Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Beginning Band News

The beginning band students and teachers have been working hard to prepare for the end of the year. Our final concert will be April 28, 2009 at 6:30 pm. The last full band rehearsal (and band bus transportation) for beginning band will be the morning of our concert. After that day, students will return on one morning for their final playing assessment. Students must pass this assessment to continue on to cadet band next year. The students will receive more than one opportunity to take the test if necessary. The system is in place to help students succeed as they progress through the band program.

Students will start signing up for a date in the upcoming weeks! You will need to arrange transportation for your child on the morning of his/her assessment. Students often sign up for the same day as their neighbors/friends so they are able to carpool.

Your child should be dropped off at MES at 7:45. Ms. Rodey and Mrs. Thomas will listen to a group of students every morning. Once the students are finished playing their assessment, they will be escorted to MIS for their regular school day.

Students will be evaluated in the following categories:

- Embouchure (mouth position) - cheeks should not puff out
- Body position - sitting up straight and feet flat on floor
- Fingerings
- Note and pitch accuracy - the music sounds as written
- Sound is characteristic of the instrument
- Uses tonguing to separate notes
- Plays without slowing down or stopping
- Plays correct rhythms

Each line on the proficiency test will be evaluated separately. You can help prepare your child by
listening to him/her play each part of their playing test for you in a mock assessment. Even if you are not able to comment on all the musical elements listed above, students benefit from going through the procedures associated with the playing assessment along with getting extra practice. We will give your child their own copy of the evaluation immediately following his/her assessment.

The students have been encouraged to ask questions and for assistance as needed. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know! We want the students to be as successful as possible!