8th Grade Band

The 8th grade Concert Band focuses on developing students’ musical skills and knowledge through the performance of middle level ensemble music. The concert band allows students to develop their large ensemble skills as well as explore their own musicianship.

Over the course of the school year, your student will continue to develop and improve the skills learned in 7th grade band according to the National Music Standards.

The main goal of the 8th grade Concert Band is to develop the required musical skills needed to participate in high school band as well as continue to foster leadership and perseverance through participation in the ensemble.

Rules and Expectations 

1. Be in your seat and ready to play when the 3 minute timer goes off  with all required materials  (music, instrument, a pencil, and a growth mindset)  

2. No gum, food, or drinks in the band room except for water.  

3. Be respectful of others including the teacher  

4. Follow directions the first time they are given  

5. Use polite and respectful speech and body language.  

Classroom Consequences  

1st offense – warning  

2nd offense – student will be moved to an “in class movement” seat away from peers for 5 minutes but will continue to participate in class. 

3rd offense – student will be moved to an “out of class movement” seat in a different classroom. They will be given a reflective sheet to fill out and parents will receive a call home. 

Physical violence or defiance will automatically be moved to an out of class movement

Classroom Procedures  

Entering the Room  

• Students should be in the band room before the bell rings.

• Check the front board for special instructions and directions for the day.

• Unpack your instrument and place your chromebook bag and case in your locker. Intrument cases should stay closed under your seat. Chromebook bags must stay in lockers unless otherwise noted on the front board. 

• Organize your music in the order we will be rehearsing it in (written on the board)

• Have a pencil on your stand

• Warm up on your own a bit. When the director gets on the podium, place your instrument in rest position. 

End of Class  

• Wait until the director dismisses you to put your instrument away. 

• Check the board for homework and important announcements.

• Remove all papers and folders from your music stand.

• Remain in the band room until the bell rings.

Practicing

Practicing is what makes us better and helps students to learn their parts to prepare for concerts and performances. All students are expected to practice their parts at home each week. 

Students are expected to practice at least 60-90 minutes a week. Students will use practice logs to track their progress. 

Below, you will find information about different practice strategies to try at home!

Playing Checks

Playing checks allow me to see how your student is progressing and give them individualized feedback on the skills being learned in class. These checks will be submitted through Google Classroom under the assignment tab. The assignment will open two weeks before the due date and students will be able to submit their video anytime before the due date at home. On the day the assignment is due, students who have not submitted their recording will perform the excerpt in class.  Students are expected to take their instruments home to practice their playing checks before performing them. 

Please see the rubric below. Each playing check is worth 28 summative points.