The Middle School Band Classes will provide students with knowledge of their instrument, other

instruments, elements of music, proper fundamentals of breathing and posture, study of age appropriate

band literature, and rehearsal techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on developing musicianship and

in demand of musical responsibilities.

Each student will be taught and be able to demonstrate the fundamentals of performing on their instrument,

self-motivation, self-discipline, and self/group awareness.

I. Approach to and care of the instrument

A. Students will name and identify the main parts of their instrument.

B. Students will demonstrate proper assembly and disassembly of instrument.

C. Students will explain proper care and maintenance of their instrument.

D. Students will demonstrate correct posture and playing position.

II. Elements of Music

A. Students will name and identify the elements of music.

III. Rhythm

A. Students will demonstrate knowledge of meter/time signatures.

B. Students will demonstrate an understanding of counting rhythm patterns.

C. Students will perform various rhythmic patterns on their instrument.

IV. Tone Production

A. Wind instruments students will demonstrate correct embouchure and correct hand position

B. Percussionists will demonstrate correct playing technique.

C. Both groups will demonstrate a characteristic tone quality on instrument progressing in

difficulty based on grade level.

V. Technique

A. Students will demonstrate the correct basic fingerings for their instrument.

B. Students will demonstrate knowledge of a minimum of 4-8 major scales one form of the related

minor scales. (Dependent on grade level)

C. Students will also demonstrate a chromatic scale with appropriate alternate fingerings.

VI. Flexibility

A. Brass students will demonstrate correct method of lip slurs.

VII. Articulation

A. Students will demonstrate proper basic articulations: slur, accents, staccato, legato and tenuto.

VIII. Percussion

A. Percussionists will demonstrate knowledge of melodic instruments.

B. Percussionists will demonstrate basic snare drum rudiments.

C. Percussionists will perform same scales as wind instruments on appropriate keyboard

instrument.

D. Percussionists will also name, identify and demonstrate proper technique of various percussion

instruments (i.e. tympani, triangle, cymbals, congas, etc.)

IX. Musicality

A. Students will demonstrate a musical performance of appropriate literature.

X. Balance and Blend

A. Students will demonstrate ability to control the quality and volume of their tone, in

combination with other students.

XI. Response to Conductor

A. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of the teacher/conductor in guiding and

directing the ensemble.

B. Students will demonstrate knowledge of various basic meters and the conductors’ role in the

ensemble.

XII. Affective Domain

A. Students will demonstrate their appreciation of the value of their participation in

band.

Continuation of fundamentals of performance, age appropriate band literature, composers, music history as

it related to literature, music theory, elements of music.

concerts/recitals