6th Grade Beginning Band

6th GRADE BEGINNING BAND COURSE DESCRIPTION

The 6th Grade Band is a year long, 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.

6th GRADE BEGINNING BAND ENROLLMENT

The process to enroll in the Thompson 6th Grade Beginning Band classes begins during a student's 5th Grade year. Interested 5th Grade students will signup for a 15 minute "Instrument Fitting" appointment to visit the Thompson Band room and try out all of our available band instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, cornet, french horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion). With the help of our expert music staff, students will select an instrument to study through our year-long, beginning band curriculum. Most students will rent a personal instrument from one of our local music stores to use for all classroom instruction.

6th GRADE BAND SCHEDULE

1st Period - 8:24-9:05 AM: 6th Grade Percussion
3rd Period - 9:54-10:35 AM: 6th Grade Clarinet
4th Period - 10:39-11:20 AM: 6th Grade Woodwinds (Flute/Oboe/Saxophone)
9th Period - 2:24-3:05 PM: 6th Grade Brass (Cornet/French Horn/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.

MAKEMUSIC CLOUD
(formerly SmartMusic)

Each student will be issued an account for MakeMusic Cloud/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 MakeMusic Cloud. 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.

Music MakeMusic Student Login

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.

NinGenus Student Login

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)

6th GRADE FULL BAND REHEARSALS

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 the week before a performance. These rehearsals are required attendance for all members of 6th grade band and may be counted as a portion of the quarter grade.

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 LISTED BELOW ARE REQUIRED Any excused absence 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.

• Required 6th Grades Beginning Band Concerts include: 

  • Fall Band Concert, Wednesday, October 8, 2025: 6PM

  • 6th Grade Winter Band/Choir Concert, Wednesday, December 3, 6:30 PM

  • Fine Arts Festival, Saturday, March 7, 2026: times TBA @ Traughber JHS Gym

  • Spring Band Concert, Wednesday, May 13, 2026: 6PM