BAND KARATE

This page explains how we use "Band Karate" in lessons.

What is Band Karate?

Being a beginner on an instrument is TOUGH, and we like to celebrate student growth!

Band Karate is a ranking system to show a band student's skill and progress.

Starting with the white belt, students can earn up to TEN belts, with the final being the "GOLD" belt - a rare feat for any 5th grader!

Earning Belts

Each belt has a set of test requirements.

These playing tests (and sometimes written quizzes) are assigned on Seesaw.

Teacher Videos

Students should not practice band karate songs alone!

Right within Seesaw, they have exclusive access to instructional teacher videos with a scrolling music indicator.

We created these videos on every instrument for every band karate song so our students can play along at home.

Chromebooks

School-issued Chromebooks are allowed to go home* with band students so they can use Seesaw to:

access the above teacher videos
submit band karate playing tests

*Students are expected to return the Chromebook to school every day with a full charge.

Seesaw for Parents

While the parent version of Seesaw lets you add encouraging feedback to your child's submitted work, you cannot see if your child has INCOMPLETE assignments.

The easiest way to monitor progress is to ask your child to see their Seesaw, or log in to their student Seesaw account on your personal device (you can find the Seesaw app in your device's app store - this video demonstrates how to log in).

"Did I Pass?"

The band teacher will add a comment to let the students know whether or not they passed*.

Students don't always pass on the first try! This is normal and expected. The teacher will comment on what to fix, so the student can practice and submit a new video.

*Playing tests are scored using four main criteria: notes, rhythms, articulations, and tone.

Final Notes

Band Karate assignments will be due throughout the year. The highest we go with our students is the blue belt (level five). These tests are a large part of the band grade.

After the blue belt, students are free to work ahead at their own pace until the end of April. However, students must earn belts in order and cannot advance to the next belt until they pass all test requirements of the previous belt!

Since we started band karate about ten years ago, our students and families have really enjoyed it!

Questions?

Click here to contact your child's band teacher.

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