Course Syllabus
5 Dear Parents and/or Guardians of Band Students, Aug. 8th, 2023
Hello! Welcome to Band at Canby High School! I’m excited to meet you and help you on your musical endeavors!
In order to help you better support your musical experience, I have put together a syllabus of important information for your review. To find additional information about the band log on to www.canbyhighschoolband.weebly.com
A music program cannot thrive without parent support. The CHS Music Department and Music Boosters asks for your support in the following ways:
I am honored to be working with Canby High School students. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.
Musically yours,
Nick Luchterhand
CHS Band Director
Course Syllabus and Classroom Procedures
Canby High School
Course: Band, Rm #805
Instructor: Nick Luchterhand
Contact Info: Email: [email protected] / Phone: 503-263-7170 ext. 5855
Course Description:
In band, students learn how to play an instrument in the ensemble setting. Students display their progress through performances throughout the year including concerts, parades, and festival competitions. There will also be various individual playing quizzes throughout the trimester.
Jazz Band- Jazz band students will develop different skills as musicians than in a traditional concert band. These students will also be learning different music genres, improvisation, scale and chord study, and ear training. They will display their skills in multiple performances and competitions throughout the school year.
Freshman Band- This ensemble is designed to continue the work that has already began in middle school. Students are required at least two years experience on a band instrument to join. Students will display their skills in four concerts during the school year, at least two competitions, and individual playing quizzes.
Concert Band- This ensemble is designed to be the stepping stone between Freshman band and Wind Ensemble. Students are required at least three years experience on a band instrument to join. Students will display their skills in five concerts during the school year, at least one competition, and individual playing quizzes.
Wind Ensemble- This is the top performing group that students are allowed to join by audition only. Auditions will will be held at the end of the school year. Students must have at least three years experience on their instrument. This ensemble competes in at least three competitions throughout the year and represents Canby high school in the league and potentially state band festivals. If you have any questions about audition music, see Mr. Luchterhand for more information.
Materials:
Students must bring EVERY DAY: Instrument, pencil, music book, music binder/folder, and sheet music provided by Mr. Luchterhand
Attendance/Tardy Policy
1) 1st Offense: If a student is tardy, they must sign in on the sign in sheet inside the band room door.
2) 2nd Offense: One on one talk with Mr. L to figure what needs to happen.
3) 3rd Offense: Referral to the office and communication with families
Restroom Policy:
Class Rules/Expectations:
Parent/Teacher Communication:
Teachers will contact parents/guardians to share good news concerning their student’s educational growth or to discuss behaviors or work habits that might cause the student difficulty in class. Students are to meet outside of class time with the teacher to discuss questions or concerns related to class. If this contact does not resolve the issue, students are welcome to contact the principal or school counselor. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers through e-mail or by phone when they have questions or concerns.
Assignments:
Summative Assessments: Performances/concerts and formal individual playing tests
Formative Assessments: Informal individual playing quizzes, scales quizzes, practice records (for freshman)
Missed Work/Retakes:
In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to get any missed work from the teacher. If a student would like to retake a summative assessment, they will need to come in either before or after school to play for me individually within two weeks of the missed assignment.
Concert Attendance:
A performance calendar is included in this packet for your reference. Attendance at performances is required unless otherwise stated and is part of the “Summative Assessment” portion of the grade. If a student has a prior commitment, his/her band teacher must be notified in writing PRIOR to the performance and a make-up assignment will be given.
Freshman Band & Concert Band Attire:
Freshman Band/Concert Band- The concert uniform is either black pants, a white collared long-sleeved shirt, black shoes and black socks, and a tie (generally guys). Or, wear all black (generally girls either a black dress, or a black skirt/pants and black shirt). Girls are required to wear plain black nylons or tights with skirts or dresses and are asked to make modest choices in their attire.
Wind Ensemble Attire- Wind Ensemble- Students will be fitted to either a tuxedo or dress at the beginning of the trimester. This tuxedo will include a jacket, pants, bow-tie, and cumber bun. Students will need to provide their own white collared long-sleeve shirt, black shoes and black socks if they choose to wear a tuxedo. Students will need to provide their own black shoes if they wear a dress. Flats or heels are fine.
Repairs:
It is sometimes necessary to take instruments in to be repaired. Repairs are usually relatively inexpensive and make a significant difference in the playability of an instrument. If you are renting your instrument from a music store, the repair cost is often included in the monthly rental fee. We recommend Wally's Music Shop (607 Washington St. Oregon City, OR 97045 / 503-656-5323) or Canby Music (590 NW 1st Ave. Canby, OR 97013. 503-263-2263) for repairs and supplies purchases.
Supplies:
Specific supplies are needed for each instrument to ensure the instrument is properly maintained. PLEASE have your student check to be sure he/she has all of the required supplies. In addition, it is strongly recommended that each student download a tuner, and a metronome (electronic beat-keeping device).
FLUTE: Polishing cloth, cleaning wand/tuning rod, soft and thin cloth to be used with the cleaning wand
CLARINET/SAXOPHONE: cleaning swab, cork grease, at least 4 reeds (to be replenished throughout the year as they are fragile and break often).
BRASS INSTRUMENTS (trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, tuba): Valve Oil (Slide Oil for trombone), Slide Grease. Recommended for cleaning and maintenance: Mouthpiece Brush, Snake (for cleaning).
PERCUSSION: Stick bag, Snare sticks, Bell Mallets, Practice Drum Pad, metronome.
Hello! Welcome to Band at Canby High School! I’m excited to meet you and help you on your musical endeavors!
In order to help you better support your musical experience, I have put together a syllabus of important information for your review. To find additional information about the band log on to www.canbyhighschoolband.weebly.com
A music program cannot thrive without parent support. The CHS Music Department and Music Boosters asks for your support in the following ways:
- Attendance at concerts and music events (a performance schedule for the year is at the end of this letter).
