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Instructor: Marcus J. Pimpleton Course: Band and Steel Drums
Email mjpimpleton@seattleschools.org Phone: (206) 252-8993
Office Hour: 7:45-9:40 am

About the Instructor
Music Director Marcus Pimpleton is in his 7th year of teaching and his 7th year at Denny Middle School. Mr. Pimpleton received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees from the University of Washington in August of 2002. At the University, Pimpleton served as drum major of the famed Husky Marching Band and president of the Gamma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. In addition to his work at Denny, Mr. Pimpleton serves as director of both the Seattle Public Schools and Federal Way Public Schools All-City Marching Bands. He is also the youth ministry leader and minister of music at Zion United House of Prayer. in Seattle’s central district. As an alumnus of Denny Middle School and Chief Sealth High School, Mr. Pimpleton is very excited about the opportunity to give back to a school that blessed him immensely as a young person.

Standards Taught In This Class
Standard 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music; Standard 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments; Standard 5. Reading and notating music.; Standard 6 Listening to, analyzing, and describing music; Standard 7 Evaluating music and music performances; Standard 8 Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts; Standard 9 Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Course Description
Music classes double as the performing ensembles for the school. Participants will be developing music reading abilities, while preparing pieces for performance in school and community events. Emphasis will be placed on developing good musicianship and rehearsal habits. The learning experiences planned will enable students to view perform pieces from diverse ethnic and cultural groups in order to develop a global perspective. Participation in this class requires participation in two evening concert performances each semester. The dates of the required engagements are provided at the beginning of the term. As a result of this class students will develop musicianship , team building skills, work ethic, and improved perception of self. Additionally studies have demonstrated a connection between the study of music and improvement in other academic areas.

Grading
Category Percentage Points
Classwork— Daily Participation 50% 200 points (20 points per week)
Performances—Concerts/Evening Events 25% 100 points (1-2 events per qtr)
Tests/Quizzes – playing/written tests 12.5% 50 points (2-4 tests per qtr)
*Practice Sheets - homework 12.5% 50 points (5 points per week)

Daily Participation consists of actively participating and demonstrating good rehearsal habits. Students are expected to practice 20-30 minutes daily and to submit a weekly practice sheet signed by a parent or guardian. Practice sheets should be turned in to the inbox on the front table every Monday at the start of class. Practice sheets will not be accepted more than one week late. Practice sheets are not required as a part of the steel drum ensemble. For the steel drum ensemble, Daily Participation is 50% of the grading with performances and tests accounting for 25% each. Extra credit will be awarded to students participating in private lessons, jazz band, or outside music ensembles. For more information please contact the instructor.

Class Rules (The students are expected to)
1. BE SUCCESSFUL! Have high expectations, participate to their fullest ability. Support one another.
2. BE PREPARED TO PARTICIPATE! Come to class prepared with instrument, music and other necessary materials.
3. BE ON TIME! Attend all rehearsals and performances. Be completely in the room by the time the tardy bell rings. Be seated with instrument, warming up on your own within 3 minutes of the bell ringing. Students will be given two restroom passes per semester. Unused restroom passes may be returned at the end of the quarter for extra credit.
4. BE RESPONSIBLE! Follow directions from the teacher the first time without any back talk. Contribute to a positive learning environment by refraining from unnecessary talking or leaving seat. Abide by all other school and district rules.
5. BE RESPECTFUL! Support one another through only positive and constructive criticism. No put downs! Respect the rehearsal space by keeping it neat and clean. Respect the equipment by not using equipment you are not assigned to play.

Required Materials
1. Instrument in working condition
2. Reeds, cork grease, slide valve oil, rosin etc. as appropriate to the instrument.
3. All music handed out over the course of the term.
4. Pencil

Concert Attendance
There will be 1-2 required performances each term, as well as additional optional performances that are strongly encouraged. Two weeks written notice is required for a missed performance, with the exceptions being medical and family emergencies. Each student plays a crucial role in the ensemble.

Performances/Performing Tours/Field Trip Opportunities
Students in the performing ensembles will have opportunities to participate in a number of field trips that other students will not have the opportunity to experience. Additionally, the music department takes one major overnight trip each school year, with some ensembles such as the jazz band, taking multiple trips each year. Student eligibility for participation in music department activities is contingent upon the student’s
• consistent demonstration of good rehearsal habits and participation
• ability to keep up with the requirements of their other classes
• record of appropriate behavior in school and on school related events

The instructor reserves the right to exclude students from performances, field trips and performing tours should there be any doubt or concern about the student’s ability to behave appropriately or keep up with their academic requirements. Appropriate behavior and participation is a prerequisite for inclusion in performances – students failing to meet the prerequisite will not only be excluded from the engagements but will have their grade affected.