6th Grade Beginning Band Timeline

*This information applies specifically to the 2020-2021 school year. However, this should give you a good idea of what the startup of band looks like for 2021-2022!*
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The first week of school, all 6th grade students will go through a rotation that gives them an introduction to their choices in band, orchestra and chorus.  The normal middle school schedule includes two periods per day in the connections department, which includes band, orchestra, chorus, P.E., art, business, and other classes.  It is during these two daily periods that this introductory rotation will take place.  

To start the year, all 6th graders will have two music classes on their schedule. That way, they will attend a music class on all four class days of the first week. After this orientation period, students will receive their actual music and connections schedule.

Monday, August 17, first day of school:  Students will have an orientation to the music department. A video explaining the process of selecting a music class will be shown, and a music teacher will walk students through the process. This video will also be available for students to watch with their parents at home, so they can be "in the loop!"

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday August 18, 20 & 21:  For these three days, each student will rotate through the three music classes. Just follow the online schedule through CTLS!  Students will spend one day each with band, orchestra and chorus – one day with each music group.  On the day your student visits the band, they will have a chance to see  band instruments up close, and learn more about what is involved with actually playing the instrument!

Friday, August 21:  After the Friday session, the Music Class Registration Form will be released through CTLS! Parents will need to fill out this form with their child to choose which music group they will join!  Forms are due by Sunday, August 23rd so teachers and administration can create class schedules for everyone. 

Monday-Tuesday, August 24-25:  All students will have an introduction to PE and Connections. These are classes that students are assigned to each 9 weeks at Dodgen.

Thursday-Friday, August 27-28:  Students will receive their final music/connections schedule and begin attending band on CTLS!

Week of August 31: All students will be evaluated and receive their instrument assignment, from the three choices they provided on the registration form.  This will be done through individually scheduled video calls. We use research and years of experience to match each student to an instrument on which they can be successful long-term.  On the day they receive their instrument assignment, students will be sent information about getting an instrument and the required supplies.

Tuesday, September 8th:  All 6th graders begin instruction on instruments!
Remember, it takes time to learn a band instrument the right way!  Do not expect lots of songs at first, but you will be amazed by how much your child will learn in the first year!