Junior High Band

Here is some information about junior high band, including some of the expectations for each student and parents.

• Band is an elective course that meets every day, this year.
   
• There will usually be a Massed Band festival in the spring of the year where 7th and 8th grade band students from about 10 area schools get together for a day of making music together and having fun. The public is always invited to the evening concert following the festival. 
   
• Practice Time - This is still important at all ages! Each student must practice their instrument regularly in order to become the best they can be. The amount of time each one needs to spend is different for each person, but 20 to 30 minutes of practice every day is a good goal. Since there are certain times of the year when some students are extra busy, Jr High band students do not need to turn in practice slips as part of their grade. That does not mean practice time is not important, just that I try to reduce the stress and hassle for the students. 
   
• The students' grades in band are based on 3 things.
  1. Each day of band class the students are graded on the progress they are showing during class. This is the biggest portion of their grade.
  2. Tests are another part of evaluating each student's work. Most tests are playing tests where each student records themself on an assigned bit of music. Concerts are major test scores. A band can only sound its best if every member is there contributing their part of the music, so it is vital that everyone is there.
  3. Extra credit may be earned by students attending other concerts; performing with the pep band; for civic groups; performing in church, or similar performances.
  
   
• Concert dress for junior high is black pants/skirt and white dress shirt.

• There is a calendar of all our music events for the year at the Class Home menu on the left. There will be some additions and changes so check back periodically. 

• The main goal of band classes is to help children learn to make music, appreciate music and other wonderful and beautiful things in life. There are many other side benefits of learning to make music.