Middle School Band

To properly start beginner musicians, I take a scaffolded approach to learning about music notation and performance.  Students begin with a 1-2 week introduction to musical notation, pitch identification, and rhythmic counting.  After this, students move on to performance ideas such as posture, breathing and hand positioning.  Students use practice logs as a guide to complete purposeful practice, working on playing assignments for tests as well as exercises they are interested in. 

Students in Intermediate and Advanced ensembles are able to explore more advanced techniques and challenging music.  Students start to realize the impact of individual responsibility as preperation begins for MPA.  These groups will also rehearse in student run sectionals allowing them to gain experience in leadership and focus on specific trouble spots within their section.  All students in these ensemble particpate in Solo&Ensemble.  I provide suggestions for their performance but put a focus on students experimenting with their own musical ideas and problem-solving.