Instruments--

Students will be given a school instrument at the beginning of the year to use for performances and at home practice. We will learn how to care for them and maintain them, but students are expected to be respectful to the school's property; the instruments are a privilege! Students are expected to take their instruments home to practice and only a select few students will be given an at-home instrument (usually larger instruments that are not easily moved). I encourage all parents to help their children remember to practice, even if by just asking them to open their case. Work with your child to set up a time where their practicing won't bother anyone and help them stick to their schedule. I thank you for your help!

Supplies--

Students need to come to each class with the following (all are supplied at the beginning of the year but are given to the student until the end of the year):

Method book

Instrument (in good working condition) - percussionists need their drumsticks

Pencil

Reeds/grease (at least 2 working reeds)

Good Attitude!

Fifth and sixth grade beginning band students will learn how to

demonstrate proper instrument assembly

demonstrate proper hand position or stick grip

demonstrate proper embouchure, by sounding low and high pitches on brass instrument mouthpieces; squawk on clarinet and sax mouthpieces; crow on oboe and bassoon reeds

demonstrate proper posture

demonstrate characteristic instrumental tone

identify the first seven pitches on lines and spaces of the treble or bass clef, according to the student's chosen instrument

perform and create rhythms using quater notes and rests, half notes and rests, whole notes and rests, and eighth notes and rests, in 4/4 time

read, perform, and create rhythms using combinations of quarter, half, whole, and eighth notes and rests (percussion only--read, perform and create rhythms using eighth notes and rests occuring on and off the beat)

demonstrate concert pitches: F, Eb, D, C, Bb

demonstrate Concert G

demonstrate Concert A (low)

demonstrate Concert G (low), except for horn, trombone, baritone, tuba

play standard beginner band literature (Grade 0.5) demonstrating basic independence of parts (3-4 selections mastering tone, dynamics, rhythmic accuracy, and other stylistic aspects the teacher deems necessary)

demonstrate concert etiquette (arrive on time, wear proper attire, bring all music/equipment, demonstrate good stage manners and good audience manners)

PERCUSSION ONLY

demonstrate bounce stroke, using single and multiple bounces

demonstrate the Flam Tap

demonstrate right and left flams

demonstrate the Single Paradiddle