Band 6
This is a year-long elective class and meets every other day for the entire school year.
In this course students will begin instrumental music instruction in the summer before 6th grade with a four-week program that starts the last week of July and continues through the first three weeks of August. When school resumes in September, students continue individual/small group lessons once every week for twenty minutes in addition to the full rehearsals. First year instruction centers on developing tonal concepts, counting fundamental rhythmic patterns, and correct fingerings and hand position on their chosen instrument. Music performed is of a grade 1 level and occasionally 1-1/2. The 6th grade band will give 2-3 evening performances (attendance required) during the school year.
Band 7
This is a year-long elective class and meets every other day for the entire school year.
In the second year of instrumental music study, students begin a combined marching program with the 8th grade band. The majority of marching band instruction takes place during the four-week summer band program that begins in July and culminates the third week of August with the annual Holmen Kornfest Parade. When school begins, further marching band instruction takes place during the day which includes required performances. Marching band performances during the fall include the Homecoming Parade, the Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade, and the Marching Band Review Concert, which is a combined performance with the HHS marching band.
Increased scale study begins in 7th grade where quality grade 2 level, and occasionally 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 level music are studied. ALL students also complete a major unit emphasizing solo and small ensemble playing and will participate in the WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival in February or other approved performance. Jazz Ensemble and/or Jazz Combo are offered as after school co-curricular experiences. e Additional required performances include: evening concerts at the end of each quarter of study (typically in January, March, and May), as well as participation in the WSMA Large Group Festival in late March or early April. Individual/small group lessons continue once each week for twenty minutes each.
Band 7 for Beginners
This is a semester-long elective class and meets every other day (first semester only).
Students new to band as 7th graders will join the 7th grade beginning band class. The 7th grade beginning band is designed as a small ensemble so that new band students will have an opportunity to work more closely with the instructor to learn their instrument. This class meets during the first semester, where in an expedited classroom setting the students will learn first-year basic skills on their new instrument such as hand position, posture, tonal concept, and rhythm. Band and marching music will be introduced allowing students to participate in marching performances with the 7 & 8 grade bands at the Homecoming and Oktoberfest Torchlight Parades, Marching Band Review Concert, and Winter Concert in January.
At the conclusion of the 1st semester, these students will move into the full 7th grade band for the remainder of the school year, as well as starting a weekly twenty-minute individual/small group lesson.
Band 8
This is a year-long elective class and meets every other day for the entire school year.
In the third year of instrumental music study, students learn about the audition process and audition for seating placement in the band. Advanced scales and technical studies are added, and top students are recommended to participate in local and state middle-level honors bands. As in 7th grade, marching band, solo & ensemble festival, WSMA Large Group Festival, and jazz study are all continued as are other occasional performance opportunities in the school district and community. The 8th grade band also performs for the school’s Veteran’s Day Assembly in November. Quality band literature of a grade 2-1/2 level and occasionally 2 and 3 level music is studied. Required performances include: evening concerts at the end of each quarter of study (typically in January, March, and May), the Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade and Fall Review Concert marching band performances, and Solo & Ensemble Festival in February. Individual/small group lessons continue once each week for twenty minutes each.
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