The Middle School Concert Band is the intermediate level of the instrumental music program. The course provides large group (ensemble) instruction for the serious instrumental music student who has progressed beyond the beginning stages of musical performance. Students learn to apply their musical performance skills in the large group setting. Membership requires motivation, talent, dedication, the responsibility to practice and enthusiasm. Students electing Band in their sixth grade year must have the approval of their elementary instrumental music instructor.
By the end of three years, we will cover the following key concepts and skills during this class:
1. Students will be able to perform musically in large group sessions.
2. Students will understand key signatures, time signatures, repeat indications (endings), extended rests, rehearsal locations, etc., as an extension of their music reading skills dealing with large ensemble performances.
3. Students will perform musical compositions representing different historical and stylistic periods.
4. Students will gain insights into the history and stylistic background/interpretation of the music that they perform.
5. Students will advance beyond purely mechanical recitations of musical performance to a more expressive level of interpretation.
6. Students will become increasingly aware of varied dynamics, changes in tempo and style by watching the gestures of the conductor.
7. Students will be exposed to the rudimentary skills associated with marching band in preparation for the Memorial Day Parade in the spring.
8. Students will gain organizational skills in dealing with the dynamics of a large group. (concert band)
The major resources used in this class include:
Various band arrangements and compositions geared to the intermediate instrumental music student.
Students will have the opportunity to develop their musical talents through the study of a variety of musical styles. They will continue to develop and apply their music reading skills through performance on keyboard, guitar and percussion. They will learn about musical expression through the composition and performance of original songs. Students will learn how to use technology to record and edit their work.
By the end of three years, we will cover the following key concepts and skills during this class:
1. Students will learn how to analyze, read and construct a melody.
2. Students will understand the basic elements of rhythm: beat, meter, and pattern.
3. Students will be able to harmonize simple melodies using the I, IV, and V7 chords.
4. Students will have the tools necessary to perform simple songs and patterns on electronic keyboards, guitars, and percussion instruments.
5. Students will employ expressive elements in the creation and performance of original songs.
6. Students will learn how to operate electronic keyboards and use MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) software to sequence (record and edit) and notate music. Students will use drill and practice software to assist in learning music theory terminology and ear training. Students will use technology generated experiences to foster critical thinking and writing skills.
7. Students will understand musicÕs relationship to history and culture and its connection to other disciplines.
The primary resources used in this class include:
Sound Tree: General Music Curriculum, AlfredÕs Basic Guitar Method, Keyboards in General Music
Students will have the opportunity to develop their natural singing voice. They will learn to read music and acquire vocal technique through the study of choral music representing different styles, cultures and forms. They will learn to perform with feeling and artistry. There are performances at which attendance is mandatory.
By the end of three years, we will cover the following key concepts and skills during this class:
1. The student will understand the importance of and be able to demonstrate acceptable breath control and posture when singing.
2. The student will have the opportunity to develop the vocal skills necessary to perform and enjoy singing.
3. The student will develop the tools to aid in the interpretation of music notation and a musical score.
4. The student will have the opportunity to develop his/her sight reading skills including: pitch, major and minor tonalities, meter, beat pattern, and rhythm.
5. The student will learn about musical form and style through the study and performance of music representing various historical periods, cultures and forms.
6. The student will learn about musical expression and be able to demonstrate in performance the elements of dynamics, diction and articulation.
The primary resources used in this class include:
Phillips, Kenneth. Teaching Kids to Sing. Schirmer Books, 1994
Rao, Doreen. We Will Sing. Boosey and Hawkes, 1993.
Middle Vocal Repertoire