6th Grade

Band

🎵 Welcome to 6th Grade Band

🎺 What Is 6th Grade Band?

In 6th grade, students:

Rehearse as a full band during 6th period on A1 and A2 Days. The class replaces their general Art and Music class special.
Continue learning their instrument in small-group lessons. 3 to 4 lessons a month during 3rd period recess
Perform in concerts
Participate in field trips

This is an exciting year because students move from mainly learning in small groups to making music together as a full ensemble!

📚 How Does Band Fit Into My Child’s Schedule?

🎶 Band Class

When: 6th Period on A1 and A2 Days
What It Replaces: Fine & Performing Arts Special (Art and Music Class)

Band is an actual class on your child’s schedule.
Students report to band during 6th period on A1 and A2 days.

During Band Class Students:

Rehearse as a full band
Learn concert music
Practice teamwork and listening skills
Build stronger musical skills together
Mainly have FUN MAKING MUSIC not just learning about music.

🥁 Small Group Lessons

⏰ Lesson Time

When: 3rd Period Lunch/Recess
Frequency: 3–4 times each month

How it Works: Students play their instruments for half the period and eat for half the period.

In addition to full band class, every student receives a FREE small-group lesson on their instrument during lunch/recess.

These lessons:

Provide extra individualized help on instruments
Teach instrument-specific skills
Allow students to ask questions in a smaller setting
Help students grow more quickly as musicians

🔄 Understanding the Lesson Schedule

Lessons rotate through our school’s 6-Day Cycle. (SEE FALL LESSON SCHEDULE HERE)

Each instrument has a specific lesson day.

Example:

Trumpets → B4 Days
Flutes → A1 Days
Clarinets → A2 Days
Saxophones → A3 Days
Low Brass → B5 Days
Percussion → B6 Days

This means:
✅ Students only attend lessons on THEIR instrument day
✅ Students do NOT miss recess every day
✅ Most students have lessons about once each cycle (3 to 4 times a month)

👉 Please check the Lesson Calendar regularly so students know when to bring their instrument to lunch/recess.

✅ Grading

6th Grade Band is a:

✔️ Pass / Fail Class

Grades are based on:

Participation
Effort
Attendance
Bringing materials to class

Students are expected to:

Bring their instrument
Bring music/binder
Participate positively in rehearsals
Attend concerts and performances
HAVE FUN MAKING MUSIC (Thats it :-)

🎤 Performances & Field Trips

6th Grade Band students participate in:

🎶 Two Major Concerts

Winter Concert
Spring Concert

🚌 Two Band Field Trips

One educational field trip
One performance-based field trip

These experiences help students grow as musicians while making lasting memories with their classmates.

🎵 Can Students Do Both Band AND Choir?

YES! Students can absolutely participate in both Band and Choir.

These programs do not conflict with each other because they meet during different parts of the school day.

🎺 Band

Takes place during 6th Period
Meets on A1 and A2 Days
Counts as the student’s Fine & Performing Arts class

🎤 Choir

Takes place during the 7th Period Activities Block
Meets on A1, A2, and A3 Days

Many students successfully participate in BOTH programs and enjoy being involved in multiple musical experiences throughout the school day!

💚 Why Band Matters

Band helps students develop:

Confidence
Responsibility
Teamwork
Creativity
Leadership
Lifelong friendships

Most importantly, band gives students a place to belong while experiencing the joy of making music together.

🎵 Important Reminder

When should students bring their instruments to School:
✅ On ALL Band Class Days
✅ On THEIR Lesson Day during Lunch/Recess

When in doubt, check:

The Lesson Calendar
Google Classroom
The Band Website
Remind Messages

🦅 Welcome to the WDMS Band Family!

We are so excited to continue this musical journey together and cannot wait to see how much our 6th grade musicians grow this year!

Please contact Mrs. Graff with any questions.

Email: cgraff@wdeptford.k12.nj.us

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