Beginning Band I - open to first year band students grade 7 or 8 with no prior band experience. Students will be required to purchase mouthpiece or sticks and perform on an instrument. Students will also learn how to read notes and perform as a group. After school rehearsals are mandatory if they desire to be in the performing band. Performing band students will be required to purchase the band uniform, black pants and black shoes. We strive for National Music Standards: tone, intonation, technique, articulation, rhythm, balance/blend, interpretation, and appearance.
Intermediate Band I - is an extension of beginning band. Sudents will learn grade 2 level music or higher with more performances scheduled. We strive to improve and expand the National Music Standards at a higher level. Intermediate Band students will be well prepared for high school band.
Other areas: GLOs, discipline, teamwork, citizenship, humility, perserverance, effort, dedication, and more.
National Standards
1. Tone - quality of sound, support, focused and centered.
2. Intonation - correct fingerings, pitch and in tune
3. Rhythm - correct counting, note/rest values and in time to the pulse.
4. Articulation - tonguing, slurs, staccatos, legatos, etc.
5. Technique - fundamentals, hand position, breathing/blowing, speed, accuracy
6. Balance/Blend - all instruments balanced and forming harmonies
7. Interpretation - succefully translate notes into music sound, emotion and meaning
8. Appearance - discipline, posture, position, uniform, instrumentation
2004 - 2005 103 band students, Mr. Miura's first year back
2005 - 2006 148 band students, 68 8th graders in Intermediate Band pd. 3
2006 - 2007 217 projection, 50 8th graders in Intermediate Band, 17 beginners,
147 incoming 7th grade beginners.