High Schoolers High School

Instrumental Music Handbook

🦕
Mr. Michael Behnke
(555) 555-5555
michaelscott@dundermifflin.org
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Dunder Mifflin HS instrumental music program is to build students into fine

musicians and members of society through memorable experiences, hard work, and an

appreciation for music.

Table of Contents
Biography 2

Courses 2

Performance Attire 3

Behavior Plan 4

Grading Scale 4

Calendar 5

Music and Repair Stores 5

Student Information Sheet 6

Contract 6
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Biography

Michael Behnke is a senior Instrumental Music Education major at Towson University.

His primary instrument is the horn, and he is an active member of the Towson University Wind
Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Symphony, as well as NAfME. As a teacher, I hope
to contribute to students' academic, personal, and musical growth, by providing them with the
resources and guidance to excel. Along with this, Michael firmly believes in building
relationships with students to understand their individual needs and provide accommodations for
different learning styles.

Courses

Period A Day B Day

1 Wind Ensemble Chamber Strings

2 Percussion Ensemble Planning

3 Planning Symphonic Band

4 AP Music Theory Steel Drum

Wind Ensemble is our upper-level band, consisting of brass, woodwinds, and percussion. The

literature given to these students is quite challenging, making a goal of ours to refine their skills

for a high level of performance.

Percussion Ensemble consists of the exploration of percussion instruments, and refining

techniques on each one. Students have the opportunity to perform on mallet and auxiliary

instruments, building the etiquette and technique for each one.

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AP Music Theory is an academic class focused on exploring the fundamentals of music and ear

training. Students will practice audiation, sight singing, chord analysis, and structure,

culminating in the AP test in May.

Chamber Strings is a class for developing strings students, in which the focus is primarily on

technique and tone production.

Symphonic Band is a class for developing winds and percussionists, in which the focus is on

building the basics of the instruments and identifying their strengths and weakness to build a

strong program.

Steel Drum is a class combined with an extracurricular class where students learn how to play

steel pans and the culture, origins, and style of the music.

Performance Attire
Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Symphonic Band: All Black. This

could include: Black dress shirt, black suit jacket, black socks, black tie, black shoes, black

sweater, black pants, black dress, and black blouse.

*All pants or dresses must be longer than knee length*

Steel Drum: Steel Drum class shirt, khaki pants or shorts.

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Behavior Plan
It is expected that under no circumstances should a student treat the teacher, their peers,

instruments, or classroom environment with disrespect or hostility. Failure to do this will result

in:

1. Verbal Warning (with the possibility of staying after class to discuss actions).

2. Dismissal from the room or assignment of an alternative activity, for which zero points

will be given for the day.

3. Parent communication

4. Conference with administrator

Grading Scale
Performances (20%): Students are required to attend all performances unless early notification of

an excused absence or a sudden emergency.

Playing Tests (20%): These are playing tests assigned to be completed at home or in school.

Tests will always be recorded unless there is a need to complete them in person.

Final (15%): Students will present their knowledge retained throughout the year and complete

the final.

Classwork (40%): Some classwork will be written and collected for a grade. Other times it is

active participation in the classroom, as well as a clear indication of effort.

Attendance (5%): Students are expected to attend each class, bringing their instruments,

accessories, music, and a pencil.

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Calendar

Class Event Date

Everyone First Day of Classes 9/5

All Bands and Orchestras Fall Concert 10/19

All Bands Winter Concert 12/14

All Orchestras Winter Concert 12/15

Wind Ensemble County Adjudication 3/15

Symphony Orchestra County Adjudication 3/16

Everyone Tri-M Induction 5/17 (Prior to Concert)

All Bands, Percussion Spring Concert 5/17

Ensemble

Strings, Steel Drum Spring Concert 5/18

Music and Repair Stores

Music and Arts

(Store Info)

Menchey Music

(Store Info)

Baltimore Brass

(Store Info)
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Student Information Sheet

Student Name ________________________Instrument_________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name(s)_________________________________________________________

Student email_________________________Parent email_______________________________

Parent Phone number(s)________________ ___________________ ____________________

Student’s favorite type of music/song/group__________________________________________

Hobbies/interest________________________________________________________________

Anything else I should know about you?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Contract
Turn this page in to me by September 12th

I have read the entire High Schoolers High School Program Handbook and agree to follow all the
rules and procedures presented in it. I also am aware of all relevant dates. I understand that if I
fail to meet any of the expectations presented in this book I face band suspension, grade
reduction, or possible dismissal from this ensemble.

Student Name__________________________________________________________________

Student Signature_________________________________________________Date__________

Parent Signature__________________________________________________Date__________