6th Grade- Beginning Band
In sixth grade band, students are at the beginning levels of the instrumental education. Students learn how to read note names, and rhythms, and then will learn about each instrument in each of the woodwind, brass and percussion families. Once we have instrument rental night, students will begin to learn proper care and how to play their instruments in preparation for concerts. Students learn basic notes and rhythms in sixth grade to prepare them for more challenging music in the future years of band. In this band, students learn fundamental concepts such as discipline (group and self), posture, playing positions, basic rhythmic integrity, and tone. We currently use the Tradition of Excellence combined with other material to create a curriculum that encompasses the necessary fundamental elements and important historical contexts with regard to instrumental music.
7th Grade Band
The seventh grade band continues their studies from what they learned in sixth grade. Students are learning more complex rhythms and scales studies as well as learning a wider range of notes. Students are working towards their performances in concerts. In this band we begin focusing more on balance and blend along with many of the individual technical demands of each instrument. Another important aspect of this band is the focus on correct use of style, whether it be a march, a lyrical piece, or another style, we ensure the students are aware of the necessary style in order to create the most musical performance. Woodwinds begin learning alternate fingerings, while all instruments begin working on increasing their range. Percussionists begin exploring many more percussion instruments as well as continue gaining more knowledge of their rudiments.
8th Grade Band
The eighth grade band is a continuation of the two previous years since beginning band. Students are working on more complex rhythms, scale studies, and playing techniques. Students are working for upcoming concerts, and full ensemble music festival in the spring. Students are encouraged to prepare a solo or small ensemble to on the same day as full ensemble contest. This band focuses on the concepts needed by students in order to be successful in the High School Instrumental Music Program. We focus on many different styles and periods of music in order to gives students a concise but broad outlook on playing a musical instrument.
Honor Band
Honor band is composed of students in the seventh and eighth grade. These students are invited to this band based on musical proficiency, interest, and dedication they have shown in their previous band classes. In honor band, students work on music as a large ensemble and in chamber ensembles, to achieve a high level of excellence and experience a variety of musical styles. Students have the opportunity to be chosen to be a member of the Northeast Missouri Honor Band where they audition for a chair placement and experience a large band rehearsal to prepare a concert with students from schools within the Northeast District. Students will participate in a solo or small ensemble, as well as large ensemble music festival in the spring
Solo and Ensemble Music Festival
Students that display dedication and interest may choose to prepare a solo or small ensemble for spring music festival at a date to be announced. Interested students will be given an appropriate solo or small ensemble by Ms. Garner. Students will be required to play for Ms. Garner at least twice to receive feedback and twice practice with the school provided accompanist in advance of the festival and must display necessary preparation to ensure that this is a positive experience. Once a week after school lessons are offered and recommended in the six weeks leading up to the music festival. Students will perform for a judge and receive written critique and praise. Parents and fellow students are encouraged to attend each individual performance.
NEMO Jr. High District Honor Band
This event will take place in January and February. Select 8th and 7th Grade Band students are nominated for this group by Ms. Garner. They are nominated for the following criteria: practice time, attitude, motivation, commitment, ability, tone, responsibility, dependability, and class participation. After nominations are sent by all directors in the district, a committee chooses the students with the best biographies and talents. If your student is chosen by the committee, they will participate all day in a rehearsal with a guest conductor and they will be seated in a band of students from the entire district. Then after an entire day of rehearsal they will perform a concert in the evening. Parents, you are welcome to the concert, admission is $1. We would love for you to be a part of this special day in honoring your student's talents, motivation, and dedication to music.