Curriculum

6th Grade Band is our beginning year for all students wanting to learn an instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion. Basic rhythms and harmonies are explored. Performance opportunities include Winter and Spring Concerts, Sandy Lake Band Festival, Solo & Ensemble Competition and the Lorena Recital.

7th and 8th Grade Band explore more complex rhythms and harmonies. Students experience music from other world cultures. Performance opportunities include Winter and Spring Concert, All-Region Band Tryouts, Pre-UIL Concert & Sight Reading, UIL Concert and Sight Reading, Solo and Ensemble Competition and the Lorena Recital.

State Curriculum Guidelines can be found at:

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter117/ch117b.html

Lorena Middle School Band Department

7th and 8th Grade Band Course Objectives

This course is designed to give the student an enriching and diverse instrumental music education. This class provides a number of performance opportunities for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course.

Required Materials

  • Instrument
  • Supplies (extra reeds, valve oil, cork grease, slide oil, etc.)
  • 1" or 1 1/2" inch black binder with two inside pockets and a clear slip-in cover on the front outside
  • 30 clear sheet protectors for storing music
  • Pencil bags and at least 3 sharpened pencils

Grading Policy

Major Grades: 60%

  • Individual Playing Tests (Taken on computer in band hall using SmartMusic)
  • Performances
  • Any written tests

Minor Grades: 40%

  • Section Tests (conducted during class)
  • Pencil Checks
  • Binder Checks
  • Instrument Checks


Contact Information

Hal McCarty Damon Vela Scott Taylor Richard Donahue

halmccarty@lorenaisd.net damonvela@lorenaisd.net scotttaylor@lorenaisd.net richarddonahue@lorenaisd.net