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There are four courses offered in the sixth grade; Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, Band 1, and Orchestra 1.
Beginning levels are designed for students who have never played an instrument before.
Level 1 classes are a continuation of what was learned in elementary school, with a comprehensive review to bring the students from different elementary schools to the same place.
Beginning and Band 1 may meet in the same classroom, with two teachers or be separated into different classes.
Pull out sectionals are used during band or orchestra class to focus on specific instrument skills.
Instrumental Music meets every day
Students don’t miss any other class while playing in an ensemble.
Ensemble classes are graded the same way your other classes are.
Any sixth grader can begin an instrument at Frost. No experience needed, but piano experience helps!
There are opportunities to learn a different instrument than was played in ES.
Only traditional concert band/orchestra instruments are permitted.
Instruments not permitted are: guitar, drum set, recorder, dulcimer, etc..
Beginners should wait until they start school to decide which instrument they wish to play with the guidance of the Frost teachers.
Beginners do not need to obtain an instrument prior to the start of school.
Larger instruments can be used at the school (cello, tuba, string bass)
Personal instruments can be stored in hall lockers or in the music storage room.
Students are expected to practice at home several times a week to total 120 minutes
Home practice allows development of individual skills so the entire ensemble improves.
Students who perform at an exceptional level should contact Mrs. Cameron to discuss ensemble placement.
The school schedule sometimes allows sixth graders to be in classes with seventh or eighth graders
Generally, all sixth graders begin in level 1 to learn the routines of the department.
Sixth graders can audition for Regional All-County Ensembles
Auditions for MCPS Honors and All-State ensembles begins in seventh grade
After a successful audition and demonstration of responsibility, self motivation, and independent learning, it is possible for sixth graders to skip level 2 and participate in a level 3 ensemble during seventh and eighth grade. This opportunity is dependent on the Frost Master Schedule and room available in the instrument section.
Sixth graders perform multiple times during the year.
Trips and competition opportunities begin in level 2 ensembles.
Participating in instrumental music in middle and high school is similar to being on a sports team.
You should practice individually so the ensemble (team) can be stronger
You can build relationships because it is the only class where it is possible to be with the same friends for three years in a row.
On a sports team, some players sit on the bench. In music ensembles, everyone plays!
It is extremely difficult to catch up to the performance level and ensemble procedures when a student skips level 1 and joins in level 2 in seventh grade. Band students will not be considered for level 3 without participating in levels 1 or 2. Orchestra students will be considered for level 3 if they have youth orchestra experience.
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