Percussion Class (239-0-1)

Instructors

David B Fodor
224.578.2310
Office Hours: By Appointment

Meeting Info

Regenstein Hall of Music 011: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:20PM

Overview of class

The purpose of this course is to prepare you to teach percussion in the public schools. As a result of taking this class you should be able to:

Teach percussion to beginners through high school level students.
Diagnose and fix technique problems that your percussion students may have.
Demonstrate how to play a wide variety of percussion instruments with good tone and technique so that you can model for your students.
List and identify the standard texts and methods available for teaching concert percussion instruments and drum set.
Understand the proper care and maintenance of percussion instruments
Manage all aspects of a percussion section in the rehearsal/performance environment of a school setting, including inventory, purchase, and storage of equipment.
Recognize challenges that composers may pose to percussionists.
Analyze and prepare a part for rehearsal and performance.
Pass the music education department proficiency requirements.

Evaluation Method

Class Participation - 20%
Binder Organization* - 10%
Assignments - 30% total

Teaching Demonstration - 10%
Reading & Reflection 1 - 5%
Observation & Reflection 2 - 5%
Reading & Reflection 3 - 5%
Observation & Reflection 4 - 5%

Midterm Exam - 20%
Final Exam - 20%

*3-Ring Binder: Each student will keep a notebook that contains notes from assigned readings; notes from class; completed assignments; and handout materials. The notebook should be organized with divider tabs so that it can be easily used for future reference.

Students are expected to attend every class. One unexcused absence is granted without penalty. Any additional unexcused absence will result in the lowering of half of a letter grade. Absences are excused in the case of an illness (with doctors note) or family/personal emergency. Be on time and ready to go when the class begins. Factor in set up time with instruments; allow roughly five minutes of prep time. The classroom (when in person) is available for set-up thirty minutes prior to the start of class. Any tardiness will be factored into your daily participation grade. Three offenses will result in the lowering of half of a letter grade.

NU Grading Scale:
94.00 - 100.00 = A
90.00 - 93. 99 = A-
87.00 - 89.99 = B+
83.00 - 86.99 = B
80.00 - 82.99 = B-
77.00 - 79.99 = C+
73.00 - 76.99 = C
70.00 - 72.99 = C-
65.00 - 69.99 = D
0.00 - 64.99 = F
Don't get a D. Don't get an F. If you feel you are in trouble, let me know!

Note: Final grades for the quarter cannot be given until all the percussion kits have been safely returned to the band office.

Class Materials (Required)

Percussion Methods Textbook - Available for purchase at the Norris Bookstore

Percussion Methods: An Essential Source for Educators, Conductors, and Students

Percussion Equipment Kit (bells, practice pad, and stand) - Available from Band Office for no fee
Sticks & Mallets - 1 pr. Vic Firth - SDl "general" snare drumsticks, 1 pr. Vic Firth - Tl American Custom Timpani Mallets, 1 pr. Malletech Bob Becker BB34 Medium Rattan Xylo/Bell Mallets "Becker Blues" (purchase info and mallets available from the instructor)
3-ring Binder with Dividers - will be used to catalogue all notes, supplemental readings, and handouts. Students are expected to bring the practice pad, sticks, and percussion handbook to every class.
Pencil - ALWAYS BRING ONE TO CLASS