6th Grade Band

Connecting with each other and creating music are the primary goals of this class! Sixth Grade Band is divided into two halves that meet either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. Both halves work on the same music and perform together as a single, large group. In Band, we develop both individual growth (lessons & at-home practice) and ensemble growth (through active participation in daily rehearsals). Music literacy is behind all the learning we do.

Purpose Statement (Mr. Ravndal)

I teach to enable all kids to grow up into exceptional people through the processes of high-quality music learning and playing experiences.


You can expect that I’ll get to know each student; advocate, support, and communicate; hold students to high expectations; encourage and push all students to do and be their best (work hard, think, learn, grow).

Materials Needed

  • Instrument (with necessary supplies), music stand, pencil, individual lesson book, band music

  • Brass & woodwinds progress through the Student Instrument Course series.

  • Percussionists use the Alfred Drum Method and Fundamental Studies for Mallets (or the SIC mallet book at first if they had no piano experience).

Communication & Google Classroom

Google Classroom is where to find assignments, class information, lesson schedules, time charts, etc. I email parents regularly with updates, necessary info & documents, etc. Have a question? Email me!

Concert Info

Mark your calendars! Our concerts are fun, celebratory culminations of our work. They begin at 7:00 p.m. in the MS/HS auditorium and attendance is required.

Monday, December 12 6th & 7th Grade Bands 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23 6th & 7th Grade Bands

Concerts are a big deal and students are expected to dress nicely. 6th Grade Band concert attire is:

- Dress pants/skirt or a dress

- Dress shirt/polo shirt/blouse/sweater with long or short sleeves; & dress shoes

- Skirts/dresses must go below the knee when seated (consider how you play your instrument).

- No words or printing (except small logos), please.

- No jeans, tennis shoes, t-shirts, or hoodies unless that’s the nicest stuff you have.

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Further explanation:

1) There is no required “color scheme” for 6th Grade Band concert attire.

2) Please know the expectations are designed to help students feel the specialness of a performance. If finances make finding concert clothing difficult, please let me know. If you want help, it’s available.

3) That said, if the expectations feel burdensome, it’s also okay for families to do the best they can with what they have. In the end, the performance itself is by far the most important thing.

Vital Components of Band

  • LESSONS (taught during Band class) help you become a better player. They’re all about your individual growth and learning needs.

  • PRACTICE TIME is the most critical element for success in Band and the foundation of musical growth.

    • The requirement is an average of 150 practice minutes per week over each quarter.

    • Due with parental signature at each lesson and at quarter’s end.

  • QUALITY CLASS PARTICIPATION by everyone – preparation, engagement, contribution, etc. – affects our experience together in Band class. Be and do your best! We depend on each other.

  • OTHER ASSIGNMENTS include some music literacy written work, scale memorization, and concert

Essential Standards (What you will learn this year)

  • I can read and play music well on my instrument. This includes accurate notes, correct rhythms played with a steady beat, good tone, good technique, and attention to musical details.

  • I can listen to, describe, analyze and evaluate music and performances.

Grading

  • Grades reflect student progress on learning and performance on standards (listed above.)

  • SAMS uses a proficiency-based grading system for each essential standard in a class.


Grading Rubric

Other Details

• Percussionists are expected to maintain and are encouraged to expand their set of sticks & mallets. Purchasing full or partial sets, or replacements, of the necessary sticks & mallets can be done at a discount ($104 for the full set including a stick bag) via Mr. Ravndal. Info will be sent home early in September.

• A letter will be sent to applicable students & parents explaining the school instruments rental fee.

• If you own the instrument, PLEASE record the serial number and consider a homeowners'/renters’ insurance rider (to replace at full value).

• Private lessons are always recommended as a great vehicle for in-depth learning and accelerating growth. Some options include our Community Services program, our lists of interested high school students and recommended private teachers, Schmitt Music, MacPhail Center for the Arts, local colleges, etc.

• Chair placements (playing tests that also determine seating order) happen later in the fall and again later in the year. Challenges (to move up in the seating order) provide a good growth opportunity, are arranged & approved through Mr. Ravndal, and will take place away from concerts, chair placements, and previous challenges.

• All students need to keep their instruments in a locker during the school day. Band lockers are available for all students. Sometimes students with small instruments prefer to keep them in their upstairs lockers. The one-time $5 band locker cost (collected in 6th grade ONLY) is due once lockers are assigned and would be divided equally if students share a band locker.