Middle School Lesson Info

How Lessons Work

Each student in the 5th-Grade, 6th-Grade, and Symphonic Bands will have a weekly, small-group lesson with one of our lesson teachers. Lesson times (15 minutes each) are posted in the band room and at this link. It is the student’s responsibility to come to each lesson well prepared and on time. It is also the student’s responsibility to make sure they complete the work they miss when they are pulled out of a class. If a student has a test or seminar at the same time as their lesson, they should stay in class and make up the lesson.

Lessons are a critical part of each student musician's development. Because each instrument and each students has its own challenges, small-group lessons allow for more effective, personal instruction than the large-group rehearsal.

Students must have their lesson pass to leave class. At 1-2 minutes before the lesson time, students can show the classroom teacher the pass and come to the band practice room for their lesson. If a student has a test or seminar, they should stay in class.

How to Prepare

Students should work on the assignments listed on their band checklist. New concepts are taught and reviewed in the full band class, and then students are expected to practice each exercise at home to the point of mastery. Through time, patience, and intelligent work, every student will make progress in music.

Parents should help their child schedule time to practice. Students that practice with goals in mind will make progress and enjoy what they are doing.

Makeup Lessons

Students are allowed two makeups per quarter for unexcused lesson absences (forgetfulness, vacation, etc.). Students may make up any excused lesson absence (sick, test/seminar in class, etc.). Find instructions for making up a lesson on Google Classroom.