With exception to the grading and attendance policies, information contained in this syllabus may be subject to change with advance notice as deemed necessary.
Course Number
MUS 201, MUS 401, or MUS 501. Section 1
Syllabus
Fall 2008
Instructor
Josh Armstrong, GTA UA Steel Bands
- Office: Music Building, Room 110G
- Phone: 806-773-2155
- E-mail: josarmst@email.arizona.edu
Course Description
The U of A Steel Band program offers any students who show the ability and desire to perform on "pans" an opportunity to explore the traditions of Trinidadian Steel Band Music, as well as classical and popular arrangements and transcriptions.
UA Steel is the top performing ensemble (advanced). Blue Steel is for intermediate players, and Red Steel (when the number of participants warrants a third group) is for beginning players. Through these groups, students are given the opportunity to bring the music of the UA Steel Bands to the community.
Membership and Enrollment
Entrance into the UA Steel Band is by audition only. This audition is held to assess the person's natural music ability. No previous steel band experience is necessary. However, a good sense of rhythm, natural ability to groove, and lyrical flow are a necessity. A basic understanding of notes, scales, and chords will prove helpful in securing a position.
Class Meeting Times
- Set-up/Warm-up: MW, 4:00 - 4:30 pm
- Blue Steel: MW, 4:30 - 6:00pm
- UASteel: MW, 6:15 - 7:45pm
- Individual Practice Time: F, 4 - 6:00pm and Sun, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Class Materials
Instruments and music will be provided to everyone participating in the UA Steel Band Program. Individuals will need to provide their own personal notebook and pencils.
Individuals will be responsible for performance dress: Hawaiian shirt of your choice, khaki pants. No sandals. For formal concert attire, UA Steel may be required to wear black pants with a dress shirt or blouse.
Attendance
Individuals are expected to be on time and attend for the duration of all rehearsals (including dress rehearsal) and performances. Prior notice, at least 24 hours in advance, is required for all absences. For emergency situations, notify the instructor as soon as possible.
After 2 absences, a deduction of 1 letter grade will occur for any additional absences. Excessive absences may affect the performance status of the individual. Failure to attend fall concert and/or dress rehearsal will result in a letter grade of E.
All holidays or special events observed by organized religions will be honored for those students who show affiliation with that particular religion. Absences pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean's designee) will be honored.
Fall 2008 Performance (Gig) Dates (UASteel)
Gig dates to be announced. (Members can find details regarding gigs & performances, including call times and set lists, in the Members' login area.)
Fall 2008 Concert Date (Everyone)
- Sunday, November 30: 7:30 pm. Location: Crowder Hall.
Important Registration Information
Anyone participating in the UA Steel Band program must be enrolled for UA credit in either MUS 201, 401, or 501. September 5 - 15: Registration Cancellation: Unpaid registration will be subject to automatic cancellation nightly. Beginning September 15, students with unpaid registration, or an increase in units, will be assessed the $250.00 Census Date Late Charge.
You should verify your account balance each time you change your registration by checking Student Link, calling the Bursar's Office (520) 621-3131, Office of Curriculum and Registration (520) 621-3113, or Office of Student Financial Aid (520) 621-1858. For all dates and deadlines related to registration of classes: www.em.arizona.edu/datesDeadlines/datesDeadlines.aspx
Reminder to students with special needs who are registered with the S.A.L.T. Center (www.salt.arizona.edu) or the Disability Resource Center (drc.arizona.edu) that you must submit appropriate documentation to the instructor if you are requesting special accomodations.
Student Code of Conduct
The aim of education is the intellectual, personal, social, and ethical development of the individual. The educational process is ideally conducted in an environment that encourages reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, openness to constructive change and respect for the rights of all individuals. Self discipline and a respect for the rights of others in the university community are necessary for the fulfillment of such goals. This Student Code of Conduct is designed to promote this environment at each of the state universities.
The Student Code of Conduct sets forth the standards of conduct expected of students who choose to join the university community.
Students who violate these standards will be subject to disciplinary sanctions in order to promote their own personal development, to protect the university community, and to maintain order and stability on campus.
For further information: http://web.arizona.edu/~studpubs/policies/studcofc.htm
Prohibited Behavior
Threatening Behavior is Prohibited. http://policy.web.arizona.edu/~policy/threaten.shtml
Student Code of Academic Integrity
With exception to the grading and attendance policies, information contained in this syllabus may be subject to change with advance notice as deemed necessary.
