http://mrgilliardmusic.com/audio should have everything.

As the quarter draws to a close, PGCPS Band Assessment Festival is here. A few reminders:

1. Come to school DRESSED on Wednesday. You may not have time to change on Wednesday.

2. Mod 3 rehearsal (12:00).

3. Report to the band room @ 2:45 in order to gather all materials, fix uniforms, [...]]]> Hey folks!

As the quarter draws to a close, PGCPS Band Assessment Festival is here. A few reminders:

1. Come to school DRESSED on Wednesday.  You may not have time to change on Wednesday.

2. Mod 3 rehearsal (12:00).

3. Report to the band room @ 2:45 in order to gather all materials, fix uniforms, etc…

4. We depart TJMS @ 3:30 pm.  We watch our first group at 4:20, we warm-up at 4:40, we play at 5:00 and watch our second group at 5:40 pm.  We leave Northwestern at 6:00 pm.

5. All assignments (for students not performing) are due Wed. 3/28 at the beginning of class.

Please make sure you make all necessary preparations TODAY (Tuesday).  Correct uniform, pants, shirt, skirt, shoes, extra supplies (reeds, valve oil, etc….).

Scales: Bb Major and Eb Major

Method Books:

Foundations p. 10-11 for Bb Major, p. 28-29 for Eb Major (Scale Patterns #1 and 2 and the full scale)

Standard of Excellence Bk. 2: #1-20 (Bb scale is #2, Eb is #6 OR pp. 42-43).

Your first playing test will [...]]]> Mods 2, 3 and 5

Scales: Bb Major and Eb Major

Method Books: 

Foundations p. 10-11 for Bb Major, p. 28-29 for Eb Major (Scale Patterns #1 and 2 and the full scale)

Standard of Excellence Bk. 2: #1-20  (Bb scale is #2, Eb is #6  OR pp. 42-43).

Your first playing test will come from the early 20′s in the book.

Songs:

Little Suite for Band No. 2 –  Mvmt. 1, 2 and 3

Chester Variations – mm. 40-56

Your playing test will come from both Chester AND Little Suite.

A Call for Peace mm. 1-21

You will be getting new music (a march). 

Mod 4a

Method Book: Standard of Excellence Book 1 #53-74

Songs:

Two Minute Symphony mm. 1-34

Asian Folk Rhapsody mm. 1-38

You will be getting new music soon (a march).

Your first two playing tests will be from Two Minute Symphony and the 50′s in Standard of Excellence bk. 1.

Scales:

Bb Major (SoE bk. 1 #88)  Eb Major (SoE bk. 1 #96) OR p. 42

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 [...]]]> 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 ?

7th and 8th grade band, Chester Variations

6th 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 [...]]]> 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.

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!

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

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.

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. [...]]]> 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.

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 1-39

Song #2: Flashpoint, mm. 1-24. You may practice additional parts of the song so we can get [...]]]> 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

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.

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 [...]]]> 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.

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.

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.

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

Song #1: Fortis, mm. 1-12

Song #2: [...]]]> 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

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.