8th Grade Symphonic Band
8th Grade Symphonic Band - Description
The 8th Grade Band Symphonic Band is an advanced-level, academic class for third-year band students. This course is designed for students that have completed both our 6th and 7th grade band programs. The 8th Grade Band students meet daily in a single, full band class. In this class, students will continue building advanced individual instrumental technique and third year music literacy with a focus on ensemble playing. The 8th Grade Concert Band will perform 6-8 concerts throughout the year including the SD 308 Junior High Fine Arts Festival; additional performances may be scheduled as events become available.
8th Grade Band students are eligible and encouraged to audition for optional, extra-curricular performance opportunities like the Thompson Jazz Band, the ILMEA District IX Honor Band, and the All-Illinois Junior Band; see Mr. Daniel to learn more.
9th Period - 2:24-3:05 PM: 8th Grade Symphonic Band
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 8th Grade Symphonic Band Concerts include:
Fall Concert, Wednesday, October 11th, 6 PM
Veterans' Day Performance, Friday, November 10th, 8:30 AM Cafeteria
Winter Concert, Wednesday, December 13, 6 PM
Fine Arts Festival, Saturday, March 2nd, times TBA, @ Thompson JHS
Prairie State Band Festival, April 12th or 13th, time TBA, @ Plainfield East High School
April 19th & 20th: SD 308 8th Grade Honor Band (select students)
Spring Concert, Tuesday, May 14th, 6 PM