Welcome! 7-8 Band meets to rehearse periods D-E-F on Wednesdays and period A on Thursdays. In addition to these classes, you will attend one small group lesson each week during one of your lunch times. The lesson periods will be divided. Some students will eat lunch at the start of the period and then take a lesson, and some will take a lesson before eating lunch. The lesson schedule will be announced and posted outside the music rooms. Band rehearsals will be held onstage in Bahnik Hall. Lessons will take place in the practice room on the lower level of the Middle School, room B-10.
Grades
Trimester grades are based on your performance of both the lesson material and band repertoire, measured through assessments. It is expected that you will show progress from your starting level. Grades are also affected by lesson attendance and preparation. Students who need extra help may arrange to attend additional scheduled 7-8 lessons. Recordings of some repertoire can be found on my teacher page.
Your effort grade will reflect your behavior in class, your attitude, and your preparation: You are to bring your own 3-ring binder with music to every class as well as a pencil, your instrument and any needed reeds or oils.
Written Work
Score study sheets are to be completed for each piece and will be taken into consideration when grades are calculated.
You will be called on to listen critically to your peers and will be assessed by your peers. These exercises, usually done by section, will be announced ahead of time. Your written responses will reflect the development of your listening and critiquing skills and will contribute to your grade.
Performances
The Middle School Winter Concert will take place Tuesday evening, December 13, with an in-school performance on Friday, December 16. The Spring Concert will be Wednesday evening, May 16, 2012, with an in-school performance on Thursday, May 17. This is a performance class and participation is mandatory. Unless otherwise announced, concert attire for the boys will be black slacks, black shoes, white shirt, and conservative tie. Concert attire for the girls will be black skirt or dress pants, black shoes, and white blouse.
Instruments
Students playing flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, and trumpet are responsible for providing their instruments through purchase or outside rental. An attempt will be made to offer rentals to students playing larger instruments. Between classes, instruments are to be taken home or stored in or above lockers. Large instruments may be left in the designated area of room 101.
If you ever have any questions or problems, please speak to me. I look forward to working with you this year!