COURSE SYLLABUS – Rock Band/Studio Music Ensemble

                                          Room#: 2-107                                     Grade Level: 9-12      

                                   Course Credit: 1 credit                           Prerequisite: Audition

                             Instructor: Dean Marino                                 E-mail: Dean.Marino@marion.k12.fl.us  

Course Description:

Rhythm section ensembles focused on commercial music performance genres and recording techniques.

Prerequisites:

• Overall GPA: 3.0
• Audition and/or approval from instructor

General course objectives

• Develop the practical skills necessary to work as a professional musician
• Expose the student to a variety of commercial music genres

Instructional Outline 

• Classroom meetings
• Daily rehearsals
• Live performances, on & off-campus
• recording skills and performance
• Business skills required for the professional musician

Rock Band is a performance-focused course. Students WILL:

• practice outside of class
• have excellent attendance
• be prepared to rehearse in class everyday
• participate in all mandatory performances

Course Objectives

          Students will demonstrate proficiency in these basic skills:

• understand a variety of musical notation styles, including but not limited to:
  • chord charts
  • traditional musical notation
  • Nashville number system
  • etc.
• demonstrate improvisational skills via their knowledge of musical theory as well as detailed study of great musicians
• understand the nuances of all genres of popular music
• have a keen knowledge of their function in a rhythm section
• understand stage performance techniques that captivate an audience
• apply show-band choreography when musically appropriate
• efficiently communicate in professional musical terms
• apply sound rehearsal techniques
• understand basic set-up and function of sound equipment for both rehearsals & performances
• sing backup vocals anywhere required while playing their primary instrument
• learn a secondary instrument

Performances, participation and promptness guidelines. Students will:

• participate in all scheduled activities in their entirety:
  • loading equipment
  • Set-up
  • Performance
  • Tear down
  • unloading equipment
• understand that once a performance is scheduled participation is mandatory.
• understand the severity of missing any scheduled performance. The nature of commercial music ensembles imposes a great responsibility on each member of the band toward the overall sound and performance. Each absence affects not only you, but the entire ensemble as well as the audience that has taken the time to attend the concert.

Mandatory Performances and Technical Rehearsals

All Rock Band members MUST participate in the following concerts and technical rehearsals or be subject to removal from Rock Band/Studio Music class:

• Winter Concert and Technical Rehearsal (2 nights)
• Original Un-plugged Concert (1 Night)
• Spring Concert and Technical Rehearsal (2 nights)

Summary: 

• Rock Band class was created to teach the real world application of musical skills.
• Students will attain both the musical and business acumen in order for them to participate in a music career at professional levels.
• Guitar players and bass players must their own instruments, cables, picks, effects and supplies.  Amplification will be provided.
• Drummers and keyboardists may use instruments provided.
• Students are encouraged to use ear-plugs

Grading category breakdown:

• Homework assignments - 10%
• Class participation, performances, presentations, and work habits - 50%
• Projects and tests - 40%

Items used for grade calculations:

• written projects  
• student class presentations
• daily work habits
• rehearsal preparedness
• performance

Criteria for grades:

     Weekly Work Habits

     Rock Band Rubric

• proficiency in the course objectives.
• preparation – students will be know their parts for assigned materials and be prepared to perform them when assigned.
• punctuality – students must be ready to perform at the beginning of all rehearsals and performances.

Professionalism

• Students will display a positive/professional attitude at all rehearsals and performances.
• Students will keep all personal and school-owned equipment in good order and rehearsal rooms ready and prepared for the next band's usage.