- Donation of time to the music department through chaperoning trips, working in the classroom, setting up/tearing down concerts, and/or helping with the planning of events.
- Being a part of the monthly Music Booster meetings every second Tuesday of the month.
I am honored to be working with Canby High School students. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.
Musically yours,
Nick Luchterhand
CHS Band Director
Course Syllabus and Classroom Procedures
Canby High School
Course: Band, Rm #805
Instructor: Nick Luchterhand
Contact Info: Email: [email protected] / Phone: 503-263-7170 ext. 5855
Course Description:
In band, students learn how to play an instrument in the ensemble setting. Students display their progress through performances throughout the year including concerts, parades, and festival competitions. There will also be various individual playing quizzes throughout the trimester.
Jazz Band- Jazz band students will develop different skills as musicians than in a traditional concert band. These students will also be learning different music genres, improvisation, scale and chord study, and ear training. They will display their skills in multiple performances and competitions throughout the school year.
Freshman Band- This ensemble is designed to continue the work that has already began in middle school. Students are required at least two years experience on a band instrument to join. Students will display their skills in four concerts during the school year, at least two competitions, and individual playing quizzes.
Concert Band- This ensemble is designed to be the stepping stone between Freshman band and Wind Ensemble. Students are required at least three years experience on a band instrument to join. Students will display their skills in five concerts during the school year, at least one competition, and individual playing quizzes.
Wind Ensemble- This is the top performing group that students are allowed to join by audition only. Auditions will will be held at the end of the school year. Students must have at least three years experience on their instrument. This ensemble competes in at least three competitions throughout the year and represents Canby high school in the league and potentially state band festivals. If you have any questions about audition music, see Mr. Luchterhand for more information.
Materials:
Students must bring EVERY DAY: Instrument, pencil, music book, music binder/folder, and sheet music provided by Mr. Luchterhand
Attendance/Tardy Policy
1) 1st Offense: If a student is tardy, they must sign in on the sign in sheet inside the band room door.
2) 2nd Offense: One on one talk with Mr. L to figure what needs to happen.
3) 3rd Offense: Referral to the office and communication with families
Restroom Policy:
- The “ten ten rule”- The student may not leave the classroom during the first or last ten minutes of class. Otherwise, I’m fairly understanding of student’s bladders.
Class Rules/Expectations:
- Enter class with a positive attitude and be ready to learn.
- Participate daily in required activities to the best of your ability.
- Work with your teacher and your peers to cultivate an atmosphere of respect, support, and encouragement.
- Treat school property and other students’ belongings with respect (I.E. be nice to the instruments and music)
- No food, drink (besides water) or gum is allowed.
Parent/Teacher Communication:
Teachers will contact parents/guardians to share good news concerning their student’s educational growth or to discuss behaviors or work habits that might cause the student difficulty in class. Students are to meet outside of class time with the teacher to discuss questions or concerns related to class. If this contact does not resolve the issue, students are welcome to contact the principal or school counselor. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers through e-mail or by phone when they have questions or concerns.
Assignments:
Summative Assessments: Performances/concerts and formal individual playing tests
Formative Assessments: Informal individual playing quizzes, scales quizzes, practice records (for freshman)
Missed Work/Retakes:
In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to get any missed work from the teacher. If a student would like to retake a summative assessment, they will need to come in either before or after school to play for me individually within two weeks of the missed assignment.
Concert Attendance:
A performance calendar is included in this packet for your reference. Attendance at performances is required unless otherwise stated and is part of the “Summative Assessment” portion of the grade. If a student has a prior commitment, his/her band teacher must be notified in writing PRIOR to the performance and a make-up assignment will be given.
Freshman Band & Concert Band Attire:
Freshman Band/Concert Band- The concert uniform is either black pants, a white collared long-sleeved shirt, black shoes and black socks, and a tie (generally guys). Or, wear all black (generally girls either a black dress, or a black skirt/pants and black shirt). Girls are required to wear plain black nylons or tights with skirts or dresses and are asked to make modest choices in their attire.
Wind Ensemble Attire- Wind Ensemble- Students will be fitted to either a tuxedo or dress at the beginning of the trimester. This tuxedo will include a jacket, pants, bow-tie, and cumber bun. Students will need to provide their own white collared long-sleeve shirt, black shoes and black socks if they choose to wear a tuxedo. Students will need to provide their own black shoes if they wear a dress. Flats or heels are fine.
Repairs:
It is sometimes necessary to take instruments in to be repaired. Repairs are usually relatively inexpensive and make a significant difference in the playability of an instrument. If you are renting your instrument from a music store, the repair cost is often included in the monthly rental fee. We recommend Wally's Music Shop (607 Washington St. Oregon City, OR 97045 / 503-656-5323) or Canby Music (590 NW 1st Ave. Canby, OR 97013. 503-263-2263) for repairs and supplies purchases.
Supplies:
Specific supplies are needed for each instrument to ensure the instrument is properly maintained. PLEASE have your student check to be sure he/she has all of the required supplies. In addition, it is strongly recommended that each student download a tuner, and a metronome (electronic beat-keeping device).
FLUTE: Polishing cloth, cleaning wand/tuning rod, soft and thin cloth to be used with the cleaning wand
CLARINET/SAXOPHONE: cleaning swab, cork grease, at least 4 reeds (to be replenished throughout the year as they are fragile and break often).
BRASS INSTRUMENTS (trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, tuba): Valve Oil (Slide Oil for trombone), Slide Grease. Recommended for cleaning and maintenance: Mouthpiece Brush, Snake (for cleaning).
PERCUSSION: Stick bag, Snare sticks, Bell Mallets, Practice Drum Pad, metronome.