Nighthawk Band Syllabus
Mr. Bob Ebert, Band Director; Fine Arts Department Chairman
School phone: 252-449-7000, ext. – 2463
OverviewDuring marching season, students will encounter and perform several styles of music. Performances include football games, basketball games, pep rallies, parades, competitions and or festivals among other events. Students will learn basic marching techniques and demonstrate their knowledge and application of these, in class, during after school rehearsals and through performances. During concert band season, students will encounter, attempt and perform many styles of music beginning at Level 4 and progressing to Level 6 (there are 6 levels; Level 1 is the lowest and 6 the highest). Students will be introduced to a variety of composers, styles and terminology and will be expected to have a working familiarity with everything we cover. Students are expected to practice on a regular basis (in this instance, once a month does not constitute a regular basis). Good practice habits include a minimum of 3-5 nights a week, 30-40 minutes per session. We will perform at public and school related events both as a concert band and in small ensembles when appropriate. We will also perform when we travel. The final exam, if necessary, will cover the entire year. Extra help will be available on an as needed basis through individual instruction, peer tutoring and small group sessions.
Classroom Rules
1) Treat others the way you want to be treated.
2) Work hard and employ a positive attitude.
3) Be prepared. Always.
4) Maintain your equipment meticulously. If you don’t, it will develop the nasty habit of letting you down when you need it most.
5) Clean up after yourself.
Materials – For marching season student will need: a dark blue ‘Nighthawks’ t-shirt ($10) and marching shoes ($35) both of which should be purchased through Mr. Ebert. For the year, students should have the following for every rehearsal:
1) Instrument (or sticks & mallets)
2) At least 2 pencils (no pens, please)
3) All of their music
4) Extra reeds (woodwinds only, naturally)
5) Valve oil (brass only)
Concert & Performance Dress CodeDuring marching season, students will wear uniforms provided by the school or a seasonal uniform depending on the circumstances. Students are expected to purchase the appropriate shoes for marching band (these can also be used for concert band). The shoes should be purchased through Mr. Ebert and cost $35 per pair. No visible jewelry of any kind is permitted during marching performances. Also, if your hair touches your collar, it needs to be pulled back in a pony tail or braided in such a way that it stays out of your vision.
During concert season, men are expected to wear black dress pants, black socks, black shoes with a white button down shirt (no polo shirts, please) and a black tie. Women are expected to wear a black dress or skirt and black shoes. If you choose a skirt, women should have a white blouse to wear with it.
Grades
Grades will be earned according to effort, preparedness, participation and progress. Each performance and after school rehearsal is worth 100 and 50 points respectively; each classroom rehearsal is worth 10. Any assigned homework (aside from practicing) will have a value equal to the amount of work involved. Students will lose points for, among other things: not being prepared, excessive absences or tardiness, poor effort, etc. Students can earn extra credit by recording (on paper, preferably in a notebook) how much time they practice at home during the week, having a parent/guardian sign the paper and turning it in to me. Other extra credit may be available on occasion. Last, if a student is going to miss, or misses, a rehearsal or performance, please bring a note from your parents explaining the situation. If the absence is excused, make-up work will be assigned. Otherwise, it will count as an unexcused absence and the student will be given a zero for that assignment.
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All performances are mandatory. Exceptions will only be made in case of emergency. Forgetting to get time off work or to find a ride are
not emergencies. Serious illness, accident, death etc. are examples of acceptable excuses. If one of these should occur, please let me know as soon as possible. I can be reached at the school between 8:30am and 3:30pm, Monday thru Friday.
Finally, I will keep you up to date as best I can regarding any changes there may be throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding class, performances or anything else, please let me know as soon as possible.
Thanks and welcome back!
Mr. Ebert
