instrument correctly.

Remember: if I tell you to do something in class, then I expect you to KEEP DOING IT UNTIL YOU DO IT CORRECTLY when you get home. And when you get it correct….keep doing it.

No excuses.

Practice Log #2 is due Friday 10/14/11.

Mod 2A

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, Concert F Descending #1, Long Tone #1 and #2

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 1-20

Song #2: Flashpoint, mm. 1-12

My favorite two clarinets on the front row: tongue your notes. Practice it, learn it, do it. Keep doing it. AK, watch your posture. Practice in a mirror.   ‘Too-too-too-too’ then play.

Mod 3A and Mod 5A

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, Concert F Descending #1, Long Tone #1 and #2

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 39-59

Song #2: Flashpoint, mm. 1-12

Very proud of the progress you are making Mod 3.  Mod 5, you’re only a little behind….you can catch up.

Mod 4A

Method Book: Standard of Excellence bk. 1 Enhanced p. 6, 7, 8 (#1-22)

Song #1: Mt. Ranier March, mm. 1-20

Other Music: First Five Notes Warm-Up

Hey Mod 4! So let’s work on controlling our sound.  Tonguing our notes on a continuous stream of air (no breathing between notes and no cutting notes short!). We have full instrumentation, so we’re not ‘weak’ in any area.

There are a few advanced students (some of you, I talked to earlier today, others I will contact shortly) who will be ‘added’ to the 7th and 8th grade group next week.  See me for the 7th and 8th grade music.

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REMINDERS:

7th and 8th grade rehearse Wednesday 10/12.   6th grade rehearses Thursday 10/13.  It’s on the calendar, remember ?

Did you complete the internet assignment ? The assignment is 700 points. Do you really want to fail first quarter ? The max you will now get for the assignment is 350 points. Please complete the assignment and turn it in to Mr. Gilliard as soon as possible. Get a copy of the assignment from Mr. Gilliard (the password and username for the band music folder are on there, so it won’t be posted on the web for download).

All music is located in the Band Music folder. You know the username and password (at least you do if you completed the internet assignment).

Blank practice logs are on the band information page for download.

Percussion Students: Specific assignment for you guys coming next week.  Starting next week, you’ll have your own board at the back of the room (it’s already there).  By now, ALL of you should have your stick bag and your own sticks/mallets. You will also sign an instrument contract form next week for all percussion equipment.  If you come to class unprepared (prepared means stick bag with sticks, mallets, music, folder), you will NOT be allowed to play on the instruments.

YouTube | Facebook | Twitter links…..some of you know them already.

Hello students!

Homework. Write it down, monitor and record your time carefully. Don’t forget to have your parent sign your practice log.

Practice Log #1 is due Thursday 10/6/11.

Mods 2, 3 and 5

Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance, p. 4, Concert F Descending #1 and #2

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 1-12

Song #2: First Five Notes

Other Music: First Five Notes Warm-Up

Mod 4

Method Book: Standard of Excellence bk. 1 Enhanced p. 6, 7, 8 (#1-22)

Song #1: Mt. Ranier March, mm. 1-12

Song #2: First Five Notes

Other Music: First Five Notes Warm-Up

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Don’t forget:

- Did your parent sign your practice log ?

- Did you simply practice the assignment, or only the part of it that you like or already know ?

Blank logs are on the band information page for download.

Percussion Students: I have a specific assignment for you all for next week (and the week after that). I’ll be assigning parts very shortly to all students playing percussion. 

The new practice logs have been uploaded to the site on the Band Information Page.  You may NOW complete the entire assignment properly.

Sorry for the delay.

- Mr. Gilliard

Hey folks,

*Almost* everything is up for the internet assignment. I’ll leave a post here to let you know when it’s all up.

I still have to add the new practice log…..that won’t take long.

- Mr. G

Welcome to the Thomas Johnson Middle School

Instrumental Music Program!

Greetings for the 2011-2012 school year!

I’m Mr. Gilliard, Music Department Chairman here at Thomas Johnson Middle School. As your band director, I look forward to a musically challenging and rewarding year. We’ll work hard, but we’ll have fun too.

