Alief Independent School District
Albright Middle School
Department of Fine Arts
T. Patrick Sloan Sr.
Director of Orchestras / Class Piano / Harp
Cairee Mayfield
Director of Choirs / Class Piano
CLASS PIANO
Handbook
*OVERVIEW - COURSE SYLLABUS *
Supplies / Overview of Grades
Classroom Conduct and Procedures
Objectives
Policies / Expectations / Guidelines
Grading Policy / Use of Property
Parent Acknowledgement
ADMINISTRATION:
Michelle Lopez ……………………………Alief ISD Fine Arts Director
Lori Wyatt ……………………..……..Albright Middle School Principal
Monica Jones……….……………………………..……...Asst. Principal
Alicia Kerr …...…………………….……….…..…..…….Asst. Principal
Harold Veracoechea…………………………….....….…..Asst. Principal
SUCCESS IS THE ROAD WE TRAVEL EACH NEW DAY!
ALBRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL
PIANO KEYBOARD CLASS
Welcome to Piano Keyboard Class!
SUPPLIES: You are responsible for your materials!
You MUST have your current unit of study every day. One copy will be provided for you. If you
lose your copy, you are responsible for replacing your lost lessons. Units are 8 pages each. You
will either copy it yourself or you can borrow one from a classmate and copy it. If you lose your
copy that the teacher gives you, you may borrow one from the teacher. Every time you borrow
from the teacher disciplinary action ranging from points off of your rehearsal technique grade to
detention to office referral and phone call home.
Lessons - Current Unit of Piano Study
AVID Binder
Piano Handbook
Pencil
OVERVIEW OF GRADES:
Your keyboard grade will be based on the following:
• 15% “Other” - Material Check and AVID Binder Checks
• 35% “Minor” - Daily In-Class Practice (Rehearsal Technique) – You will study music
theory, sight-reading, sight-singing, counting, clapping, music history, and many other class
activities in which you must actively participate. These activities will all be completed in class
and you are responsible for keeping track of all materials in your folder. Keyboard work will
include units in the computer software and up to 10 Unit lessons from “The Older Beginner Piano
Course” by James Bastien - Level 1, Other Supplemented Materials, and worksheets.
• 50% “Major” Tests – Tests will be given periodically covering the material discussed and
practiced
in class. These will include theory, sight-reading, history, and keyboard quizzes.
• 50% “Major” Playing Tests – In order to move to a new song or new UNIT, each student will
need to perform songs for Mr. Mayfield.
• Surprise Quizzes or Tests
CLASSROOM CONDUCT AND PROCEDURES GUIDELINES:
KEEP FLOOR CLEAN AT ALL TIMES
• Be ready to start class on time; at the sounding of the tardy bell.
• You MUST have your materials ready for learning with your
ID and proper dress at the beginning of each class meeting.
• Respect classroom equipment and personal belongings of others.
• Return materials to their appropriate place at the end of the class period.
• Wait to be dismissed by the teacher and push in your seat before leaving.
• Students will not leave class. Take care of personal needs before class.
ALBRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL
CLASS PIANO - KEYBOARD CLASS
Objectives:
At the end of this 18 week course, the student will have studied
and learned about the following, and should be able to:
• Properly clean and care for electronic keyboard equipment.
• Demonstrate understanding of the grand staff.
• Identify the piano keys using the musical alphabet.
• Name, clap, count, and play simple rhythm patterns.
• Transfer notation from the grand staff to the piano keyboard.
• Identify and demonstrate common time signatures.
• Identify and demonstrate knowledge of common key signatures.
• Identify and apply musical symbols and terms appropriately.
• Identify and perform five-finger pentatonic scales and major scales.
• Demonstrate and perform using correct hand posture and positioning.
• Play songs using independent left and right hands together
• Play music while keeping a steady beat.
• Play I-IV-V7 chords in the keys of C major, (G major and F major)
• Develop independent practice skills and perform individually.
• Identify common styles and cultures of music along with their respective uses.
• Utilize various electronic keyboard voices in appropriate styles
• Compose and record using electronic keyboard features
• Utilize various electronic keyboard drum and percussion features.
• Construct a major scale using whole-step half-step pattern.
• Identify leading piano composers represented by compositions.
• Develop listening skills and identify simple song forms.
• Explain the history and development of the piano.
• Demonstrate audience etiquette
• Perform prepared solos along with classmates.
• Compose an original composition.
SUCCESS IS THE ROAD WE TRAVEL EACH NEW DAY!
