Crockett Piano Syllabus

2016-2017
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VI.

Instructor Annette Von Ahn

School Contact 512-414-7825 choir room, or email
annette.vonahn@austinisd.org
Required Materials
a. Black binder, 1 -2
b. Notebook paper
c. Pencil
Extra Practice Time
Reading music is a skill, like learning a foreign language. It will
take time and practice, and diligence and patience! If you are
new to piano, new to music, or are more advanced and
experienced, and are competing in a solo competition like AllState or UIL; you can develop your piano skills and advance at
Crockett. I will help you! I am available, by appointment, every
day at 8:15 am, or after school until 5:00 pm. Please send me an
email or talk to me during class and Ill work with you on your
music! Remember, Practice never makes perfect; but it does
make possible!
Grading
a. I utilize the 4 point Crockett Rubric system and number grade
conversion chart.
- 10% AVID Organization
- 10% Formative Assessments
- 80% Summative Assessments
b. The 4 Rubric levels are
1: Below Basic Understanding of the skill
- 2: Basic Understanding of the skill
- 3: Proficient at the skill
- 4: Complete mastery of the skill
Assessment Types
a. Diagnostic Assessment: gives me a sense of where the student is
in comprehension, and allows me to assist the student in their
specific areas of need. This does not go in the gradebook.
b. Formative Assessment: gives the students feedback on their
comprehension and helps them improve their skills. These also
help the teacher adjust teaching strategies. Students are still in
the process of learning and mastering the concept or skill.

VII.

c. Summative Assessment: final assessments of total knowledge

gained during a unit. These are our recitals, concert
appearances, or end of unit exams or projects.
Performances
Every six-weeks we will play a solo in class for each other in a
Piano Recital. This is required of all students in my Piano classes;
except those advanced players who opt to perform a solo or
accompany the choir at a Choir Concert. If you would like to do
this, see me right away and we will discuss it. Performing is a
crucial aspect of musicianship; and therefore our performances
are a summative assessment.
Required Performances (Summative Assessments) are as
follows:
1st 6 wks. Tues. 27 Sept.
Crockett Piano Lab
2nd 6 wks. Thurs. 13 Oct.
Crockett PAC

Piano Recital #1
Fall Choir & Piano Concert
(Advanced players

ONLY)
Rehearsal 1:20-4:30
pm, 5:00 pm CALL
Tues. 1 Nov.
Crockett Piano Lab
3rd 6 wks. Mon. 5 Dec.

Concert 6:30 pm
Piano Recital #2
Choose & Prep. Solo & Ensemble
Contest songs

(Intermediate & Advanced

Fri. 9 Dec.

Pianists)
Winter Showcase

Crockett

PAC
(Advanced players
ONLY, I need 3-4 to
Perform between the
Theater Acts)
Thurs. 15 Dec.
Crockett Piano Lab
4th 6 wks. Fri. 13 Jan.
Contest
Thurs. 9 Feb.
for S & E Soloist

Piano Recital #3
Deadline for UIL Solo & Ensemble
Entry fee $10
Voice and Piano #4 Concert

7:30-8:30 pm
Crockett PAC
Sat. 25 Feb.
McCallum HS

UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest

Throughout the

day, times TBD

5th 6 wks. Thurs. 30 Mar.
Crockett Piano Lab
Tues. 4 Apr.
Crockett PAC

Piano Recital #5
Spring Choir & Piano Concert
(Advanced players

ONLY)
Rehearsal 1:20-4:30
pm, 5:00 pm CALL
th

6 6 wks.

Sat. 29 Apr.
Tues. 23 May
Crockett Piano Lab

6:30 pm Concert
Spring Choir/Piano Trip TBD
Piano Recital #6

Audience Members
a. Support the performers by giving their undivided attention,
including silencing their cell phones and leaving them in their
pockets
b. Clap enthusiastically at the end of the performance!
VIII. Make-up Work
Excused absences necessitate that students approach Mrs. Von Ahn to
find out what theyve missed; and ensure that they have all music or
instruction from the previous day.
Unexcused absences may necessitate written make-up work (See Mrs.
Von Ahn)
Things happen, and I understand last minute emergencies. A quick
call, email, or note is appreciated in the event of an emergency. If there is a
planned excused absence from a performance, students will perform for their
classmates in the class prior to the performance date.
IX.

Fees

Austin Independent School District provides a small amount of money to

the piano program each year. However, many of the needs of the piano
program are not covered by this allotment. For example, many pianos
need repair, tuning or general upkeep even at the start of this year. In
addition, new headphones and adaptor Jacks are needed, as well as

pedals. We are trying to secure funding for an audio mixer and controls
so that Mrs. Von Ahn can tune in particular pianists through headphones
with microphones.
The Fair-Share Fee for Piano Students is $40.00; and it and the
Commitment Form are due by Friday, September 16, 2016 at 3:30
pm. This fee can be paid with cash, money order, or a check. Please
make checks payable to Crockett High School Choir and include your
drivers license number and phone number on the check. A receipt will be
written for each transaction and returned to the student.
NOTE: If this fee will cause financial burden, please arrange to meet
with Mrs. Von Ahn to discuss scholarship availability. Please communicate
need before the due date. I can be reached by email at
annette.vonahn@austinisd.org
Again, Fair-Share fees are due by Friday September 16, 2016 at
3:30 pm.