Curriculum

Band:

Grades Four and Five

Students in grades four and five focus on sound production and basic reading skills.  In the fall of fifth grade students explore interpretation of basic dynamics (Piano, mezzo piano, mezzo forte and forte). In the spring of fifth grade students begin to work on more detailed interpretation of articulation, dynamics, and expanded instrumental range.

Grades Six through Eight

Students in grades six through eight are striving to improve on a complex variety of instrumental and ensemble skills. While we do not develop our skills through traditional educational "units" we do work on improving our skills, over the long term, as musical situations offer the opportunity. At the middle school level we tend to focus on ensemble skills such as dynamics, articulation, and awareness of musical situations. Examples of detailed "lessons" we work on would include, but not be limited to, execution of subtle dynamic changes, extreme dynamics, crescendos and decrescendos, accents and staccato markings. Awareness of musical situations is the beginning of adult musicianship. This involves developing the ability to listen to the overall ensemble, be aware of what is happening in a "moment of music" and appropriately contributing one's own part to that moment of music. This means a student is moving beyond "playing my part on my instrument" and becoming aware of how one's part fits in with the overall ensemble. 

Individual instrumental skills tend to improve, gradually, as time goes by. Students who feel they are struggling with individual skills or have a desire to excel on their individual instrument may enjoy pursuing private study. Students working with a private teacher tend to improve rapidly. If you believe your child may benefit from private study feel free to contact Mr. Kelly for possible recommendations.