Grade 7 Introductory Concert Band Course Outline
COURSE: GRADE 7 Introductory CONCERT BAND DIRECTOR: Mr. Bach
Welcome to OKM Music! It’s very important that you enjoy music and this course…you should look forward to the days when you have Band because we’ll be learning a variety of great music and having lots of fun, while working hard. Becoming a musician is worth it, but it isn’t easy; it comes gradually with “Practice”, when a persistent commitment is made to build up your “chops”. Practice is simply lots of correct repetition that trains your fingers to fly, almost automatically – we’ll guide and support you every step of the way.
YOU WILL PURCHASE YOUR OWN METHOD BOOK (Essential Elements) as your own personal property; it’s your workbook, with lots of online support.
DAILY MATERIALS NEEDED: • Quality Instrument •3 Reeds (if needed) •Essential Elements 1 Method Book • Pencil • Binder or folder with Sheet Music • Positive team attitude and energy
CONTENT/ROUTINE: Every week, we will work on about 5 lessons from your method book (about 1,000 lessons from 8-12). This will be the foundation of your skill development. Each class, we also rehearse our songs, and you’ll have home practice assignments.
HOME PRACTICE: is 1.5 hours per week.
PERSONALIZED PACE: If you fall behind, let us know; we will arrange for our awesome Senior students to give you “private lessons” to help get caught up. If you want more challenges, we encourage you to sign up for combos or jazz bands, and/or will give you more solo music with links to accompany (like karaoke).
EVALUATION: 80% “Classroom Performance”; your director hears you playing in your group and gives instant feedback/assessment. 10% is “Playing Tests” (about 6 per year), and 10% is “Concerts”. Completing online "Interview Student Self-Assessments" require students know and report all the key learnings of the course (tone, rhythm, blend, balance, technique, note accuracy, etc), AND work effectively in teams.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE: Instruments MUST be in a cabinet. Stick a label with your FULL NAME and GRADE on your instrument so that it “stands out”. Clarinets and Flutes; store instruments in your locker or backpack. Do NOT leave your instrument in the hallway outside of the music room.
CONGRATULATIONS! OKM Music has a very strong history of creating incredible music experiences for our students. Check out our Overview links to find out about the team you've joined!