About 5th Band

Welcome to the Lakewood 5th Grade Band!

Band is a wonderful adventure for 5th grade students where we will learn and develop many musical and life skills.

BIG BAND – all students will practice together twice a week (split  in 2 groups according to homeroom hallway), this is where we learn music concepts, and practice exercises and play group pieces together.  There is also the optional "Early Bird Band" that meets before school twice a week (7:30-7:50 AM) that would be a great fit for students that arrive early consistently and would prefer a smaller setting.

LESSONS – all students will have a 15 or 20-minute lesson in small groups on their Big Band day during the school day.  This is where we get to work with students on their individual needs and goals.  We will work with the classroom teachers to find a time that works best for your child.  If this lesson time needs to be changed in the future, please let me know – we are flexible!

PERFORMANCES:  click above on "Concert Dates"

Here are some other KEY ideas to having success in band:

COMMITMENT “stick with it!” and get the “full” experience, there will be many ups and some downs

PRACTICE at home regularly is important for steady progress

RESPONSIBILITY bring band items for Big Band & Lessons and comes to lessons on time

RESPECT of others, instruments, facility & equipment

PERSIST always try your best, don’t give up, you can do it!

Band Expectations

* attend Big Band rehearsals – twice a week

* attend band lessons – once a week

* attend performances

* regular home practice – 15-20 minutes, 4-5 days a week

Regular Home Practice

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!  Practicing regularly at home is essential for steady progress and gaining confidence in playing instrument.

* Schedule at least 15-20 minutes daily, 4-5 times a week

* Set a regular schedule time at home

* Practice in a quiet uninterrupted place with no distractions

* Each term there will be a different home practice challenge!!

* Divide practice time into warm-up exercises, circled assignment exercises (make it your goal to practice ALL of these before your next lesson), fun/easy songs including our Big Band songs

* Practicing with the practice tracks that comes with your book can be fun!  Scan QR code in binder!

* Parent’s listen, provide support, encouragement and remind!

In Big Band and Lessons students will be working on the following proficiencies:

Term 1  

NOTES - students can identify & perform first 3 notes on their instrument

RHYTHM - students can identify & perform quarter, half, whole note and rest values

ARTICULATION - wind players can start notes with correct articulation / percussion players can demonstrate holding mallets with correct grip

Term 2

NOTES - students can identify & perform first 5 notes on their instrument

RHYTHM - students can identify & perform eighth note values

ARTICULATION - students can identify and perform dynamic markings

Term 3  

NOTES - students can identify & perform Concert Bb scale notes

RHYTHM - students can identify & perform dotted quarter

TONE - wind players can play a characteristic tone supported with air / percussion players can demonstrate correct sticking

Band is a team where NO one sits on the bench, everyone plays!  For our band to be successful with need each team member to give 100% by showing a good attitude, practicing regularly at home, being respectful of all team members and teacher and being responsible in bringing band items for Big Band & Lessons.  Let’s have a great year of making music together!