|
|
Beginning Band
Incoming sixth grade band students are to enroll in beginning band. Instruments taught in class are flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Go to our "what can I play" page to find out more about these instruments. Students need to bring an instrument from home. If you have not already secured an instrument for your student you may wish to contact a local music store regarding the rental or purchase of an instrument.
There are also several music stores in Portland which deals in student instruments. We suggest that you call several stores regarding their rental terms and availability of certain instruments. Method book is the Accent on Achievement, Book I.
Practice will be an important part of your child's success in learning to play a musical instrument. Home practicing should take place each day. Although we recommend an average of 30 minutes of practice per day, that time should be broken up into 5-10 minutes sections for beginners. Your student should bring their instrument to school on class meeting days and take it home again for practicing.
We also encourage students to take individual lessons outside of school to enhance their learning in music. Most music stores have lists of private instructors on your student's instrument or you may contact us for more information.
Concert Band
Designed for the second and third year player, this course starts with focusing on improving the student's playing facility and music reading skills. From there, the concentration moves to sheet music. Accent on Achievement books two and three are used in this course.
Our main goal is to be the best band we can be. To this end we work hard on producing quality musical sounds and presenting high caliber musical performances.
Home practice is the homework of band class. A general goal is two to three hours of practice outside of class time each week in order to maintain and improve the skills necessary to play a musical instrument. Actual practicing will increase or decrease with the proximity of tests and performances. It is each band member's responsibility to prepare their part so that rehearsal time can be used for fitting the parts together in the ensemble rather than teaching individual parts. Hence, it is the individual student's responsibility to do the amout outside of class practicing that will make them prepared for the class rehearsal.
Although not required, private lessons are highly recommended for Alki Concert Band members. Each band member who takes private lessons increases the depth of their musical education, becomes a stronger asset to the entire band, and will receive extra credit on their band grade. Most local music stores have private instructors on staff or I can recommend instructors if you choose.
As a performing group matures and is a musical representative of it's school, the members should be neatly dressed in a uniform way. This is the basis of our uniform policy. This expectation is not meant to be a financial burden on anyone and is certainly less restrictive that many of the other middle schools in this area. Please note the expectations for appropriate Alki Concert Band attire listed below:
Concert Band, Jazz Band, and all band members participating in the Hazel Dell Parade of Bands will be expected to purchase and wear the school "Band Shirt". Sixth graders may purchase shirts if they wish and that would be great for their performances. This "Alki Band Shirt" is a blue polo shirt with an identifying school logo embroidered on it. The shirts will be available from the business office for $19.40. Each student will need to provide their own black long pants, black stockings, and black shoes to complete the uniform.
If you need financial assistance with any of the attire please call Mr. Hascall or Mrs. Schlosser at Alki, 360-313-3200. We would be happy to assist you.
Jazz Ensemble
An advanced performance-oriented ensemble where the goal is to learn to perform a variety of jazz and popular styles of music and explore jazz improvisiation. Participation is by instructor consent and there is a registration fee. Jazz ensemble meets before school beginning in October.
Solo/Ensemble Festival
The Solo/Ensemble Festival will be held March 11th at the Washington School for the Blind. The festival is for non-competetive adjudicated performances. The student receives instruction, comments and a rating sheet. Registrations for the festival needs to be completed by mid-January. This includes a small registration fee.
Upcoming Band Performance Dates
|
|
|
Update in progress for 07-08 school year