6th GRADE BEGINNING BAND

Required Materials

3 Ring Binder (used for BAND ONLY)*

Page protectors/subject dividers*

Pencils (NO PENS)

Method Book*

Music Stand for at home practice

Instrument Specific Accessories

*Provided by Mrs. Ladun-Nelson

The First Few Weeks

In the very beginning, we will cover components of basic music literacy (rhythms, note names, etc.), proper breath support, and (once assigned) fingerings for the first few notes on each instrument.  

Sixth graders will start on one of four "starter" instruments (flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone). They will make their selection the second week of school. (Students will have the opportunity to switch to one of our specialized instruments in the 2nd quarter). 

Once instrument selections are made, students will be given their specific "Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician" method book. (This book is our main curriculum during sixth and half of seventh grade). 

Band Fees

There is a $40 participation fee for band. This will cover the cost of your student's band shirt, method book, and luggage tag for their instrument. 

NO STUDENT WILL EVER BE DENIED ACCESS TO ANY OPPORTUNITIES OF OUR PROGRAM DUE TO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. If you require any financial assistance, please reach out and we will find a way to make everything work for you and your student. 

Instruments/Equipment

We will take our time and ensure everyone is set up for success before making our first sounds. Our goal is to have instruments in hand on August 25th. 

As soon as we complete our Instrumentation Assessment, you should begin making arrangements to obtain the appropriate instrument and equipment. We do have a few school-owned instruments available for use, but if you have the means and are able, it is always best to invest in your own instrument. There are several local businesses that offer instrument rentals and purchases and equipment. 

**PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE INSTRUMENTS FROM CRAIGSLIST, AMAZON, EBAY, OR ANY OTHER ONLINE RESELLER. THESE INSTRUMENTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS IN THE BAND PROGRAM. REFER TO OUR EQUIPMENT GUIDE FOR A LIST OF RECOMMENDED RETAILERS. ** 

School-Owned Instruments 

We do have a few instruments available for check out. There is a fee to check out these instruments, which covers cleaning and routine maintenance. 

Grading

Band is a performance-based class. This means a large bulk of students' grades are based on rehearsal etiquette, daily participation, and required performances, in alignment with the National Standards for Music Education. A breakdown of student grades is found below:

60% Assessments: 

Performance assessments (playing tests), including required performance grades and music literacy/theory assessments. 

*May be reassessed ONCE. 

40% Assignments: 

Small quizzes and checks for understanding, rehearsal etiquette, and preparedness (having required materials daily). 

*May NOT be reassessed.

Feel free to contact me if there are any questions not addressed here! 

Beginning Band Events Calendar 2025-2026

All dates below are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, this is not a definitive schedule of events. Other events may be brought to your attention throughout the year, and information will be sent home as it becomes available.

A full interactive Google calendar including times and details may be found here. 

August 15, 2025- Student Information Forms, Participation Fees, and Instrument Declaration Due

Students will be sent home with a checklist of items to attend to at the start of the school year. These are to be completed and returned to class no later than August 11th. Students are also being asked to declare their starter instrument of choice by this date so Mrs. Ladun can begin to provide instrument-specifical materials in class.

August 25, 2025- First Day with Instruments in Class

This is our expected first day with instruments in class. All students should have an instrument available in class on this day.

*October 8, 2025- 6th Grade Beginning Band "Informance" (6:00 pm in the LMS Gym)

Our 6th Grade Beginning Band "Informance" is not a formal concert in the traditional sense, but is a demonstration of what takes place in the beginning band class each and every day. This is a great opportunity for students to practice their performance etiquette and show their friends and family the progress they have made on their instruments after only a month in class! Students will receive a grade for this event as performances are a part of our curriculum.

November 2025- Instrument Diversification Begins

Information letters and interest forms will be sent home with students interested in switching to some of our more specialized instruments. This process can take up to 4+ weeks.

*December 4, 2025- LMS Winter Fine Arts Night (6:00pm in the LMS Gym)

The 6th Grade Beginning Band students will present several short tunes as a demonstration of the performance skills we have mastered in class during the first half of the year. The 6th grade will be followed by performances by the 7th and 8th grade bands.

March 21, 2026- Beginning Band Clinic (Georgia Music Educators Association, District Ten sponsored event)

The Georgia Music Educators Association- District Ten, holds many extra opportunities for students throughout the year. In 6th grade- a small number of students are selected from each of the district's participating band programs to represent their schools at this one day clinic. Only about 5-8 students are chosen from each program. Students will spend only one day preparing a concert with a guest clinician.

*May 7, 2026- LMS Spring Fine Arts Night (6:00pm in the LMS Gym)

The 6th Grade Beginning Band students will present several short tunes as a demonstration of the performance skills we have mastered in class during the second half of the year. The 6th grade will be followed by performances by the 7th grade band.

*April 2026- 5th Grade Visit 

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Band students will perform for their former elementary classmates and teachers! This is one of our largest recruitment events of the year. 

*May 2025- LMS Honors Day 

6th Grade Band students will present one piece for Honors Day!