As a member of the 7th and 8th grade band, students will be able to further their ability to play an instrument. This will include proper playing technique, breathing, fingerings and alternate fingerings, expanding range of playable notes, intonation, sight reading, balance and blend, and knowledge of what role their instrument plays in the music.
Students will be able to participate in band daily and receive a weekly one on one lesson with the music teacher. These lessons will allow students to advance their playing skills on an individual basis while still learning the full band concepts practiced each day.
Students will be required to keep daily practice logs and to perform in concerts throughout the year. These dates will be supplied to parents and students at the beginning of the school year and will count towards their grade.
Students who are enrolled in 7/8 grade band are expected to have the following for class each day:
Instrument in good playing condition
Charged Ipad
Class method books
Music
Pencil
Percussion need their own snare sticks, labeled with their name
Great attitude!
The grade for 7/8 band is made up of a number of different assignments and performances.
Lessons - 20 points
Practice logs - 10 points
Daily Participation - 5 points every day
Worksheets - 5 points
Playing tests - 10 points
Written tests - dependent on number of questions
Chair audition - 50 points
Performances - 100 points
Each student will be assigned a one on one lesson with either Mrs. Lewis or Mrs. Patterson. These lessons will take place during other classes during the day. The lesson schedule is determined by taking a look at what other classes other students are enrolled in each period of the day and pulling them from classes that the student is not struggling in to learn the material. Make-up lessons will be offered if a lesson is missed.
Students will be required to attend these lessons once a week as part of their band grade. They will also have to bring their lesson method book and signed practice log each week. Failure to do so will result in a lower lesson grade for that week's assignment.
It is highly suggested that in addition to the lessons students receive in school, students should look into taking private lessons with an outside instructor who is a professional at playing their particular instrument. Private lessons with certified instructors outside of school allow a student to be challenged and to grow musically past what Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Patterson teach in school. Students who take private lessons often excel in their instrument performance quicker and develop a better tone with the additional practice and assignments that are given. I often compare it to taking private tennis lessons while also being on the tennis team, or strength training for football players.
If you are interested in taking private lessons, Mrs. Lewis can provide you with names and numbers of local musicians who teach privately.
Assigned lesson times can be found in the discussion section of the band Showbie class. If you are virtually learning, the google meet code is: lewislessons
Students will be required to practice 120 minutes each week. These practice logs will be due into Showbie by 3 PM every Monday.
120 minutes = 10 points
100-119 = 9 points
90-99 = 8 points
80-89 = 7 points
70-79 = 6 points
60-69 = 5 points
50-59 = 4 points
40-49 = 3 points
20-39 = 2 points
1-19 = 1 points
0 = 0 points
The Middle School Band will perform at two different concerts throughout the year. One will take place in December and the other in May. For these performances, students will be required to wear what is called "artist black" and consists of the following:
Black long-sleeved button up dress shirt (under shirts should be black as well)
Black dress pants
Black shoes (black socks for guys)
Girls can wear black dress shoes if they wish
These items are easily found at Target and Walmart.
If anyone needs help in supplying these items, please let Mrs. Lewis know so that she can help out. Also, if anyone ever has shirts or pants that no longer fit, we are always looking for donations to have on hand for students who may need them.
Hi! My name is Mrs. Lewis and I teach 7/8 grade band at the middle school and the high school band, jazz band and beginning guitar at the high school. I have been teaching since 2005.
I graduated from Center High School in 1997 and earned by Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education in 2002 and my Master's in Pedagogy and Performance in Wind Band Conducting in 2004, both from Oklahoma State University. My main instrument is the trumpet, but I love to play all of the instruments!
I currently reside in Center Township with my husband, two children, and three cats.
Wendy H. Lewis
Central Valley High School
160 Baker Road Ext.
Monaca, PA 15061-2571
724-775-5600 Extension 62317
Showbie class code: 44UAQ
Class Google meet code: cvmsband
Lewis lesson Google meet code: lewislessons
Patterson lesson Google meet code: pattersonlessons