The course selections listed below are offered during the school day. They are part of the electives of the school curriculum for all grade levels.  Students enrolled in any one of the following bands are scheduled as a regular class.

BEGINNING BAND  (Band 1)

Beginning Band is offered to students in the 6^th and 7^th grade. No previous musical experience is required.  Students will learn the basics of instrument fundamentals, reading music/rhythmic notation, and independent musical performance.  Beginning Band is a full year course. Instruments taught in band are flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and concert percussion.

Band is an elective and selective course.  In Band, we seek to develop and put to use a SKILL.  It involves learning math concepts and applying them (rhythm), learning and applying a system of music notation, developing fine motor skills, developing our ability to really hear, and becoming sensitive:  to the sounds we make, to the sounds others make, and to the musical demands of the piece.  It requires cooperation with a large team of musicians, working together towards a common goal.  And, of course, it also requires extra practice at home, occasional after school rehearsals and performances, and an investment in an instrument.  Band involves responsibility to the group.  The sound each student makes can change the sound of the entire group.  One student can literally change the sound of an entire 80-piece band!  

Instrument Selection

Beginning Band students will have an opportunity to try out several instruments. Selection of instrument is based upon student interest, physical characteristics (formation of lips and teeth), rhythmic coordination (percussion instruments), and instrumentation requirements (the number of students playing each instrument must be kept within reasonable limits in order to be able to perform the music written for the modern band). 

Instrument Assembly, Care, and Maintenance

Proper assembly and care are necessary to minimize repairs and frustration caused by a malfunctioning instrument.  

Tone Production

This includes all of the elements necessary to produce a musical sound on a wind or percussion instrument. Embouchure (the way the lips and facial muscles are used and applied to the mouthpiece), use of air, and concept of correct sound for a given instrument are learned.   

Articulation

Articulation involves the correct use of the tongue in playing an instrument. It is very similar to pronunciation in speech.

.                                           Music Reading

After students can demonstrate basic tone production and articulation concepts, music reading is introduced. Students are introduced to notes and rhythms gradually. Students only learn notes and rhythms they are able to play and apply. New notes and rhythms are added as control improves. Music reading involves learning the name of the note, the sound of the note (pitch), the duration of the note (rhythm), and the fingering of the note on the instrument. It is essential that students practice daily to avoid getting behind. Each skill builds on the last skill, so progress depends upon keeping up.

                                             Ear Training

The ability to discriminate pitch, to play in tune with others, and to hear a musical line is a skill that can and must be developed by music students. Students can learn to play in tune, understand and appreciate good tone quality, and learn to blend and balance their sound with their fellow musicians. Most students have quite good natural pitch perception; musicians develop an above average awareness of the sounds around them by learning to listen. 

Scales

Students will have memorized 7 major scales in Beginning Band by the end of the year. Students will also be able to write and label each of their scales. Almost all music is based upon some kind of scale. Knowledge of scales is essential in learning to play an instrument. Percussion students learn scales on the mallet instruments, and, in addition, learn rudiments, exercises that build coordination and control necessary to play percussion parts.

CONCERT BAND 

 (Band 2)

 Concert Band is an upper level band class open to students in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade who have successfully completed one full year of Beginning Band. Students will learn to be proficient in music reading, scales, tone production, and articulation. All of the basic techniques that were introduced in Beginning Band are further developed in Concert Band. Greater emphasis is placed upon performance fundamentals and individual attention.

Concert Band students who demonstrate adequate progress to the Director’s satisfaction are eligible to participate in the end-of-the-year performance field trip with the Symphonic Band.

Private lessons are a great help at this level, since class size and performance commitments limit the amount of individual instruction a student receives. Students may have after school section rehearsals when necessary for concert preparation.  However, this will be a rare occurrence.

Placement in this class is by Director recommendation only!

SYMPHONIC BAND   (Band 3)

Symphonic Band is an accelerated level band class.  It is open to only the most proficient students in 7^th and 8^th grade who have demonstrated ability to perform more difficult music. Instrumentation is a consideration when selecting students for Symphonic Band. In addition, a student must have a proven record of reliability and good conduct in order to be considered for this class. The skills learned in Beginning and Concert Band are further refined, and additional scales and more challenging technique are learned. Private lessons are highly recommended. Private teachers can help with preparation for All-County Band and All-State Band auditions, preparation of difficult band music, and selection and preparation of Solo and Ensemble music for performance at F.B.A. Solo and Ensemble MPA. Students will rehearse after school when necessary to prepare for a performance.  Students who do not make adequate progress may be transferred to another band class or to another elective after parent notification.  SYMPHONIC BAND STUDENTS WHO ARE  UNWILLING TO ATTEND BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES CANNOT BE IN THE SYMPHONIC BAND.   Placement in this class is by Director recommendation only!

JAZZ BAND

(Instrumental Ensemble I)

Jazz Band is offered to students in the 7^th and 8^th grade.  This ensemble will be one of the most highly recognized and respected organizations in our community.  It is an integral part of the music curriculum.  The Greenwood Lakes Middle School Jazz Band will consist of members of the Concert and/or Symphonic Band who are interested in performing jazz, swing, rock, other various musical styles, and learning improvisation. Instrumentation will be limited, and only the top musicians in the school will be considered for membership. Tools of improvisation will be studied. A variety of musical styles, including Swing, Jazz, Rock, Latin, Ballad, and more will be performed using a traditional "Big Band" instrumentation. Enrollment in Concert and/or Symphonic Band is a prerequisite for placement into Jazz Band.  Jazz Band is a second band class scheduled during the regular school day.  Students will be expected to participate in performances beyond the regular school day. Although rare, occasional before or after-school rehearsals may be required in preparation for upcoming performances.  Placement in this class is by Director recommendation only!   

                      MUSIC APPRECIATION