beginning band
Beginning band will develop the scholars' basic instrumental skills. No prior experience or knowledge of music is necessary. Skills learned in the beginning year, will provide a solid foundation upon which the scholar will build as they advance to the developing/intermediate level (7th/8th grade). Through classroom and public performance, each beginner will learn the mechanics of proper sound production, will attain knowledge of basic rhythm and rhythm patterns, will learn basic note reading, and will begin to develop the social skills necessary to function successfully in a large group situation. This band will practice during school hours in a regularly assigned period. There are normally two or three after school performances that are a required portion of the scholar's grade. The first month of school will be utilized in learning to read basic music and introducing the instruments of the band. This time will also be spent allowing students to try the different instruments and picking the best suitable choice for your child. Parents will be notified before a final decision is made on instrument choice and a meeting for parents will be held to assist parents in the procedure to obtain an instrument for your child. This is a year long course and is a pre-requisite for 7th & 8th Grade Developing Band and 8th Grade Advancing Band.
7TH & 8TH GRADE developing and Intermediate bands
This course focuses on the refinement and extension of the skills introduced at the beginning band level. This will provide a solid foundation upon which the student will build as he/she continues to the advanced (8th grade) level. Through classroom and public performance, the student will refine the mechanics of proper sound production, will acquire knowledge of more difficult music reading, rhythm and rhythm patterns, and will further develop the social skills necessary to function successfully in a large group situation. This group will practice during the school day in a regularly scheduled period. There are normally three or four scheduled performances after school, this is a required portion of the student's grade. This class is a year long course and a pre-requisite for the advanced band in 8th grade.
8th grade advancing band
This band will provide a solid foundation upon which the student will build as he/she advances to the high school level. Through classroom and public performances, the student will continue to refine the mechanics of proper sound production, will acquire knowledge of more difficult rhythms and rhythm patterns, music reading, and will further develop the social skills necessary to function successfully in a large group situation. This is a year long course and meets during the school day in a regularly scheduled class. We normally have three or four evening or after school performances which are a required portion of the student's grade. Beginning and intermediate band courses are pre-requisites to this course.