Classroom Policies-Expectations-Guidelines:
Proper behavior in the music room is constantly expected and is an essential part of the success
for music class. This is your music class. Problems will absolutely be solved immediately and in
short order so that the entire class will positively benefit. It is expected that all music students
will strive to represent Albright Middle School in a dignified manner while participating in
extracurricular events, as well as while practicing in class. All students will obey the code of
conduct found in the district handbook. Regarding the Albright “Guidelines for Success” which
was first implemented by former Principal – Joe Dombrowsky, known as R3; when you follow
these Albright Middle School guidelines, I guarantee that you will be successful, not only at
Albright Middle School, but also wherever you go and whatever you do. Team players must
bring enthusiasm each new day with a positive attitude. Courtesy to all substitutes, teachers, staff,
parents, and students is continually expected.
CLASSROOM GUIDELINES:
Refer to classroom Treatment Agreements
CONSEQUENCES:
1st OFFENSE - Warning - Grade/Conduct Deduction
2nd OFFENSE - Student Conference – Grade/Conduct Deduction - Make Parent
Contact
3rd OFFENSE – Teacher Detention and or Time Out (Removal from instruction)
4th OFFENSE – Parent Conference and Office Referral
POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES:
These will happen A LOT more than the other consequences. I love to have
movie time on Friday and even MAYBE occasionally bring snacks depending on
the class.
Alief ISD Grading Percentage Policy
Students are not asked to purchase pianos, although it is a definite
advantage. Group rates on a keyboard kit are available from THE
GUITAR CENTER. Details are available upon request. All activities
are hands-on, in-class activities. Students are expected to be ON
TASK 100 % of the class time. “Bell to Bell instruction” is the
Albright Expectation.
Students will demonstrate the essential elements of musical etiquette,
stage presence, and public performance demeanor. Expectations,
behaviors, and curriculum as outlined in the Alief Independent School
District Curriculum Guide for Middle School Piano – Keyboards Class.
State Property
Students and Parents are responsible for any kind of damage, intentional or
otherwise, to A.I.S.D. musical equipment, furniture, and other property.
The Alief Independent School District statements regarding Texas State
Property can be found in the Articles / Sections of the current Parent and
Student Handbook for Middle Schools “Student Code of Conduct”.
Texas laws pertaining to “Offenses against Property” are outlined in the
Texas Penal Code // Title 7 // Sections // 28.04 - 28.08 which are handled
through the Alief ISD Police, The Houston Police Dept., The Harris Co.
Sheriff’s Dept. and the Harris County District Court of Juvenile Justice. The
piano faculty and Albright Administration will see to it that students found
damaging pianos or other state property will be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF ALL SCHOOL PROPERTY / EQUIPMENT
INCLUDING THE ALBRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL KEYBOARD LAB.
ALBRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL - CLASS PIANO PROGRAM
I, (STUDENT)_____________________________________have read the Keyboarding
Class Piano Policies, Expectations and Guidelines, and the Alief ISD Student Handbook
for Middle Schools “Code of Conduct” and hereby agree to abide by these policies. I
understand the importance of supporting this program through class attendance,
participating in class, practicing quietly in class, utilizing courtesy so that I do not
disrupt others, and other activities for which I am responsible. I will continually display
good behavior and a positive attitude as a representative of the Class Piano program
and Albright Middle School and Alief Independent School District. I also understand that
participation in Fine Arts in Alief I.S.D. is a privilege and that if I abuse this privilege I
shall be removed from the program. If I lose my copy, I am responsible for the
replacement of the text materials provided to me which I must have EACH CLASS
DAY at a cost of $1.25 per Unit. As a member of the Albright Middle School Piano Class,
I hereby acknowledge that “Success is the Road We Travel Each New Day”, and that
“EXCELLENCE IS OUR TRADITION”. I will strive for excellence throughout my
participation individually, and as a team player.
________________________________________ _____________
STUDENT”S SIGNATURE DATE
__________________________, ________________________________
PARENT PHONE CONTACT Home phone
__________________________, _________________________
alternate number more phone numbers
_______________________________@__________________________________
_______________________________@__________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESSES
PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have received and have read the “Albright Class Piano Handbook - Policies,
Expectations and Guidelines” for the current school year. I assume full responsibility for
my child’s actions and I give my child permission to use the class piano keyboard lab.
I have listed my contact information above and do acknowledge receipt of the
Class Piano Handbook and Policies for Albright Middle School
Parent Signature __________________________________ ____________
Date
_______________________________
Director’s Signature
_______________________________ ____________________________
Director’s Signature Electives Principal Signature
