Varsity Jazz Ensemble

Petaluma High School Varsity Jazz Ensemble

Cliff Eveland, Instrumental Director

Fall Course Syllabus

1. Class participation – participating fully in all class activities at all times, and demonstrating acceptable attitudes and behavior during class time and rehearsals. This includes, but is not limited to: attending class (cuts and unexcused absences will lower your participation grade), being on time (the PHS tardy policy will be enforced), bringing the required materials (instrument, music, etc.), being attentive, being respectful to director and classmates, remaining quiet when not playing with group (not talking or playing), following directions first time asked, and proper playing, clean-up, and care of your instrument and music. 40% of the fall semester grade will be based upon the area of participation.

 

B. Attendance at performances (competitions, concerts) – attendance at all performances is mandatory. The reasons for this are many, but the most important is that the band cannot give its best performance when there are “holes” in the group. Performances are the only real “tests” in a music class; a “test” that cannot be reproduced. All performances must be made-up. There are only three valid and acceptable excuses: PHS SCHOOL RELATED activities (e.g. PHS cheerleading, PHS football, PHS soccer, etc.), a medical doctor’s note, or a death in the family. Any performance missed may be made-up with extra credit work. It is the sole responsibility of the student to remember to make-up any missed performances. 40% of the fall semester grade will be based upon attendance at these events.

 

C. Tests & Bingo set-up – This includes an evaluation of your ability to play individually the required music that we have rehearsed, and/or written tests based on material that is lectured upon during class. Tests will be announced well in advance of the test date. Each student is responsible to work one Bingo set-up during the course of the school year. All Bingo set-ups take place on Saturday at 4:00 PM at Casa Grande High School’s Multi-Purpose Room, and last approximately 30 minutes. 20% of the fall semester grade will be based upon tests and Bingo set-up.

 

Fall Event(s), ( # of)	Point Value		Fall Extra Credit	Point Value
Class Participation (40)	1 point per class = 40		Extra Bingo Set-up	5 points
	Total = 40 points		Winter Concert Set-up	1 to 5 points
Sonoma State Jazz Day	10 points = 10		After School Duty	30 minutes = 1 point
Winter Concert (1)	30 points = 30
(Our “Final Exam”)	Total = 40 points
Bingo Set-up (1)	5 points = 5
Tests (TBD)	15 points = 15
	Total = 20 points
Fall Semester Points	Total Semester = 100

 

Attached to this form you will find a calendar of all the performance dates for the year. Save this calendar to ensure that you are aware of all upcoming performances. It is important for you, and your parents, to recognize the commitment necessary to be in the Varsity Jazz Ensemble. By giving you the calendar at the beginning of the school year, I expect that you will plan your calendar around our performances.

 

More information is available at www.petalumahighmusic.org, or if you need to reach me, my email is cliffeveland@petalumahighmusic.org and the Music Office number is 769-9650. Parents, you are encouraged to get involved: volunteer for bingo, attend performances, chaperone competitions, attend Music Booster meetings.     WE NEED YOUR HELP!