Modern Band Syllabus
Modern Band Syllabus
Modern Band Syllabus
Course overview:
Electric Jam Band is a student-centered ensemble that focuses on a repertoire of popular music
such as rock, pop, reggae, and incorporates playing, songwriting, and composing on ukuleles,
guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, vocals, and computers.
Purpose:
The major emphasis of this course is to develop student creative achievement through the
exploration of a modern band-style ensemble. In addition to developing skills necessary to
perform on ukulele, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, keyboard, drums, vocals and
computers, students will learn peer collaboration and leadership skills through performance and
rehearsal of many contemporary styles of music. Discussion, demonstration, composition, and
performance of all music styles will give students a lifelong appreciation for music and music
making. Students in Electric Jam Band will also be introduced to the art of songwriting. Electric
Jam Band will have performance and concert opportunities throughout the year that feature
student compositions and arrangements.
Text/Materials:
There are no required textbooks for this course. It is suggested that students supply their own
instrument for the class, but they may ask Ms. Casey to lend them a school instrument for the
duration of the course. Students will be financially responsible for any damage to school-
owned instruments. In addition, it is recommended that students utilize the recording function on
their phones or other devices to record portions of the class for home review and select
homework assignments. The following will be supplied by the school for this course:
Requirements/Expectations:
Students are expected to practice the material during the week. Course grades will include
evaluation of a student’s improvement in musicianship and improvisation skills. In addition,
students will be evaluated by the following:
Attendance- Prompt attendance is expected for all classes. After 2 unexcused absences or
tardies, 5 points will be deducted from your final grade with each additional absence
(unless they are excused absences/tardies).
Class Participation: Your final grade will include evaluation on the quality, quantity, and
appropriateness of your contributions to the class. This includes performances, projects,
and rehearsals. All performances are mandatory. Failure of the course will result after a
missed performance.
Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the key components of a modern band ensemble setting and performance
through student-led rehearsals and arrangements.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of popular music repertoire including rock, pop,
and reggae through arrangements, playing videos, and group performances.
3. Demonstrate proficiency on a variety of rock band instruments, vocals, computers, and
styles through ensemble playing, performances, and video assignments.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in improvisation, arrangement, and composition through
songwriting projects and performances.
5. Explain reasoning for selecting certain musical styles, pieces, and arrangements from
online resources through oral communication and written reports.
Assignments:
All assignments will be presented in class and downloadable on Canvas with descriptions,
expectations, and rubrics. They are due on the date specified. Late assignments will be lowered
by 10% for each class period they are late. Special circumstances may be discussed with Ms.
Casey.
Summary of assignments:
Attendance/Participation- 25%
Performances- 30%
Homework/Video Recordings- 20%
Composition/Arrangement/Songwriting Projects- 25%
A- 90-100%
B- 80-89%
C- 70-79%
D- 60-69%
F- 59% or lower
Anticipated lessons:
Group and solo compositions
How to improvise
How to play modern band instruments
Tab reading
Chord charts
Vocals reading
Drum reading
Technology crash course
How to make/select arrangements
Resources for arrangements, compositions, and transcriptions
Designing a modern band performance
Selecting music for modern band
Songwriting
Music theory through modern band