Quick facts about me:

• Bachelor of Science, Music Education, Bowie State University 2001
• Master of Arts in Teaching, Grand Canyon University, 2012
• Assistant Band Director, Bowie State University (Spring 2001)
• Student Director, Head Arranger in college (marching and pep band)
• Eleventh year teaching in PGCPS, seventh year at TJMS
• Four years as Band and Choir Director at the high school level
• Developed and directed marching band, concert band, pep band, jazz ensembles, gospel choir, concert choir, chamber choir
• Teachers: Adolph Wright, Clarence Knight, Gilbert Pryor, Marymal Holmes
• Primary instrument: Alto Saxophone (26+ years)
• Experience on Clarinet, Baritone Horn, Piano (23+ years)
• Additional 15 years experience as church musician, choir director and praise team leader, 13 years as DJ and producer

Contact Information:

Mr. Kerry Gilliard
Thomas Johnson Middle School  • 5401 Barker Pl.    • Lanham, MD  20706
Phone: 301-918-8680 ext. 276   •  Fax:  301-918-8688

E-Mail: Kerry.Gilliard@pgcps.org
Websites: http://tiny.cc/tjmsmusic (TJMS Music Department Site)
http://www.mrgilliardmusic.com  and http://youtube.com/MrGilliardMusic

 

Course Title: Band 6/7/8  •  Instructor: Mr. Kerry Gilliard • Location: VOC 003

REQUIRED BOOKS AND SUPPLIES (READ CAREFULLY!)

6^th Grade Students

If you play:	You must buy this book
Flute | Oboe | Bassoon | Clarinet | Bass Clarinet | Alto Sax | Tenor Sax | Baritone Sax | Trumpet | French Horn | Trombone | Baritone TC | Baritone BC | Tuba	Standard of Excellence Book 1, Enhanced. $ 9.95 comes with 2 Cds.  Your book is RED with a purple stripe on it.   F-horn book is 10.45.
Percussion (Snare | Bass | Cymbals | Auxilliary Percussion | Bells | Xylophone, etc….)	Standard of Excellence Book 1 (Drums and Mallet Percussion) (regular book). Your book is RED WITHOUT the purple stripe and no CDs.  Cost is $6.95.

 

7^th and 8^th Grade Students

If you play:	You must buy these TWO books:
Flute | Oboe | Bassoon | Clarinet | Bass Clarinet | Alto Sax | Tenor Sax | Baritone Sax | Trumpet | French Horn | Trombone | Baritone TC | Baritone BC | Tuba	Standard of Excellence Book 2, Enhanced.  $9.95. Comes with 2 CDs.Your book is BLUE with a purple stripe on it. F-horn book is $ 10.45. Foundations for Superior Performance $6.50
Percussion (Snare | Bass | Cymbals | Auxilliary Percussion | Bells | Xylophone, etc….)	Standard of Excellence Book 2 (Drums and Mallet Percussion). Regular book.  Your book is BLUE WITHOUT the purple stripe and no CD.  Cost is 6.95Foundations for Superior Performance Cost is 9.95

 

Supplies for each instrument (we will have equipment checks)

If you play	You will need these supplies daily:
Flute	Cleaning rod, cleaning cloth
Saxophone, Clarinet	Cork grease, cleaning cloth and swabReeds for sax– LaVoz, Vandoren or  Hemke reeds – Strength 2 and above Reeds for Clarinets – LaVoz, Vandoren, or Mitchell Lurie reeds – Strength 2 and above NO ORANGE BOX RICO REEDS.
Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba	Valve oil, tuning slide grease

It is NOT Mr. Gilliard’s job to give you books, sticks or supplies
if you forget or lose yours. BE RESPONSIBLE.

You will lose points if you are unprepared.

 

Percussion Students Must Purchase (No Exceptions):

• Practice Pad (for home practice) – $7 to $20 (prices vary by product)
• 5a or 5b Concert Snare Drum Sticks – $5 to $10
• Stick Bag (protects and carries sticks/mallets) – $10 to 15 (prices vary by product)
• Yarn Mallets (for Xylophone and Suspended Cymbal) – $15 to $30 (prices vary)

 

ALL STUDENTS

BRING THESE THINGS TO CLASS WITH YOU EVERY DAY

• Instrument and necessary supplies (reeds, grease,neckstrap, valve oil,etc…)
• Music and Books. KEEP YOUR MUSIC IN YOUR MUSIC FOLDER. NOT YOUR NOTEBOOK (each student will be issued a folder).
• Pencil (not a pen).
• You will also need flash drive (2-4 GB preferred) in order to download music from Mr. Gilliard’s classroom website for practice and rehearsals.

