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FIFTH GRADE BEGINNER BAND
The Beginner Band is comprised of 5th grade students at each of the grade schools who are new to the band program. Students in the Beginner Band learn all about their instruments – they learn how to manipulate fingers and mouths to produce pleasant sounds, and they learn to read music so that they can organize those sounds. They learn to maintain their instruments and they learn the discipline of practice. Most importantly, they learn the value of participating in a group where all parts are working towards a common goal, and progress is regularly assessed and ultimately enjoyed by all in a concert setting. Students participating in the Beginner Bands generally meet as a full band twice weekly at their respective grade schools. This group plays two formal concerts per year and at the Fine Arts Festival, as well as any assemblies at their respective schools. All evening concerts are held at the Middle School. Concert dates are listed on the Band Calendar that is distributed at the beginning of every school year. Beginning Band students also receive a band “grade” to help monitor their progress. This grade is given in accordance with the grading policies set forth at each grade school. BEACH PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL CADET BAND The Cadet Band is comprised of 6th grade students who have been playing for at least one year. This band meets every day as a graded course in the middle school. They are learning more about their instruments and the music they make. They learn more complex rhythms and are increasingly learning the value of their own role and responsibility to the group. With more challenging music comes a broader overview of music itself – these students begin to truly experience more diverse styles of music. The Cadet Band is the next natural step in the progression through the district’s band program. Students in the Cadet Band have the opportunity to learn more advanced skills needed to be successful at a higher performing level. They are able to participate in many of the same activities such as Solo and Ensemble Contest, Pep Band and Jazz Band. This group plays at least three concerts during the year. BEACH PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT AND SYMPHONIC BANDS Concert Band is comprised of 7th, and 8th grade students. Symphonic Band is made up of 8th graders and 7th grade students. Students are placed into either of these bands based on performance assessments and spring auditions. These bands meet every day as a graded course in the middle school. Maturity and responsibility are expected of each band member, in addition to a high level of performance on the instrument. The Symphonic Band regularly attends the IGSMA Organizational Contest in the spring, and is called on for various other performing opportunities both in and out of the school district. JAZZ BAND Jazz Band is an extracurricular, non-graded course. Membership is selected by the director based on musicianship, dedication, interest and need. Instrumentation is limited, as the traditional jazz ensemble consists of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass and drums. The group meets on a variable schedule (based on student and director availability). Jazz Band performs at concerts and sometimes some local jazz festivals. PEP BAND Pep Band is open to all middle school band students. The purpose of this group is to play at some of the BPMS basketball games. Rehearsal schedules and game schedules will be determined in the fall of each year. |