Elementary School Concert Band is designed to be a fun, exciting beginning to a life-long musical experience.  During 5th and 6th Grade Bands, students will learn how to make music on their chosen instrument.  Students meet once weekly in a small group lesson to work on their individual playing skills. Students also meet once weekly in a full band class where they learn how to combine their individual skills and talents with the skills and talents of their friends, peers, and classmates.

 

Students must bring the following to every lesson/full band class: instrument, folder with music/method book, and a pencil. Percussion students must bring drumsticks, bell mallets, and music (drum kits should be kept at home for practice).

 Lessons are assigned in 25 minute sessions based on the schedule below. Please click on the calendar tab above to find out what day in the cycle we are currently on. (You will need to scroll down the page to find the Elementary calendar.) In the event of a school closure (snow day, etc.), the cycle day carries over to the next day back. The calendar will be updated to reflect this change as soon as possible. To receive text or email reminders from Mrs. Johnston regarding what day it is, sign up for Remind 101. Details are on the home page.

 

Students are expected to practice outside of class at least four times per week.

• Your practice session should include...

• Brass Players (trumpet, f horn, trombone and baritone)

  • Mouthpiece drills

    • Long steady buzz sound on just the mouthpiece

    • Sirens - working on both low and high ranges

  • Long steady note on the full instrument

  • Long steady high notes and long steady low notes

  • The assigned homework pages in the book.

  • Concert music assignment

    • listen to the music as you study your part (see links below)

    • practice the assigned measures so you are prepared for class

• Percussionists

  • Correct posture

    • Hold stick/mallet between your thumb and first finger, other fingers wrapped lightly around the stick

    • Hold the sticks in the "triangle" shape with your thumbs on the inside and the back of your hand up towards the ceiling

  • Practice hitting the drum/practice pad/bell and getting only one hit (no bounce)

  • Practice our "8-on-a-hand" exercise (R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-R) keeping your sound, rhythm, and tempo steady and even

  • The assigned homework pages in the book

  • Concert music assignment

    • listen to the music as you study your part (see links below)

    • practice the assigned measures so you are prepared for class

• Woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone)

  • Long steady sound on the full instrument

  • The assigned homework pages in the book

  • Concert music assignment

    • listen to the music as you study your part (see links below)

    • practice the assigned measures so you are prepared for class