6th Grade Beginning Band TimelineThe first week of school, all 6th grade students go through an orientation that gives them an introduction to their choice of full-year music classes: band / chorus / orchestra. The middle school schedule includes two periods per day in the connections department with the other class being assigned each quarter from P.E., heath, art, project lead the way, and theater arts. 6th grade schedules start the year with only 5 classes assigned, leaving 6th & 7th periods open to complete this orientation. Complete 7 class schedules will be given out on Monday, August 10th.
To start the first week of the year, all 6th graders will rotate around connections classes in groups. This way, we can ensure that all students receive an orientation to all 3 music groups and visit all the connections teachers. For the second week of school, students will receive their actual 1st quarter music and connections schedule. Monday, August 3, first day of school: Students will have an orientation to the music department. Students will get to see a live demonstration of all three music groups and all individual instruments offered! The music staff will also walk students through the process of joining a music group. Getting started is as simple as filling out an online form after the music class orientation! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday August 4-6: For these three days, each student will rotate through the three music classes. 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! To sign up for a music group, all you have to do is fill out the easy online form! The link to the form will be sent out by Dr. Alford on CTLS and posted on all 3 music websites promptly at 4pm on Thursday, August 6th and due by midnight that same night so teachers and administration can create class schedules for everyone. Friday, August 7: Attend your chosen musical group for the first time! We will begin the process of finalizing instrument selections, and get students started on essential skills. August 10-12: 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 individual meetings during class time. 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 given information about getting an instrument and required supplies. Tuesday, August 18: All 6th grade band students bring their instrument to the band room for the first time and place them in his or her newly assigned locker to begin instruction! 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! |
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