Class Description

This band is a performing class open to students in grades 9-12. Students in this class will explore a wide variety of music with daily opportunities to improve technical skill on one's instrument and increase their knowledge of all musical elements and principles. Students in the Symphonic Band will be held to highest musical standards and must demonstrate a willingness to work hard to maintain such standards. Performances include at least 4 concerts a year, as well as state music contests and festivals.

Class Expectations

Attendance

Excellence in performing organizations is dependent on total attendance. An absence, for any reason, hurts the entire organization and compromises the efforts of its members.

Band attendance will be taken at the beginning of every rehearsal. Passes are necessary only to verify excused tardies to class.

Rehearsal

Everyone is required to have their instrument at every rehearsal.  No one shall leave the music room area from a large group rehearsal before the bell has sounded.

Calendar

All of the Unity music activities posted on the web in the fall of the year are required or expected activities. These events are listed on the main school calendar as well as posted on the bulletin board in the music room. Keep and read your calendar, and use it to PLAN AHEAD.

Concerts

Concerts are an expected part of the class activities, and students who miss them may forfeit partial credit for the course.

Concert dress

Concert dress for Symphonic Band consists of black slacks and a white tuxedo shirt with tie and cumberbun. Students purchase their own black pants and black shoes and shoes.

Concert behavior

Student's behavior should reflect the fact that we take pride in all of our music students, and honor each other with our attention. Therefore, students are expected to stay throughout the entire concert.

Class Outline

A. Goals

1. To learn to give God the glory for the talents He has given.
2. To utilize our God given musical tools to the fullest.
3. To share what we have learned with others.
4. To perform our music as excellently as we can.
5. To do all of this by learning to work together and support one another.

B. Organization

1. Membership is open to all high school students who play a band instrument.
2. The Symphonic Band is the top performing group within the high school band department. They represent UCHS in competition at Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Contest and other selected contests/festivals.
3. Instruments of Praise is a select group of individuals who play sacred music in nearby churches throughout the school year.
4. Pep Band is open to all students who desire to support school spirit. Pep Band plays at all home varsity basketball events.

5.  Jazz Band is a select group of students grades 9-12 which plays a couple of times during the school year.

C. Concerts

1. The music departments has an average of four concerts a year--Fall, Christmas, Pops, and Spring.

D. Contests

Unity participates in various contests. These events should be looked on as a valuable tool for musical growth.

a. All-State--The highest achievement a band student can attain in ones high school years.
b. Northwest Iowa Honor Band--top students from the area are selected to perform in a band concert in January.
c. IHSMA Large Group Contest and Solo-Ensemble Contest are held in the spring of every year. The students are encouraged but not required to play in the Solo-Ensemble Contest.

E. Grading

All of the band students will be evaluated on the basis of their effort, attitude, and ability.