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6th Grade Band

is comprised of all 6th graders enrolled in band at WMS. The ensemble is divided into two sections, which rehearse daily. Much of the class is spent in breakout groups lead by the three 6th grade instructors. Emphasis is placed on the development of fundamentals such as: playing position, fingerings, embouchure, rhythm, and playing with musicality. 

In this course you will...

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  • Learn to read and write music

  • Develop proper instrumental playing techniques

  • Explore a variety of musical styles and learn how they connect to the world around you

  • Learn how to prepare for solo and ensemble performances

6th grade band standards

  • MUS-MS.PrEE.06.1a Demonstrate attention to technical accuracy and expressive qualities in prepared and improvised performances of a varied repertoire of music representing diverse cultures and styles.

  • MUS-MS.ReEE.09.1a Explain the influence of experiences, analysis, and context on interest in an evaluation of music.

  • MUS-MS.CrEE.03.2a Share personally-developed melodies and rhythmic passages - individually or as an ensemble - that demonstrate understanding of characteristics of music or texts studied in rehearsal.

  • MUS-MS.CnEE.11.1a Demonstrate how interests, knowledge, and skills relate to personal choices and intent when creating, performing, and responding to music.

  • MUS-06.Pr.06.1b Demonstrate performance decorum (such as stage presence, attire, and behavior) and audience etiquette appropriate for venue and purpose.

Required Materials​

  • Student will supply

    • Instrument​

      • This can be rented through a music store, be an instrument that is already owned, or a used instrument. If purchasing used, it is recommended that a repair technician at a music store looks at the instrument to make sure it is in good working order. If purchasing online, please research before purchasing. Often what looks like a good deal costs more in the long run due to the fact that a repair shop can not perform repairs on many internet purchased horns.

      • If a student is unable to purchase or rent an instrument, we have access to the Share the Music program which can help students obtain an instrument. Here is a FAQ document for more information. 

    • 6th Grade Band book​

      • Students will need their own copy of the "Essential Elements for Band book 1" for their specific instrument. This book is provided when renting the instrument through a music store. If a student is not renting through a store, the book will need to be purchased.​

    • A folder that will fit in a binder to hold concert music

    • Pencil​

    • Instrument appropriate supplies

      • This includes reeds, valve oil, drum sticks, etc​

  • School will supply

    • Concert music

    • Supplementary materials

    • Larger instruments

      • In some cases students may play a larger or rare instrument that is not available to rent through a music store. In ​these cases the school will provide the instrument and the student is responsible for paying the $95 maintenance fee for the care and yearly cleaning of the instrument.

Grading Scale

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  • Grading will follow standard based grading practices.

    • 1 - Demonstrates limited understanding of standard

    • 2 - Demonstrates basic understanding of standard

    • 3 - Demonstrates proficient understanding of standard

    • 4 - Demonstrates understanding of standard above grade level

  • Students will also receive weekly behavior grades consisting of:

    • 1 – Needs improvement

    • 2 – Progressing

    • 3- Meets expectations

General Expectations:

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  • Homework

    • The majority of homework will involve individual private practice by the student.

  • Responsibilities of student, parents, and teachers

    • It will be the student’s responsibility to take ownership of their learning

    • It will be the parent’s responsibility to encourage the learning of their students through encouragement and support

    • It will be the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that all homework is meaningful and will provide support when needed

  • Attendance

    • Students will be expected to be in their seats with instruments assembled and warmed up when the rehearsal begins.

    • Concert attendance is required

Performance Expectations

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Band is a performance based class and our concerts are comparable to an end of unit summative assessment in other classes. Because of this, students are expected to attend their performances throughout the year. A list of dates will be provided early in the year to help avoid conflicts Additionally;

  • Students should arrive to the venue a minimum of 20 minutes prior to the performance

  • Concert dress code consist of:

Gentlemen-

  • Dress shirt tucked in (tie optional, but preferred)

  • Dress pants with a belt (NO jeans, sweats, shorts, etc)                 

  • Nice shoes (NO sneakers)

Ladies-

  • Dresses or skirts (BELOW the knee) or Dress pants (leggings by themselves are not considered dress pants. However, leggings can be worn with an appropriate length dress/skirt.)

  • Shirts must meet the waistline and follow the school dress code for cut of neck and shoulder strap width

  • Nice shoes (NO sneakers, foam flip-flops, etc)

Fees​​

  • Percussionists

    • There is a $45 dollar fee for all percussionists and covers the wear and tear of the school owned percussion equipment such as replacing drumheads, mallets, etc.

  • School owned instruments

    • There is a $95 fee for the rental of school owned instruments and covers normal wear and tear as well as a yearly chemical cleaning.

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