Sixth Grade Band

            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. 40% of the student’s grade is based on SGI or private lesson progress. 

The SGI (small group instruction-lasts 20 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 half of one iLab period per week. All students who are not taking private lessons are required to attend the SGI every week. Private lessons last for 30 minutes, are taken after 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 will be required to complete a private lesson evaluation form filled out by their private teacher at the end of each term. 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 on the first day of class.

Course Requirements:

1. Bring their instrument, music, pencil, and Essential Elements 2000 book to every band rehearsal. It will be difficult for students to participate in rehearsal if they forget their instrument. Percussionists must have a bell and snare drum to practice on at home and must bring their sticks/mallets in a stick bag.

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 a nice shirt and tie, nice pants, nice shoes. NO sneakers, jeans, sweatpants, hats, etc…….

       Concert dress for women is a 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 is monitored by the lesson teachers and the 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

*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 :-)

Jill Noerenberg, Sam Schmetterer, Matt Collins

Band Directors