Jazz Band Syllabus

West Gate K8 2018-2019

Zachary Maes – Jazz Band Director
zachary.maes@stlucieschools.org
772-807-7600 ext. 8217

Course Description
Jazz Band is designed to expose students to the world of jazz music and jazz history. Below are some
of the skills and areas of knowledge that we will focus on in this class:
 Daily exercises to develop music reading skills (note names, counting, etc.)
 Daily exercises to facilitate good tone and breathing technique.
 Skills to develop technique and facility on your instrument (scales, arpeggios, etc.)
 Time daily to support the muscle memory needed perform on an instrument.
 Performance etiquette (behavior and dress)
 Listening and group performance skills (analyzing, problem solving, teamwork)
 Study of jazz history, recordings, and culture.
 Skills and technique specific to jazz music and jazz instruments.

1. Students must have the following materials with them in class on a daily basis:
i. PENCIL
ii. Book, music, folder
iii. All accessories necessary for playing their instrument
2. Students must come to class prepare to learn, and prepared for the day’s rehearsal.
3. Students will be expected to attend after school rehearsals. Prior written or electronic contact will
be necessary to obtain an excused absence. Rehearsal schedule will be sent home on a future
date. Please contact Mr. Maes for any questions.

Grading and Classroom Policies

Classwork/Homework 25% Daily Rehearsal Participation 25% Playing Tests 25 % Performances 25%

Students may take a playing test over as many times as they wish within a nine-week
grading period to improve their grade. This is done to encourage practice!

There are no make-ups for written work. Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.

Discipline
• First Occurrence, minor problem – Verbal Warning.
• Refusal to respond to Verbal Warning – Time out with assignment/BIR/Discipline
Take-home form.
• Failure to turn in signed discipline take-home form will result in a call home to
parents.
• Continued Disobedience/Danger to Self or Others – Referral to School Authorities.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE

AND RETURN TO MR. MAES BY THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL DAY.
I have read and understand the course expectations and grading policies:

Student Name: ____________________________________________ Grade:_______________

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Parent Name: __________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Daytime Phone: _________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the course expectations and grading policies:

Student Name: ____________________________________________ Grade:_______________

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Parent Name: __________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Daytime Phone: _________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________