6th Grade -- Beginning Band

This course provides Grade 6 students the opportunity to study a band instrument (woodwind, brass, or percussion). Areas of study include the elements of musical form, terms and symbols for music reading, basic music history and theory, composition, tone production, instrument care and maintenance, and the importance of consistent practice habits. Students will perform beginning level music publicly and participation in concerts is mandatory.

6th Grade -- General Band

This course is open to students who have previously acquired proficiency with a wind, brass or percussion instrument. The emphasis is on the continued development of musical performance skills and understanding of instrumental music.All students will be eligible to participate in local and state solo and ensemble festivals.Students will perform MBDA Grade I-II music and participation in concerts is mandatory.Sixth grade students electing General Band will not have Arts Rotation in their schedule.

7th & 8th Grade General Band

This course is for students studying a band instrument at an intermediate level and is a continuation of our beginning or general 6^th grade band program. Students have further opportunities to develop technical proficiency and to improve rehearsal techniques. Students will also acquire a wider vocabulary of musical terms and symbols. Additional experience may be offered in jazz ensemble and/or solo and ensemble performances. Students will perform MBDA Grade I-II music and may participate in local and state festivals. Participation in concerts is mandatory. Placement in this band is by audition and/or approval of the instructor.

Students have further opportunities to develop technical proficiency and improve rehearsal techniques. Wider ranges of dynamics are developed, and the study of harmony and ear-training is introduced. Students learn the characteristics of musical style and begin to acquire a repertoire of band literature.  Students begin to assume leadership roles within the large performing ensemble. Exploratory experiences may be offered in orchestra, jazz ensemble, and solo ensemble performance. Participation in concerts is mandatory. Students will perform MBDA Grade II-III music and participate in local and state festivals. Participation in concerts is mandatory. Placement in this band is by audition and/or the approval of the instructor.  

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