On August 13, 2025, each student enrolled in a 7th grade band or orchestra class received a written copy of the class information and expectations. The same information is posted here:
Students will learn teamwork and ensemble playing as they improve and increase their skills on orchestra or band instruments. Emphasis will include continued study of instrument technique, music history, and music theory. The focus is on individual music skills as well as skills involved in being part of a group. Several performances will be given throughout the year.
WHEN DO WE HAVE MUSIC CLASS?
Your music class is a regular part of your daily school schedule. You will attend music class four days each week, just like each of your other classes. Three days will be “regular” class period length, and one day will be a “block” period of 82 minutes.
HOW WILL WE BE GRADED?
We will focus on three Music Standards and three Learning Behavior Standards for your learning this year.
The standards are listed here. Assignments will be tied to these standards and your achievement/feedback will be documented in PowerSchool. You should look at PowerSchool regularly for feedback from me about your learning. At the end of each quarter, an overall mastery level will be reported for each standard addressed during the quarter.
- Music Theory – Understand Music Basics - Be a Self-Directed Learner
- Instrumental Skills – Demonstrate Ability to Play Instrument - Set Goals and Meet Them
- Ensemble Skills – Make Music with Others - Make Responsible Decisions
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US AS MUSIC STUDENTS?
* Arrive to class on time, prepared with instrument, music, and pencil,
* Strive for a high level of focus, involvement, and participation,
* Follow directions and class rules at all times,
* Show respect for peers, teacher, and equipment,
* Ask for help when needed,
* Try your best at all times,
* Show personal responsibility by practicing at home in order to build and maintain skills,
* Check our Google Classroom for communication and check PowerSchool for feedback.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO WE NEED?
Instruments: Each student will need an instrument to play at home and at school, beginning Tuesday, 8/20/24. Local music stores rent and sell instruments. While most students will carry one instrument between home and school, students who play string bass, piano, cello, or percussion should be able to use a school instrument at school. Instruments may be stored in the music room during the school day and/or overnight. Be sure to put your first and last name on the outside of your instrument case. Students should always keep extra reeds or strings (as applicable) and cleaning supplies in their cases.
Music: Students will be provided with music throughout the school year and are responsible for its care. A folder will be provided, but students may use their own folder if they prefer. Each student will also be assigned a school-owned lesson book that will be returned to me at the end of the school year.
Concert Uniforms: Students must provide and wear the following outfits for evening concerts, beginning with our Winter Concert in December: Black dress pants, white shirt, black socks, black shoes.
WHEN ARE THE REQUIRED PERFORMANCES?
There will be several required concerts and one optional Disneyland trip during the year. Our Egan concerts include performances by many of our school music groups. If other performing opportunities arise, I will notify you as soon as possible. Concerts will be in the Egan Multi-purpose Room unless otherwise noted.
Egan Autumn Concert: 10/3/25 performance for the school during the school day.
Egan Winter Concert: Thursday, 12/12/25, 7 p.m. for community; 12/12/25 for school.
Strictly Strings Concert, Orchestras only: Wednesday, 2/11/26, 7 p.m. at Los Altos High School.
Egan Movies, Musicals, and More Concert: Thursday, 3/5/26, 7 p.m. for community; 3/6/26 for school.
Egan Disneyland Trip (bands, orchestras, chorus), not required, 3/11/26 - 3/13/26.
Band Night, Bands only: Date to be determined.
Egan Spring Concert: Thursday, 5/21/26, 7 p.m. for community.
Egan 8th Grade Graduation, 7th Grade Band/Orchestra combined: Wednesday, 6/3/26, 11:00 a.m.
Every member of an ensemble is important and necessary for performances, much like a sports team. Each performance functions as an assessment and is part of each student’s grade. Please put these dates on your calendar now, and avoid scheduling anything else for these times. If a student must miss a performance, advanced notice is necessary for an alternate assignment to be offered.
WHAT ABOUT PRACTICING AT HOME?
Practice at home is necessary to reinforce classroom learning. Students need time and focus by themselves in order to process what has been done in class, and to build their individual skills. Developing ‘practicing skills’ is an important part of growing as a musician. Students are expected to document their practicing goals and minutes, and turn them in on a practice sheet. 120 minutes per week of practicing is the expectation, and students may spread this time out among the days of the week as they choose (Monday – Sunday).
WHAT IF I (OR MY PARENTS) HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I am looking forward to a great year of music-making!
Sincerely,
Anne Spector
E-mail: aspector@lasdschools.org Phone: 650-917-2200