The Instrumental Music Program begins at the beginning of the sixth grade year at the Middle School.  Students are divided into three equal sized groups with instruction beginning on recorders for the first semester.  Students are instructed on the basic fundamentals of music as it relates to band instruments.  Students learn both bass and treble clefs, note naming, counting, symbols and terminology, etc.  During December each year, instrument presentations are made to the students to assist in the selection of instruments.  Their prior test scores and aptitude during the first semester also have a strong bearing on the direction of which instrument to begin on.  Students desiring to begin on percussion instruments are also given hand coordination and various rhythm tests.  Students then begin on their band instrument upon their return after the Christmas Break.  They are divided into a brass class, woodwind class, or percussion class for the remainder of the school year.
          During the seventh and eighth grade years students continue meeting in separate brass, woodwind, and percussion classes.  Extra rehearsals are held before school in preparation for concerts and festivals.  They also participate in at least one adjudicated festival, (Marshfield) per year, as well as Christmas and Spring Concerts.

Parents of Sixth Grade Students:

       Now that your child is in the sixth grade, they have the opportunity to become a part of the Willard Band Program.
       Since your son or daughter has chosen to join band, he/she will be required to have a recorder (tone flute) and a recorder method book through the month of December.
       This method of starting out beginning band is not only an excellent way to introduce the fundamentals of instrumental music, but also provides a means of starting in band for a minimal cost.  The recorders are $8.00 each, and the books are $3.50, making the total cost $11.50.  The books and recorders will be available for purchase tomorrow in band class.  It is very important that each child be prepared for class and purchases his or her recorder/book as soon as possible.  We will begin instruction tomorrow.

There are three items we wish to bring to your attention: 
        First, and most importantly, your student is not making a lifelong commitment.  If your child decides that band is not for them, they will have two opportunities to discontinue the class. The first opportunity will be at the end of the 1st Semester and second opportunity would be at the end of the school year.  With the large number of students we deal with, we must follow these two times so both band directors and elective teachers may better plan.  If your child does choose to drop band, we ask that the student bring a signed note from home saying it is all right to drop.
       Second, students are not required to be in band.  This is a decision for the parents and student to make.  Those students who choose not to be in band will attend their 8th period exploratory class. 
 Third, the students are required to practice 1 hour per week.  They will log their daily practice on practice records that are provided for them.  These will be due each Friday.
Please send the exact amount of purchase for either a book, a recorder, or both and please make checks payable to WILLARD BAND BOOSTERS.  We have already ordered over 150 recorders/books from a music store and can save everyone a little when we buy them in large quantities.
 **Please do not run out and buy any band instrument until it is decided what your child will eventually play in band.  There are a lot of things that must be taken into consideration in selection of instruments and we will help in the selection process.  This will take place sometime in December.
 We are looking forward to working with the sixth graders, and look forward to meeting you.  If you have any further questions, please call us at the High School at 742-5252 or by e-mail.

Thanks again,
Chris Church, cchurch@willard.k12.mo.us
Victoria Meraz, vmeraz@willard.k12.mo.us
John Paul Chapman, jchapman@willard.k12.mo.us
 

Course Title:    Seventh Grade Band

Course Description and Objectives:  Seventh Grade Band is a continuation of the Willard Instrumental Music Program that began in the sixth grade.  In addition to the exercises taught in the method book, major scales and a basic warm-up series will also be taught.  Students will also learn various rhythmic patterns and how to utilize them when studying various styles of band literature.

Course Requirements:
1. Attendance-both in class and at ALL extra rehearsals and performances
2. Turn in a signed practice record at the end of each week (they will not be taken late)
3. Participate in classroom activities
4. Take playing tests and written tests on material covered in class
5. Make arrangements to attend extra rehearsals as deemed necessary by the directors
6. Maintain a band notebook with all exercises and band materials.  We will purchase notebooks and plastic inserts in massive quantities (cheaper) for sale to the students.
7. Purchase band book: Essential Elements Series

Grading Policy:  Grades will be determined by classroom participation, in-class playing tests (10-100 pts each), written tests (50-100 pts each), and practice records (10 pts each).  Attendance at scheduled extra rehearsals (25 pts each), and ALL performances (250 pts each) will also be graded.  The grading system used will follow the system set by the district.

Performances:  The Seventh Grade Band is a performing ensemble that will perform in the Christmas Concert (required), participate in the Willard Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival (optional), the Marshfield Junior High Band Festival (required), and the Spring Concert (required).

Extra Credit Opportunities:  Each student has the opportunity to earn extra credit by attending concerts and/or performances by other performing groups not affiliated with Willard Middle School (10 pts each).  Credit will be given upon receipt of a signed program or note from the student’s parent or guardian verifying attendance.  Students may also earn extra credit by practicing more than the practice time per week as discussed in class. The extra credit policy is designed to encourage a student’s musical achievement.  It is not to be utilized to make up for missed performances.

**Students who feel they cannot fulfill the above written requirements as a member of the Willard Band Program should strongly consider not participating in this class/activity.**
 

Course Description and Objectives:  Eighth Grade Band enhances the basic fundamentals taught during the 6th and 7th grade years.  In addition to the exercises taught in the method book, a continuation of major scales and all three forms of minor scales will be taught.  A strict warm-up routine will also be instilled.  Students will study various technical exercises and rhythmic patterns which will aid them in studying various styles of band literature.

Course Requirements:
1. Attendance-both in class and at ALL extra rehearsals and performances
2. Turn in a signed practice record at the end of each week (they will not be taken late)
3. Participate in classroom activities
4. Take playing tests and written tests on material covered in class
5. Make arrangements to attend extra rehearsals as deemed necessary by the directors.
6. Maintain a band notebook with all exercises and band materials.  We will purchase notebooks and plastic inserts in massive quantities (cheaper) for sale to the students.
7. Purchase band book: Essential Elements Series

Grading Policy:  Grades will be determined by classroom participation, in-class playing tests (10-100 pts each), written tests (50-100 pts each), and practice records (10 pts each).  Attendance at scheduled extra rehearsals (25 pts each), and ALL performances (250 pts each) will also be graded.  The grading system used will follow the system set by the district.

Performances:  The Eighth Grade Band is a performing ensemble, which plays in school assemblies, the Christmas Concert (required), the Central Ozark's Conference Festival (a select number of students), participate in the Willard Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival (optional), and the Marshfield Junior High Band Festival (required), and the Spring Concert (required).  A performance situation cannot be re-created therefore attendance is essential.

Extra Credit Opportunities:  Each student has the opportunity to earn extra credit by attending concerts and/or performances by other performing groups not affiliated with Willard Middle School (10 pts each).  Credit will be given upon receipt of a signed program or note from the student's parent or guardian verifying attendance.  Students may also earn extra credit by practicing more than the practice time per week as discussed in class.  The extra credit policy is designed to encourage a student’s musical achievement. It is not to be utilized to make up for missed performances.

**Students who feel they cannot fulfill the above written requirements as a member of the Willard Band Program should strongly consider not participating in this class/activity.**

2/13/03©Teacher Updated 2/13/03 
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