Course Information

MS BEGINNING BAND – BEGINNING BAND

Grade 6-8

Beginning Band is open to all students with or without prior playing experience. Beginning Band is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities on wind and percussion instruments. The primary focus is the development of technical skills necessary to perform MD State Grades 1+ music. Public performances outside of the school day may be required to meet course objectives.

Syllabus

MS BAND 1 – INTERMEDIATE BAND

Grade 6-8

Prerequisite: Audition only

Intermediate band is open to all students who have completed 1 year of instrumental experience in elementary school or by completing the Beginning Band course in middle school. The development of technical skills necessary to perform Grade 1 to Grade 2 Level music is stressed. Emphasis is placed on developing formal rehearsal decorum, following a conductor, and developing pitch and rhythmic security in preparation for performing an independent part in the traditional band ensemble. Students also learn melodic form and construction as they examine and perform more complex folk melodies and melodies from master composers. Students discuss the social and intellectual influences that affected the creation of the music they are studying. They begin to develop aesthetic criteria for measuring the quality of instrumental performance. Public performances outside of the school day may be required to meet course objectives.

MS BAND 2 – ADVANCED BAND

Grades 7 - 8

Prerequisite: Audition only

Students develop and refine their technical skills in order to perform music at the Grade 2 to Grade 3 Level of difficulty. Emphasis is placed on developing formal rehearsal decorum, following a conductor, and developing pitch and rhythmic security in preparation for performing an independent part in the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students learn the social, cultural, and intellectual influences reflected in the musical works they are studying and discuss performance styles and musical forms of corresponding historical periods. The study of music theory includes performance and recognition of major scales, diatonic and chromatic intervals, and simple melodic dictation. The critical listening skills that are developed as a result of preparation for instrumental performance are used to help the student formulate criteria for effectively evaluating his/her own performance as well as the performance of others. Public performances outside of the school day may be required to meet course objectives.

Syllabus

CONCERT BAND A/B*+

Grade 8

High School credit for successful completion of A and B awarded to 8th graders only

Prerequisite: Audition only

Concert Band is the most advanced performing ensemble for wind and percussion instrumentalists. This year-long course introduces “comprehensive musicianship” through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze and evaluate music, and use critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Individual and ensemble performance skills will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. Students in Concert Band will perform at least two concerts per year. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, honor bands, and private lessons. The ensemble is open to 8th-grade students by audition only. Concert Band A/B satisfies the Maryland graduation requirement of one credit in the fine arts. Please note, that high school credit is ONLY available for 8th grade students.