8th Grade Band

Connecting with each other and creating music are the primary goals of this class! Eighth Grade Band meets four days per week. 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. Festival performance, field trips, and the extracurricular opportunities of 8th Grade Jazz Band and Patriots Marching Band are all components of the class. Honor band experiences are also encouraged.

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 to Rubank Advanced Method.

  • Percussionists use the Alfred Drum Method and Fundamental Studies for Mallets.

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.

Wednesday, December 14 8th & 9th Grade Bands

Thursday, March 9 7th & 8th Grade Bands’ Concert

Wednesday, May 24 8th Grade & HS Symphonic Bands


8th Grade Band dresses up for concerts. Our concert attire is black on the bottom and white on the top.

WAIST-UP: - White dress shirt/polo shirt/blouse/sweater with long or short sleeves

WAIST-DOWN: - Black dress pants/skirt, socks, & dress shoes

- Tights or hose should be neutral or black (NOT white)

- Skirts must be below the knee when seated.


No words or prints, please. Small logo on a shirt is acceptable. Solid black or white for religious attire.


**NOTE: If finances make finding concert clothing difficult, please let me know. Help is available.

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.