Beginning Band 

Welcome to Beginning Band with Mr. Kimball!

Beginning Band is designed for the beginning music student. The course focuses on music literacy covering the basic elements of tone production, instrument care, musicianship, and reading music notation. In this class students will learn to play the flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion. The specific selection of instruments will be made in collaboration with the director during the first few weeks of school. The Beginning Band experience will culminate with an evening concert performance during the fourth quarter.

This class is open to 6th – 8th graders. 

Very Important!

Please do not get an instrument until we have approved the choice.

You will receive a letter about the approved choice and directions for what to do next.

Class Recommendations for Success

Work music into your daily routine.

Set aside a time early in the day to practice. Practice long tones and scales. Purchase a supplemental lesson book and practice a few lines every day. I recommend the Rubank Elementary Method. If this book is too easy, work in the Rubank Intermediate or Advanced Method.

Take lessons from a private music teacher who is a professional on your instrument. 

Check out your local music store for music to play.

Next year you will have the opportunity to audition for the Director’s Award.

The Rubank Classic Festival Solos and Concert and Contest Collection are books of solos with piano accompaniment, which are suggested sources of solos for the audition. 

There is a lot of music available for you to play for fun. There are books of movie themes and classical favorites. Invite some friends over and play together. Give a concert!

How do you play with a friend who plays a different instrument when they also play different notes? I will use the Warner Music Publishing book “Star Wars” as an example. “Star Wars” is available for every instrument. You can play with your friends from these books. If you have a question, the salesperson at the music store can help you.

Rules and Responsibilities

Classroom Rules:

1. All students must have a pencil with a good eraser at every rehearsal.

2. Every student will need his or her own folder in class every day.

3. Students may receive a lesson book, which must be covered.

4. Handling instruments and/or the personal belongings of others is strictly prohibited.

Student Responsibilities in Class:

1. Listen and concentrate during class

2. Work together

Student Responsibilities at Home:

1. Practice regularly and complete practice reports weekly

2. Check the Beginning Band website regularly

3. Have first and last name clearly labeled on the inside and outside of folders, books, and cases

4. Be at all performances

Student Responsibilities at Concerts:

1. Students need to wear the complete uniform at all performances (ACS Music shirt, black slacks, black shoes, long black socks. No heels, skirts, jeans, or leggings)

2. Performances are like final exams and cannot be made up

3. All groups have scheduled performances throughout the year. These performances are a required part of the curriculum.

4. Conflicts must be submitted to your teacher in writing by a parent at least 6 weeks prior to the performance date. Failure to do so results in a lowered grade. 

Parent Responsibilities:

1. Encourage their student to do his/her best

2. Monitor practicing. Students do not improve by avoiding challenges

3. Provide a quiet place to practice away from interruptions and distractions (i.e. TV, phone, games, siblings, pets, etc.)

4. Check the A. C. Stelle website for assignments and information regularly

5. Encourage your student to perform for you and your family. Praise improvement

6. Keep equipment, instruments, and materials in good condition

7. Careful scheduling of orthodontist and other medical appointments

8. Mark all performances on a calendar

9. Attend all performances

Playing and Placement Test Breakdown

Test score 90-100%

“A” 100% accuracy of notes and rhythms, good tone quality and breath support, articulation and dynamics 

Test score 80-89%

“B” Most notes and rhythms correct. Inconsistent but good tone quality and breath support, inconsistent articulation and weak dynamics

Test score 70-79%

“C” Some inaccuracies in notes and rhythms, very inconsistent tone quality and breath support, poor articulation and dynamics

Test score 60-69%

“D” Severe problems with notes and rhythms, poor tone production, dynamics and articulation

Test score 0-59%

“F” No appreciable understanding of notes and rhythms, tone quality support, dynamics or articulation