Sixth Grade Band
Dear Parents and Students,
We believe it is very important for parents to understand the requirements, guidelines, and grading policies for the 6th grade band. Band is a performance based class. Although students will not have “homework” every night, they will be responsible for the following:
Attend one SGI (small group instruction) a week or take one private lesson a week on their own, with a private instructor. 50% of the student’s grade is based on SGI attendance or private lesson attendance.
The SGI, (small group instruction-lasts approximately 15 minutes) or private lesson is the only instruction your son/daughter will receive that will teach them the necessary skills to be successful in band. In band we are teaching ensemble skills, not individual instrument technique. SGI lessons meet during one lunch/recess period per week and will be set up the first week of school. If your son/daughter wishes to take private lessons with a teacher outside of the school day they can skip the SGI provided in school. Private lessons are taken outside of school, and allow students to have one-on-one instruction with a teacher who is an expert musician on their particular instrument. The individual attention and instruction with a professional is extremely beneficial to the growth and development of the student musician.
Students in private lessons:
Students in private lessons must return a proof of lesson form. This form is available online or from the students band teacher. Every quarter students will be required to hand in a private lesson evaluation form filled out by their private teacher. Students will receive an incomplete grade until the form is turned in. A list of recommended professional and high school private teachers will be handed out the first day of class.
Please check the 6th Grade Band Required Materials Checklist for a list of materials needed every class.
Course Requirements:
1. Bring their instrument, music, and Essential Elements 2000 book to every band rehearsal. Students will not be able to participate in rehearsal if they forget their instrument.
2. Attend night concerts and performances. Students who are absent from a performance for any reason shall be required to submit a missed concert assignment.
Concert dress for men is nice shirt and tie, nice pants, nice . NO sneakers, jeans, sweatpants, hats, etc…….
Concert dress for women is nice dress/skirt or nice pants/shirt, nice shoes. NO sneakers, jeans, flip-flops or skirts above the knee.
3. Practice!! Students should be practicing a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 3-4 times a week. Practice records are checked at every SGI lesson. Practice is also monitored through student’s progress on various auditions during the year.
4. Two or three playing auditions
5. Class participation, attitude, and effort are also monitored during rehearsal.
Rules that apply to class participation are:
*Arrive to class on time!!
*Never leave the classroom without asking for the pass
*Put your instrument in the instrument room, or on shelves. Not on floor!!
*Do not touch or play with percussion equipment; any improper use will damage or even destroy these instruments
*Most importantly, always be respectful of yourself, others and your school.
Students are expected to come to class ready to rehearse…this means……..
*Spend time out of class on the music being rehearsed
*Always have a pencil to mark your music
*Keep your instrument in good working condition
*Always put forth all your effort
*Have a supportive and positive attitude towards the music and each other
*Wait quietly while other sections are working
*Do not talk while the conductor is speaking
*Have an open attitude towards music that is unfamiliar:-)
The following are concert dates for the 6th Grade Band 2011 – 2012:
Monday, December 12th PAC Holiday Concert 7:30
Thursday, February 9th PAC All-Band Night 6:30
Thursday, May 22nd PAC Spring Concert 7:30
Sincerely,
Duxbury Music Department
Lesson Teachers Can Submit Private Lesson Evaluations Through The Private Lesson Evaluation Page