6th Grade Band Syllabus 7th Grade Band Syllabus 8th Grade Band Syllabus
The Nikolay Middle School band program is open to all students enrolled at NMS.
Students who take band have the option of learning one of the following instruments in their first year: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, or Percussion, with overall balance taken into consideration. (A band of just percussion and saxophones just wouldn't sound good!)
The summer before middle school, students are offered summer lessons on their instrument to get them a solid foundation for playing an instrument.
In their second and third year some students may choose to switch to Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor or Bari Saxophone, F Horn, and Tuba from similar instruments depending on interest, ability, and instrumentation needs of the band.
Throughout the school year students attend one small group lesson each week with like-instruments as well as full band rehearsal every other day with their own grade level. The bands perform at four concerts each year with an additional parade for 7th and 8th grade band on Memorial Day and a World Fair concert for 6th grade band in June.
Students in their 2nd and 3rd year of playing also have the option to join Jazz Band. This group meets before school 2 days/week to perform at the last 3 concerts of the school year. I am always looking for players on some instruments in Jazz that we don't have in Concert Band- Piano, Guitar, and Bass- please let me know if your child has taken lessons on these instruments and would like to join us!
Many of our music students also participate in the yearly Solo and Ensemble Festival at the end of February. This event allows students to perform solos and small ensemble music (duets, trios, etc) for an adjudicator and small audience. They receive feedback from the adjudicator and, in their 2nd and 3rd year, a rating based on their abilities.
Students have the chance to sign up for band and choir when registering for 6th grade classes. This happens in February of their 5th grade year.
Before students decide which group/s they want to join, some of the middle school music students perform for the 5th grade class to demonstrate the options that are available. Students are encouraged to try both band and choir in 6th grade since they haven't had either of these classes before.
After students have returned their 6th grade registration forms, I set up a time for students to try out instruments so they can decide what they would like to play in band. This happens in March, followed by an instrument rental night in April or May so parents can get information on how to get an instrument for their child to play. Please watch for handouts and e-mails for all the detailed information during this time.
In June and July there are Summer Band Lessons offered for students to get started on their instruments before band class begins in the Fall.
Music Appreciation is a class for students who are not interested in performing in either band or choir at NMS.
The Music Appreciation curriculum provides a wide variety of music experiences and opportunities from learning music theory and reading music notation to listening to, analyzing and discussing music and the elements that are used in music.