🎵 Welcome to 6th Grade Band 🎵

Welcome to full band rehearsal! Building on the foundation of 5th grade small-group lessons, 6th Grade Band is the second step in our 4-year instrumental program. This is where students transition from small-group instruction to full-ensemble rehearsals, bringing all instruments together to make music as a team.

In 6th Grade Band, students take their musicianship to the next level by learning how individual instrument parts fit together into a unified ensemble sound.

🌟 Program Overview: 

Band Class: Play together as a full band. (This is where we learn to work together with different instruments and play our music all together) 

Band Lessons: Receive instrument-specific instruction during recess. (This is where we learn our music and how to play our specific instrument) 

Performances & Trips: Winter Concert, Spring Concert and one bonus experience throughout the year. 

Expectations:

• Be Prepared: Bring your instrument, binder, music, pencil, and supplies daily.

• Be Punctual: Arrive on time for 8th period lessons on your designated day. 🚨

• Be Dedicated: Practice daily for 10–15 minutes and complete your weekly practice assignments.

• Be Positive: Show respect, teamwork, and a supportive attitude.

• Strive for Excellence: Demonstrate pride, passion, and commitment to performance.

Musicianship Goals:

• Build strong practice habits

• Improve tone, technique & ensemble skills

• Gain confidence in sight-reading & performance

• Grow as responsible musicians & teammates

Band Class & Lesson Schedule

Band Class: 6th Period on A1 and A2 days (replaces general Art/Music special).

Band Lessons: 3rd Period during Lunch/Recess, 1 day per 6-day cycle (about 3 to 4 times per month)  

• • How it works: Students play for half the period and eat for half.

  • 6-Day Rotation: Each instrument attends lessons on its designated day (e.g., Flutes on A1, Clarinets on A2, Percussion on A3, Trumpets on B4, Low Brass on B5, Saxophone on B6).

  • Check Lesson Calendar for exact dates so students don't miss their lessons. 

Required Materials

• Instrument (in good working condition)

• Method Book: Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 1 (for their specific instrument)

• Instrument Supplies (e.g., reeds, valve oil, drumsticks, swab—varies by instrument)

• Music Binder: 1-inch Band Binder with 5 labeled tab dividers

• Pencil 

💯 Grading Policy Overview (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)

6th grade band is a graded course. The WDMS Band grading policy is consistent across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Concerts & Playing Tests — 45% (Major Grade)

• • Includes playing assessments and mandatory concert performances.

  • Written notice at least 2 weeks in advance is required for a concert absence to be excused.

Lessons & Participation — 40% (Minor Grade)

• • Covers small-group lunch/recess lesson attendance plus weekly effort, preparedness, materials, and attitude.

Classwork & Homework — 15% (Supportive Grade)

• • Includes daily in-class assignments and occasional practice work (e.g., SmartMusic).

Quick Tips for Parents & Students:

• 📌 Zeros in the Grade Book? A "0" usually means an assignment is missing or not yet updated. Reach out to Mrs. Graff to resolve it!

• 🎷 Missed Lessons: Students are responsible for scheduling make-ups (max 1 per week). Unmade-up lessons hold a temporary zero.

• 📖 Full Policy Details: Please review the WDMS Band Handbook & Expectations Contract for complete attendance rules and guidelines.

🎤 Performances & Field Trips

Winter Concert: 

December 10th at 6:30pm in the WDMS Cafetorium

Spring Concert: 

TBA

🎵 Students CAN Do Both Band AND Choir?

Band and Choir do not conflict and meet at different times:

• Band: 6th Period (A1 and A2 days).

• Choir: 7th Period Activities Block (A1, A2, and A3 days).

💚 Why Join Band? Band builds confidence, teamwork, responsibility, creativity, and lasting friendships.

🦅 Welcome to the WDMS Band Family! 

We are excited for a great year of music making!

Questions? Contact Mrs. Graff 📧 Email: cgraff@wdeptford.k12.nj.us