6th Grade Beginning Band (Powerpoint)    6th Grade Beginning Orchestra (PDF)    Enrollment Form
 

Students have the option to enroll in beginning band or orchestra in 6th grade. This option is in addition to general music, not a substitute. Throughout the year, students will learn the basics of playing the instrument of their choice. Therefore, no experience is necessary.

Classes take place during intervention: three times a week for orchestra and two times a week for band. Since both classes meet during intervention, students cannot participate in both. The band and orchestra directors work closely with the other intervention teachers to plan a schedule that allows students to participate in band or orchestra and another intervention class if necessary (ie: ACT, reading, support education, or ESL). In most cases, there is no difficulty scheduling both.

Time commitment outside of the school day consists of home practice and two evening concerts, one in winter and one in spring. Practicing at home is vital to success on a musical instrument to help reading skills and to reinforce the playing techniques taught in class. Students are expected to practice at least 60 minutes per week. Weekly homework grades consist of documenting home practice on a practice chart and acquiring a parent signature.

The school does not provide instruments, but highly recommends rental over outright purchase. The band and orchestra directors will discuss rental recommendations at their parent informational meetings in the spring, or you may contact them directly with specific questions. Cello and bass students will use school-owned instruments in class, but rent their own instrument for home practice. All band and orchestra students will need to have an instrument and method book by the second week of school.