About the
Falcon Bands

FROM THE PODIUM
Hello from Foothills Middle School Instrumental Music! We are so excited to get the year started off, exploring the far reaches of the musical universe, and is there ever so much to explore! Thank you for giving your child a truly lifelong learning opportunity. Being involved in any musical activity whether it is Band, Choir or Orchestra it is truly an experience that will last a lifetime. As a professional musician, I have had the opportunity to perform with some of those “life-long learners,” and let me tell you – to this day; they still explore on their instrument and learn new things. Dr. Steve Schmitz once said this in a way I will never forget: “If you’re green, you’re growing; if you’re ripe, you rot.” Or, to alliterate using the ever-popular movie, “Tommy Boy,” “Either you’re growin’ or you’re dyin’ – there ain’t no third direction!” We really intend to instill that concept of life-long learning in the heart of the students.

As many of you know, Jeff Sandberg Sr. suffered a massive stroke in June, in which he is recovering quite well from. In his stead, Jeff Sandberg, Jr. will be filling his shoes for an undetermined amount of time. With these new responsibilities, I’m sure you’re aware that communication will be (and is!) the key to success, not just between teacher and student, but also between teacher/student and parent/guardian. I will make every effort to keep in contact with you all concerning issues in the classroom, whether they are behavioral, academic, or extra-curricular. With that in mind, let me tell you that I will be doing bi-weekly grading updates that will be made available on or after the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. It is our intention to promote success for all students, and this effort is one of those ways.

This website is one of our communication tools. It will help you to better understand what your child will learn and what will be expected of your child while he/she is participating in one of our fine groups. It will also inform you of what you can expect of me. Please take some time to look it over. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any time.

Sincerely,
Jeff Sandberg, Jr.
(509) 664-8961, ext. 2261
sandberg.j@mail.wsd.wednet.edu

“Without music life is a journey through a desert”.
-Pat Conroy

SYLLABUS
Course: 8th Grade Band
Text: Essential Technique 2000 - Book 3

Description: 8th Grade Band is a continuation of the previous two years of study on a musical instrument. Previously taught concepts such as tone production, posture, embouchure, hand position, music reading and interpretation and concert etiquette will reviewed as well as more advance technical study being taught.

Students will be required to play all twelve major scales as written in the Fussel book in 90 seconds or less by the end of the year.

All Learner Outcomes mandated by the Washington State OSPI can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Attendance: Students will lose one percent of their grade for each unexcused absence and three unexcused tardies. Rehearsal Expectations: Students are expected to be in their seat, ready to play with their instrument, reeds, sticks, valve oil, music and pencil one minute after the tardy bell rings. Tardies are dealt with in the MYD system. Students will receive 5 daily points totaling 50% of their grade for participating in class (having instrument and materials is key to this) and staying on task. I will be helping to keep all students accountable in this process.

Assessment/Evaluation: Students will be graded using the following system: Note: Tests must be played on the day the test is due. Students may retest for a better grade.

Participation 50%

• Includes having instrument, materials, good attitude, and being on task, and general daily attendance/participation

Performance and Assessment 50%

• Includes homework, playing tests, monthly instrument checks, in-class assignments, concerts/parades/miscellaneous performances

Students missing a performance due to an emergency must bring a note from home and then make-up work will be assigned. Missing because of a non-school event will be unexcused and will result in no credit being earned for the performance. Evening performances are a required part of this class.

Playing Requirements

8th Grade Band Students will be held responsible for the following musical concepts:

• Scales All twelve major scales as they appear in the Fussell Book.
• Minor scales as they appear in the Fussell Book through 2 sharps and4 flats.
• Rhythms Review all rhythmic combinations of 16th notes, and multi-meters.
• Increase knowledge of musical terms, expression, theory.

Students will also be given etudes and technical studies to master, which they will be tested on.

Percussionists will work on the basic Rudiments and other assigned percussionexercises as well as timpani, mallet and auxiliary percussion.

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SYLLABUS
Course: 7th Grade Band
Text: Essential Elements 2000- Book 2

Description: 7th Grade Band is a continuation of the previous year of study on a musical instrument. Previously taught concepts such as tone production, posture, embouchure, hand position, music reading and interpretation and concert etiquette will reviewed as well as more advance technical study being taught. Students will be required to play 8 major scales (#1-4, and #8-12 in the Fussel book) in 90 seconds by the end of the year.

All Learner Outcomes mandated by the Washington State OSPI can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Attendance: Students will lose one percent of their grade for each unexcused absence and three unexcused tardies. Rehearsal Expectations: Students are expected to be in their seat, ready to play with their instrument, reeds, sticks, valve oil, music and pencil one minute after the tardy bell rings. Tardies are dealt with in the MYD system. Students will receive 5 daily points totaling 50% of their grade for participating in class (having instrument and materials is key to this) and staying on task. I will be helping to keep all students accountable in this process.

Assessment/Evaluation: Students will be graded using the following system: Note: Tests must be played on the day the test is due. Students may retest for a better grade.

Participation 50%

• Includes having instrument, materials, good attitude, and being on task, and general daily attendance/participation

Performance and Assessment 50%

• Includes homework, playing tests, monthly instrument checks, in-class assignments, concerts/parades/miscellaneous performances

Students missing a performance due to an emergency must bring a note from home and then make-up work will be assigned. Missing because of a non-school event will be unexcused and will result in no credit being earned for the performance. Evening performances are a required part of this class.

Playing Requirements

7th Grade Band Students will be held responsible for the following musical concepts:

• Scales: *Major scales through 4 sharps and 4 flats as they appear in the Fussell Book.
• Rhythms: *Review all rhythmic combinations of 8th and 16ths.
• Increase knowledge of musical terms.

Students will also be given etudes and technical studies to master, which they will be tested on.

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SYLLABUS
Course: 6th Grade Band
Text: Essential Elements 2000-Book 1

Description: Students will learn the basics of playing a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. This includes correct embouchure, hand position, posture and breath support as well as knowledge of note names, rhythms and musical terms. Students will be required to play 4 major scales by the end of the year.

All Learner Outcomes mandated by the Washington State OSPI can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Attendance: Students will lose one percent of their grade for each unexcused absence and three unexcused tardies. Rehearsal Expectations: Students are expected to be in their seat, ready to play with their instrument, reeds, sticks, valve oil, music and pencil one minute after the tardy bell rings. Tardies are dealt with in the MYD system. Students will receive 5 daily points totaling 50% of their grade for participating in class (having instrument and materials is key to this) and staying on task. I will be helping to keep all students accountable in this process.

Assessment/Evaluation: Students will be graded using the following system: Note: Tests must be played on the day the test is due. Students may retest for a better grade.

Participation 50%

• Includes having instrument, materials, good attitude, and being on task, and general daily attendance/participation

Performance and Assessment 50%

• Includes homework, playing tests, monthly instrument checks, in-class assignments, concerts/parades/miscellaneous performances

Students missing a performance due to an emergency must bring a note from home and then make-up work will be assigned. Missing because of a non-school event will be unexcused and will result in no credit being earned for the performance. Evening performances are a required part of this class.

Playing Requirements

6th Grade Band Students will be held responsible for the following musical concepts:

• Scales: Major scales up to two sharps and flats
• Rhythms: Rhythmic combinations using 8th notes.
• Increase knowledge of musical terms.

Students will also be given etudes and technical studies to master, which they will be tested on.

What Students will need...

• Instrument
• Book
• Cleaning kit for instrument if possible.
• Brass instruments need valve or slide oil and tuning slide grease.

Available at Chinook Music in E. Wenatchee or Avalon Music in Wenatchee

Other Link