6th Grade Beginners

The 6th Grade Beginning Band student at CGMS will start from the beginning, learning to read the notation and symbol systems of music, while also learning to play one primary instrument. All Beginners start out on one of the following instruments:

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Trumpet

• Trombone

Percussion students are selected through audition in the late fall or early spring semesters. Students may also try out for saxophone, F horn, baritone/euphonium, and tuba during the late fall or early spring.

The main goal of 6th grade beginning band is to establish a strong musical foundation in both instrument technique and abilities, as well as a solid understanding of music literacy and theory.

Class Designations

In 6th grade beginning band (and fall semester 8th grade band), students will be divided into classes based on the instrument that they play. 

First Elective - Beginning Brass Methods (Trumpet, F Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba)

Second Elective - Beginning Woodwind Methods (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon)

7th Grade Beginners

The 7th Grade Beginning Band student at CGMS will start from the beginning, learning to read the notation and symbol systems of music, while also learning to play one primary instrument. Unlike 6th grade beginners, 7th grade beginners have a little more choice in their instrument selection, but may be based on the availability of school inventory. The director will make recommendations based on availability and balance with the entire 7th grade band, but students will be able to have some input in the selection process.

The main goal of 7th grade beginning band is to prepare new band students to join the 8th grade advanced band along with the 7th grade intermediate band students.

7th Grade Beginners are taught in their own combined class section during the 7th grade elective class time. The main difference between 7th and 6th grade beginners is that 7th graders are pushed to develop musical skills at a faster rate in order to join the 7th grade intermediate band by the end of the spring semester. This means that 7th grade beginners are held to a higher standard and are expected to work just a little harder on their own to realize this goal. 

We have had many students enter the 7th grade beginning band and excel in their pursuits, with many continuing on into the high school band at the same level as their intermediate band peers!