6th Grade Beginning Band
Any sixth grade student may sign up for beginning band. Students will begin band on Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, or Percussion. Class periods are homogenous instrument families and meet every other day; A & B block schedule. Grades are based on class participation, assignments, and performances. Beginning Band is geared toward building the following individual skills:
- Note & Rhythm Identification
- Musical terms
- Posture/hand position
- Tone
- Proper fingerings/stickings
- Scales & Rudiments
Sixth grade performances will include:
- Winter Concert (December)
- Honor Band Tour (February) - Audition only
- West Local Solo & Ensemble (late April)
- Spring Concert (May)
Attendance at all performances is required.
Students have an opportunity to grow into other instruments (color instruments) and help fill out the band instrumentation. The following are color instruments: Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone, Horn, Euphonium, Tuba.
- Flute - Oboe/Bassoon
- Clarinet - Oboe/Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone
- Trumpet - Horn
- Trombone - Euphonium/Tuba
Students will be assessed for the first semester with a decision on color instruments around December/January. The following will be considered for selection on color instruments:
- Attitude
- Effort
- Practice
- Playing ability
- Suitability for the future instrument
- Responsibility
- Good grades
Sectional Coaches will be brought in class to help transition students to color instruments. Students will learn their new instrument, get caught up to speed, and transition back with the entire class.