Beginning Band

Description

Beginning Band welcomes students who are brand new to a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Over the year players learn proper posture, tone production, and how to read music one note at a time, building toward simple ensemble pieces. Rehearsals balance individual skill-building with the joy of playing as a group, and everyone performs together at a low-key winter and spring concert. No experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to practice.

What students learn

• Assemble, hold, and care for a band instrument correctly
• Produce a characteristic tone and play a one-octave scale
• Read and perform notes and rhythms in simple time signatures
• Follow a conductor's cues for starting, stopping, and dynamics
• Perform beginner ensemble pieces in two seasonal concerts

Signature project

The whole class performs its first full-band selection at the winter concert for families and friends.