A full year, graded course, the Grade 6 Band is open to all sixth grade students with previous experience on a band instrument. (All percussion players may be asked to audition and demonstrate fundamental music reading ability as well as basic performance rudiments (i.e. flams, rolls, etc.) prior to admittance into the ensemble). The class provides for the development of motor coordination, aesthetic judgement, and general musicianship through the introduction of the "Big 6" elements of instrumental performance: (Time Signature, Key Signature, Tempo, Dynamics Articulation and Form). The band rehearses four times every eight-day rotation (to include the possibility of sectional rehearsals), and all students receive 2 thirty-minute group lessons each rotation. Attendance is required at all ensemble functions; usually a minimum of two major concerts per year. Grading for the course will be based upon class participation, preparation, behavior, attendance at performances, lesson and rehearsal attendance and individual musical growth demonstrated throughout the year.

Multiple Forms of Assessment:
                 
In Rehearsal:        

• Student based assessment of daily/weekly performance
• Group, game activities - friendly competition within ensemble
• Written quizzes and tests
• One writing assignment (following Type 1/2 format), per semester

                 
In Lessons:                 

• Lesson attendance
• Individual/group performance of scales, rudiments, etc.
• Performance of literature
• Written assignments
• Individual, student-based portfolio checklist rubric

Standards for Assessment: (Grading Criteria)        

• Attendance at all performances
• Lesson Attendance                 
• Sectional preparation, of literature, in rehearsal
• Individual progress in lesson groups - i.e., scales, etc.
• Behaviour and responsibility to the ensemble
• Individual, student-based portfolio checklist
• Practice Card use and verification
• Quizzes/Test (written)
• An individual Band Assessment based on National Standards - given to each student (gr. 6-8) once a year

Learning Activities:        

• Intersectional games and competitions
• Analysis and critique sessions based on ensemble performance and use of other recordings
• Writing exercises
• Guest artists/speakers/performers

Resources:                 

• Instrumental literature of various styles, composers and difficulty levels
• Rhythm Sheets
• Transposition Sheets
• Proper Care of Instrument Sheets
• Practice Cards
• Scale & Rudiment Sheets
• Lesson Book: (gr. 7/8) - “Band Plus Method”
• Several other handouts based on various units of study
• Standard Literature
  

Rehearsal Schedule

The Grade 6 Band meets on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 within the present eight-day course rotation.
Two rehearsals occur during F block, which rotates to various times throughout the daily schedule.

Important Dates and Performances

Thursday, January 15, 2009, 7:30pm – Winter Concert – LSM Auditorium
Saturday, May 9, 2009, 7:30pm – Big Band Bash – LSM Gymnasium

Recent and current Grade 6 Band repertoire

Brandenburg Gate, Paul Jennings
Promotion March, Ed Chenette
Suite of Baroque Dances, Handel/Kinyon
Air and Allegro, Feldstein/O’Reilly
Arocknophobia, Steve Hodges
Attack of the Cyclops, Mark Williams
Korean Folk Song Medley, James Ployhar
Royal Tournament, John Kinyon
March of the Men of Harlech, John Kinyon, arr.
Kachina: Chant and Spirit Dance, Anne McGinty
Chester, Billings/Osterling, arr.
Aztec Dance, Michael Story
Sgt. Major March, John Edmondson
White River Overture, Steve Hodges
Got the Spirit Rock, John O’Reilly, arr.
Millennium, Michael Story
Fallbrook March, John O’Reilly
Air and Caprice, John Edmondson
Boulder Ridge, Jay Bocook
Canticum, James Curnow
Largo & Finale, Dvorak/O’Reilly, arr.