Jackson Middle School

Band Dept.

             The concert band is made up of 7th and 8th grade band members with at least one year of experience.  The concert band performs regularly at local, district and state festivals throughout the year. 

This class is open to only those accepted by audition into the band department and recommended by the director for the ensemble.  At the end of the school year students will either receive an audition waiver or be required to re-audition for admittance back into the ensemble.

Goals

The class will concentrate on the following areas of music curriculum.

· Intermediate to Advanced Music Performance

· Intermediate to Advanced Music Theory, Ear Training, Composition and Improvisation

Intermediate to Advanced Music History and Appreciation

 

It is the intention that the Concert  Band be a premiere performance ensemble of the school.  Competitions and performances locally will be planned.

Class Materials

· Music: Students will be issued a music folder to protect the music handed out for

                 performance.  All music must be returned to the director when requested.

· Musical instrument must be brought to school at all times

· Theory text: To be determined

· Practice cards: Daily submissions are expected

· Pencils and erasers are requested for music notation.  A pencil is required at all times in rehearsal.

 

 

Performance

Chair assignments will be determined through an audition process at the beginning of each semester or as determined by the director.  The material used for auditions will be given with ample preparation time.  The director retains the right to move students in sections as he sees fit throughout the semester if changes need to be made.

 

One of the best and fastest ways to improve as a musician is to take private lessons.  We recommend that the younger players in the department study with older students at the high school/college level or with an outside professional.  This will greatly enhance students’ abilities.

Grades are based on the following:

· Ability and achievement of the standards

· Music performance in rehearsal and concerts

· Theory and Ear Training

· Research papers and special assignments

· Participation, promptness and attitude

 

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction.

What we are working on in class:

1. Bb, Eb, F, Ab  concert major scales and key studies

 

2. UIL Contest Music ( Crusade, Little Brazil Suite, Scarborough Fair, March Zuma)

 

3. Solo/Ensemble

 

4. Film Music ( Dark Knight, Star Wars, etc.)

 

5. Pep Band (Lowrider, Thriller, Chameleon, ESPN, Leopard Mix, etc.)