 

Course At A Glance

 

The Instrumental Music Program at Thomas Johnson Middle is an all-year course with three primary goals:

• Develop good musicianship skills young musicians (the ability to accurately read, critique, perform, notate, write and interpret music)
• Instruct students on proper playing technique for their instrument (including sound production, playing and holding the instrument correctly)
• Perform music alone and with others (small ensembles, solos, full band)

Skills developed in this class prepare students for participation at high school and college level music programs as well as developing personal life skills useful for life.  Sixth graders typically play grade 1 music, 7^th graders play grade 1.5 music and eighth graders play grade 2 and 2.5 music. We have a minimum of five (5) major performances throughout the year including Winter and Spring Concerts and the Black History Concert.  Students audition for seating (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd music parts). Students may also be assigned to parts and instruments according to the needs of the group.

Instruments

There are a limited amount of school instruments available for use. Most students in the middle and high school programs rent or purchase their own instruments (with the exception of larger instruments like tuba). Information on rental and/or purchasing instruments will be sent home on the third day of class. Please do NOT purchase instruments from department or outlet stores.

Class Routines and Expectations

 

Class Procedure to Do	If not followed…the penalty is
Arrive to class on time	- 30 points (unexcused tardy)
Assemble instrument, sit quiety, ready to begin warm-up in first 4 min. of class	- 30 points
No gum, candy, food, drinks…EVER.	- 40 points per incident
Off-task behaviors (talking, etc….)	- 30 points per incident, parent contact
Bring Instrument Daily	ZERO, parent contact
No method books or music	- 30 points, parent contact
Disrespect, Profanity, Major Disruption	- 50 to ZERO, parent contact, PS-74

Good behavior, good attitude and your best effort are ALWAYS expected.

Remember – this class is not recess. We are here to work.

If you put forth your best effort, you will not fail this course.  If you need help, ask. You’ll be given instructions and help, but you will be expected to follow through on what you’ve been told to do to get better.

Students earn their grades in class through daily participation, playing tests and attenance and participation in performances. After school rehearsals are a part of the class. They will be held from September through May and are usually announced at least 30 days in advance. They may be as little as twice per month to once a week, depending on the progress of the group. Students who do not participate in after school rehearsals will NOT perform and it WILL affect their grade negatively. If there are transportation issues, please notify Mr. Gilliard immediately outside of class.

 

CLASSWORK   -   60%

• Attendance, participation in class, behavior
• Promptness & Participation in Rehearsals and Performances
• Responsibility (equipment, supplies, instrument, uniform)

 

ASSESSMENT - 30%

• Playing tests, proper technique (posture, breath support, playing correct notes, articulation, scales, dynamics, etc…)

HOMEWORK - 10%

• Weekly practice and reflection log for assigned music. Assignments are given weekly and also posted at http://mrgilliardmusic.com. All students are required to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day 5 days a week.

Students are given a combined weekly grade (9 per quarter) for classwork worth either 200 or 300 points (100 points per day). Performances are worth 700-1000 points. Reflection papers are worth 100 points. Points are deducted for off-task behaviors including disruption, eating/chewing/drinking and being unprepared.

Performance is NOT a Right

If you don’t practice, you won’t know your music. If you don’t know your music, you will not perform and it will affect your grade negatively. Out of respect for the 90% of students who work hard to sound good as a group, students who demonstrate little effort and progress throughout the year will not be allowed to perform. There are no exceptions to this rule. Students may also be removed from performing due to behavior.  They will be given an alternative playing test and graded according to their knowledge of the music they were assigned to learn in addition to a ten (10) page handwritten (not typed) essay on why they were not ready to perform. No other written work will be given.

Performances

Performances are scheduled a minimum of 30 days in advance and a calendar given to students (“I didn’t know” and “I forgot” are not legitimate excuses). All students are expected to prepare to perform. Students with excused absences must see Mr. Gilliard in order to receive make-up work. Make-up work will only given in accordance with the definition of excused absence in PGCPS board policy 5121.2.

Extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs do NOT take precedence on days when performances are scheduled. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and all performances for the group which they are a part of.

Performance Attire

Students will be required to purchase specific performance attire to be worn for all performances (tuxedo shirt and tuxedo pants). In order to have uniformity in appearance, purchasing cost will be posted on the music department website so that parents will have sufficient time.