Lessons
The Band Lesson Schedule can be found here. Be sure to check the tab called "Lesson Cycle Schedule" to plan ahead for future band lesson dates.
Practice Expectations:
Students are expected to practice for at least 30 minutes between band lessons.
Students should practice using Smart Music.
Parents should help students find the necessary and consistent practice time.
Parents should encourage students to practice and play an active role (even if just a cheerleader) in their learning.
Parents and Students should work together to make sure they are well prepared for their individual lesson.
All instruments are expected to be taken home (either on the bus or parent pick up) for practice on the weekends and the day before their lesson.
Grading:
Band Lesson Information
All seventh and eighth grade band members will be scheduled for band lessons and large group sectionals once every six school days. Lessons last approximately 12-14 minutes. All ninth graders will receive a large-group sectional/lesson approximately once every six school days.
Lessons help to improve technical skills, allow the teachers to give one-on-one instruction, monitor individual progress, extend motivational challenges, and examine instrument mechanical problems. Students will be grouped as the schedule allows by grade, instrument, class schedule, and progress. We recommend students set a reminder in Google Calendar so that they do not forget their lessons. Students are responsible for making up work missed in class due to their band lesson!
The Cedar Rapids area is fortunate to have a large number of excellent private music teachers who are specialists on their instrument. If students choose to take privately (not required), we ask that they have their private lesson teacher fill out a brief form to verify their attendance and progress. This form can be found in the "Forms and Docs" link on the left side of this page.
Please let us know if you need a recommendation or if your child begins private lessons.