6th Grade Beginning Band
6th Grade Beginning Band - Description
The 6th Grade Band is an entry-level, academic class with a focus on fundamental skills in instrument playing technique and music literacy. You do not need any prior musical experience for this class as it is designed for true "beginners" to instrumental music. 6th Grade Band students meet daily in instrument specific classes (see schedule below). The Beginning Band will perform four concerts throughout the year including the SD 308 Junior High Fine Arts Festival.
As the members of the 6th grade band meet during separate class periods, a time must be established for the group to rehearse as an entire ensemble. This full band rehearsal time is used to prepare concert music, as well as address musical issues such as ensemble blend and balance. "Full Band rehearsals" take place during the first half of the 6th grade lunch period. These rehearsals are required attendance for all members of 6th grade band and may be counted as a portion of the quarter grade.
6th GRADE BAND SCHEDULE
2nd Period - 9:16-9:57 AM: 6th Grade Percussion
3rd Period - 10:00-10:41 AM: 6th Grade (Flute/Oboe)
4th Period - 10:44-11:25 AM: 6th Grade (Clarinet/Saxophone)
8th Period - 1:40-2:21 PM: 6th Grade (Cornet/Trombone/Baritone)
GOOGLE CLASSROOM
All student assignments, announcements, classroom communications, and grading occurs through our Google Classroom page. It is up to students to check our Google Classroom page regularly for new assignments information, updates about upcoming performances and events, and important resources. Please check your Google Classroom page daily.
SMARTMUSIC
Each student will be issued an account for SmartMusic, an interactive, web-based music assessment platform that gives students instant feedback while they practice at home. Students will use their school issued Chromebooks to practice and record playing assignments via SmartMusic. Students should expect 1-2 SmartMusic assignments due each week. Students can complete these assignments at home, in the Thompson practice rooms, or in person with one of the band teachers.
NINGENIUS
NinGenius is a web-based music theory app that provides students with an interactive, self-paced lessons on music theory, music literacy, notation, rhythm recognition, and vocabulary. Students will have quarterly goals on the NinGenius platform that they will complete for a grade.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Specific attire is required of all band members. When we all wear the same uniform, we become a true ensemble and a representative of our school.
All Band members will wear the following at all performances:
Black dress pants/skirt
Black socks
Black shoes (ALL BLACK – No other colors on the shoes)
Music Department Polo Shirt (Purchase this at the beginning of the school year from the music department)
CONCERTS
Concerts/Performances:
Concerts and other performances of the bands have the greatest point value of any single assignment or grade in band.
Concerts and other Performances are worth 50 points and have a significant impact on a student’s final grade.
ALL PERFORMANCES OF THE BAND ARE REQUIRED – Any excused absences except school day excused absences will need to be communicated and discussed with the director ahead of time (minimum of 2 weeks).
For students who have an excused absence and have also let the director know ahead of time, an alternate assignment will be worked out to take the place of the missed concert.
All members of the bands are important and our success as an ensemble depends on the positive contributions and attendance of every single student.
Require 6th Grades Beginning Band Concerts include:
Fall Concert, Wednesday, October 11th, 6 PM
Winter Concert, Wednesday, December 13, 6 PM
Fine Arts Festival, Saturday, March 2nd, times TBA
Spring Concert, Tuesday, May 14th, 6 PM