Dear 6th grade band and parents,
I hope everyone had a great summer! It seems like we were just learning to put together our instruments. I am very excited to get the 6th grade band started and looking forward to continuing the tradition of high quality of music at Pikeland Community School.
Students will receive a grade in band based on attendance and participation. The point system is as follows:
Daily Points
Each band day, the student can earn a total of 10 points. 5 points for having their instrument (including working reeds, oil and other supplies), one point each for a pencil and their music, and 3 points for behavior and participation.
Concerts (300 points each)
a. The winter concert is Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 7:00 in the PCS Gym
b. The Music Booster’s Fundraiser Supper is Friday, March 27, 2026 in the PCS Gym
c. The Spring Concert will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:30 in the PCS Gym
Check-offs (25 points each)
Each week, students will perform assigned musical selections for a grade. Additional check-offs will be selected from the concert music.
Students can receive extra credit for: (Please bring a program or bulletin for my records)
performing outside of band (i.e. playing at church, etc.)
attending an approved concert
Performances are important grades for the student.
If a student misses a performance, he or she may fail band.
Classroom rules:
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Ready
A positive classroom atmosphere is always the goal and provides a rewarding experience for all. Consequences of bad behavior are: warning, conference with teacher/administrator, contacting parent, or a detention--not necessarily in that order, depending on offense.
For the first couple weeks, we will review the red band book from last year. The band book we use in the 6th grade is Tradition of Excellence vol. 2 (Blue Cover). This is the book that will be used in class as well as the weekly lessons. The price of the book is $11.50 for winds and $13.50 for percussion. We will also be using a rhythm workbook called Winning Rhythms and the cost of this book is $5.00. Please bring a check in the proper amount made out to Pikeland Community School. Also, it is time to purchase any other supplies that the students may need, such as reeds, cork grease, or valve oil. Clarinet and saxophone players must have at least three working reeds at all times. The band store will only be open before or after school. Students will not be able to purchase supplies during class.
The 6th grade band has a website https://sites.google.com/pikeland.org/6th-grade-band.
I will keep that site updated with weekly check-offs and other assignments and dates. I hope this letter answers all your questions about the 6th grade band. If you do have a question, feel free to call me at school or send an email. With your help, this year will be the best for the Pikeland Unit 10 School Music Department.
Yours behind the baton!
Justin Bangert
jbangert@pikeland.org