General Band Information
Performances
Performances are a shining moment in our students' young musical lives! This is where students develop the skills and experiences necessary to put on a high-quality musical product for an audience. All students are required to attend both performances. Students are expected to dress in the assigned uniform based on their ensemble. 4th & 5th grade: nice dress. 6th-8th grade: all black dress. All grades: no flip-flops, t-shirts, or jeans.
Communication
The majority of communication you will receive regarding band will be via email directly from Mrs. Baldwin. Mrs. Baldwin regularly communicates with students via announcements in class, and will sometimes send home paper hand-outs. Often, your homeroom/advisory teacher will include reminders about upcoming performances, as well. Mrs. Baldwin will post weekly updates on BAND happenings below! Please feel free to reach out to me via email or school phone at anytime.
Full Band vs. Small Group Lessons
Students will learn how to play their instrument in small group lessons. This is where we work on specific instrument technique, learning new skills, and differentiating for the needs of each child. Students attend one 30-minute lesson per week. Lessons are scheduled throughout the week - schedule will be sent to students, parents, and teachers so that families know when instruments and band books must be at school.
Full band rehearsal is where students apply what they have learned in small group lessons to the full ensemble. Students play alongside other instruments, learning skills for group performance, building musical skills, and working toward the next performance. THIS is the one place that only the school environment can truly provide. It is rare that a 4th-8th grade student will ever experience the full-ensemble in any other capacity than in the school band/orchestra room!