Percussion Techniques  Fall  2007
MUS 211:01  Tues. and Thurs. 8am – 9:15am

Instructor
Rick Cline
Phone Numbers: 328-7147 (secretary), 327-9666 (home) 320-2959 (cell)
e-mail: rickandsummer@charter.net

Objectives
To become well rounded in the educational approach to percussion and to provide basic information about percussion in the classroom.  Also, to learn basic skills in the major areas of percussion.   In addition, to objectively look at past and present teaching methods, and to develop a modern approach to the needs of the student.

General Methodology
Percussion Methods has one purpose, to prepare the future educator.  Students are expected to be prepared for class, and to interact w/ all discussions therein.

Special Requirements

Basic Materials you must own:

• 1 pair of sticks (Vic Firth SD1 Generals)

• Metronome

• Textbooks and Other Required Materials
  Each student must own the “Book of Percussion Pedagogy” by Cort McClaren

• Everyone must have a pencil / paper for each class

Course Outline (everything in bold is for a grade)
Chapter 1 - 6 Common Elements
Chapter 2 - percussion  section
Quiz
Chapter 3 - snare
Playing Quiz
Chapter 4 - Timp.
Playing Quiz
Chapter 5 - mallets
Playing Quiz
Review
Midterm
Chapter 6 - auxillary
Formation of a Percussion Ensemble
Research and Discussion of teaching materials
Demonstrations of one on one instruction
Observation and in class discussion of a local middle school (of your choice)
Review for Final Exam
Performance with in class percussion ensemble: student Recital
Final Written Exam

Method of Evaluation
Students are evaluated based upon their attendance, participation, and attitude.

Attendance
Attendance is required to all class sessions.  Students who must miss class due to serious illness or family emergency should contact the instructor prior to the event. Work, campus clubs, and fraternity or sorority functions are not excusable. A student’s course grade will be lowered for each unexcused absence.

Academic Integrity Policy
Students are expected to comply with the college Academic Integrity Policy.

Expectations and Grading

• Attendance to all classes/rehearsals.

•  Absences are only excused beforehand for whatever reason.

• Be on time to class.

• Be on time to all rehearsals/performance (on time means 5 min. early)

• Bring required materials when needed (textbook, sticks, music, etc.)

• Required practice on 4 areas of percussion (upstairs practice rooms, keys available in    music office)

• Class participation 10% of grade

• Playing Quizes are 5% each

• Midterm exam 10% of final grade

• Final exam 25% of final grade

• Projects: 30% of final grade

  1.) Evaluation of method books
  2.) Observation of a middle school/high school band
  3.) Form a percussion ensemble and perform for a student convo (TBA)

The above list will determine your grade.

More than one class missed will result in the lowering of half a letter grade and each subsequent absence will also result in a half letter grade.  More than 4 absences may result in an “F”.