Students are expected to arrive on time to class prepared with a working instrument, instrument accessories (reeds, valve oil, rosin, etc), pencil, method book, and sheet music.
If a student is unable to play due to injury or instrument repair, a note from a parent/guardian with the situation is requested.
*Students are still expected to attend class even without their instrument. They will complete a worksheet that follows along with the lesson*
Students can be withdrawn from the class at any time until the start of the 3rd marking period. Please send a note or write an email to Ms. Krohn if you wish for your student to no longer participate. The Essential Elements book will need to be returned to Ms. Krohn. Unused instrument accessories (reeds, valve oil, rosin, etc.) can be donated to the Instrumental Music Program.
Band and orchestra is a performing group, meaning that performance is a major component.
Advanced students perform in the Winter and Spring Concert
Beginning students only perform in the Spring Concert
Please check the Calendar on the Homepage for your school's concert date.
Students are required to attend their concerts. In case of illness or emergency, please send the teacher a written note or e-mail for an alternative assignment.
Appropriate Concert Attire is required.
Students will wear:
White or Black dress shirt, polo, or blouse.
Black dress pants or skirt that is below the knee. Dark navy blue or dark grey is also permitted.
Dress Shoes, sneakers, boots, or sandals strapped to the foot.
Dress to Impress!
No crocs, flip-flops, or slippers. No distressed clothing.
*Shorts are permitted for the Spring concert.
Grading Students are graded on two measurement topics: Performing on an Instrument & Reading and Notating Music
A: The student consistently demonstrates mastery of the grade-level standards taught this marking period.
B: The student frequently demonstrates mastery of the grade-level standards taught this marking period.
C: The student periodically demonstrates mastery of the grade-level standards taught this marking period.
D: The student rarely demonstrates mastery of the grade-level standards taught this marking period.
Beginners should practice 5 minutes a day and slowly increase their time as the year progresses.
Advanced should practice about 60 to 75 minutes a week. Practice for a short period of time (10-30 minutes) for each practice session.
Set aside a specific time and place to practice.
Try to practice in a room without distractions, tv, games, etc.
Have a practice goal! What do you want to accomplish by the end?
Remember to practice slowly and work in small chunks.
Practice the hard parts! Not just the fun parts.
Create a practice routine.
Warm Up: Play long tones or work on scales.
Method book assignments
Concert music
Optional: Fun music you find!
Description:
The Karate Belt system is used in martial arts training to mark the progress a student has made in their study. The same idea applies to learning your instrument. Students start out at a low rank of belt (white) and progress through the ranks to make it to a top rank (black). To advance to the next belt, they must show they have mastered the skill by doing a belt exam. There are nine levels, each more difficult than the next.
Order of the Belts:
Pink (level 1 only), White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, Brown, Black
Rules:
You must practice at home in order to perfect each skill.
Try NOT to write in the letters of the notes in the book.
You may only earn belts in the order they are given, you cannot skip around.
You may earn ONE belt in a lesson.
You may ask for extra help.
Students will be given time to earn a belt in their lesson AFTER all the lesson material has been covered. All belt songs are located in their lesson book.
This is optional for students to complete throughout the school year. Students will receive the Karate Belt song lists at school and can access the song list here. We will have Ultimate Belt Days where students may earn more than one belt in a class. Many students who participate show great progress on their instruments and are motivated to practice to earn more belts. There are also special Karate Belts for completing the Winter Break and Spring Break Challenges!
Click here to read about some Frequently Asked Questions about the Instrumental Music Program.