Symphonic Band Sylabus

Wendy Benford, Instructor

E-Mail:  benfordwl@bps-ok.org   Phone:  918-333-4444, ext. 4082

This syllabus is intended to be an extension of the Bartlesville High School Band Guidelines.  Please refer to that document for a calendar of events and any other information you may not find here.

Course Outline

Symphonic band is an instrumental ensemble comprised of ninth and tenth grade students at the mid-high school.  This ensemble gives three concerts during the year; also, they participate in the OSSAA State Concert Band and Sight-reading contest.  In addition to OSSAA, this ensemble may participate in additional performance opportunities.  All members will be expected to participate in those events and all rehearsals scheduled. Members of the symphonic band also perform with the Bruin Brigade, Bartlesville High School’s competitive marching band. 

Rehearsals

Symphonic band rehearses during the school day from 7:50 to 8:40 a.m. with the conclusion of marching band.  Every student is expected to attend rehearsal unless absent from school for that day.  In order to prepare our music to the highest possible level, it will be necessary to schedule sectional rehearsals before the start of the school day during contest season. With the change in our daily schedule at the Mid-High, this means that sectionals will likely begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 7:30 a.m.  This should allow students time to go to their lockers before the start of our regular rehearsal. These rehearsals are required of all students; they will be graded on attendance.  Students will receive detailed monthly calendars throughout the Spring semester, so dates and times for these sectional rehearsals will be provided well in advance.

Orchestra Participation

In order for the orchestra to be eligible for a Sweepstakes Award, they must perform one piece that is scored for full orchestra (strings, winds & percussion).  Along with chair placement in the Symphonic Band at the beginning of January, several students from the woodwind, brass and percussion sections of the band will be assigned to play with the orchestra.  These students will typically rehearse before school with the strings twice a week beginning in early to mid-January and running through mid-February.  Due to the high demand on these students’ time, they may be excused from sectionals during the duration of their involvement with the orchestra.

Grading

Each student will be assessed through specific playing requirements, preparedness, and attendance.  During concert season, students will be expected to turn in weekly playing assignments recorded at home on either cassette tape or CD.  Students may also submit their playing tests by e-mail as long as they are recorded in mp3 format.  A detailed schedule of assignments and due dates will be given to all students well in advance.

Materials

At the beginning of our concert season in November, your child will receive a band folder with our method book and various pieces of music.  In addition to this, your child will need to following each day for rehearsal:

1.      A pencil (traditional or mechanical).  Ink pens are not to be used in band.

2.      Valve or Slide Oil (brass players only).

3.      At least 3 working reeds at all times (woodwind players only).  Please only purchase Vandoren reeds.  These are typically available at Smitty’s Music.

Private Lessons

While private lessons are not required, we strongly encourage all students to study with a private teacher.  Not only is it beneficial to those students who are struggling, it is also a great way for more advanced players to continue to hone their skills.  For students who are interested in auditioning for the All-District or All-State band, private study is very highly recommended.  We are currently building a list of approved private lesson teachers.  Please contact the band office for more information.

All-District and All-State Auditions
Each year students have the opportunity to audition for the NBDA All-District Honor Band.  Sophomores also have the opportunity to audition for the OMEA All-State Band.  Participation in these ensembles is by audition only.  While we strongly recommend that students audition for these organizations, it is not required. 

Solo & Ensemble Competition

Our students also have the opportunity to participate in District Solo & Ensemble contest.  Students who choose to participate in this event will be expected to rehearse outside of the school day.  Students will also be responsible for securing an accompanist for this event.  All music will either be chosen or approved by the instructor (s).  Participation in this event is strictly voluntary (with the exception of percussion); however, it does greatly improve individual playing skills and is therefore strongly encouraged.

Uniforms

The concert uniform this year will be “concert black” and must be provided by the student.  Please refer to the Bartlesville High School Band Guidelines for specific details.

Communication

As with any organization, communication is vital to the success of everyone involved.  We have a variety of extensions to help keep parents and students informed of upcoming events.  Please check our website at www.bruinbrigade.org, become a friend of “BBOB Parents” on Facebook and look for e-mails from either Peggy Schmidt or Ms. Benford.  As always, if you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ms. Benford at any time.  Together we can make this year a successful one for your child.