Band
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Indian Trails Middle
School
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Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Indian Trails MS Band program!! This handbook has been written to familiarize you with the many aspects of the program, and to ensure an enjoyable and educationally rewarding musical experience. I realize you are flooded with reading material from the school at the beginning of the year, but PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ ALL OF THE HANDBOOK!! After you have read this handbook, sign the last page, detach the form, and return it to me. Band students will be held accountable for the information contained in this handbook so please keep the rest of the handbook for future reference; it will remain online all year J
Band is an ELECTIVE and SELECTIVE course. It differs from the general music class, or any other course on the enrichment wheel, in that we seek to develop greater proficiency over a longer period of time. It involves learning math concepts and applying them (rhythm); learning and applying a new system of notation; developing fine motor skills; developing the ability to listen critically; and becoming sensitive : to the sounds we make, to the conductor, to the sounds others make, and to the musical demands of the music. It requires cooperation with a conductor and a large team of musicians working together toward a common goal. And of course it also requires practice at home, occasional after school rehearsals and performances, and investment in and proper maintenance of an instrument. Band involves responsibility to the group. The sound each student makes changes the sound of the entire group. Most students possess the musical and mental skills necessary to be good student musicians. Success is most likely if the student has the desire to learn to play; the parents and students understand what is required for success; and the parents share responsibility for the music education of their child. It is hoped that this handbook will be a guide that will lead you and your child to a successful experience in band. If you have heard the ITMS Bands perform, you probably realized you were listening to a very special group of people. They have developed skills and have had learning experiences that will be useful in any endeavor they pursue. And perhaps most important, they experience the unique joy of making music. I sincerely hope your band experience will be as rewarding and exciting one!
Sincerely,
Monique McIntyre
Band Director
(407) 320-4320
The ITMS Bands:
Beginning Band
Beginning Band is open to all students! Previous musical training and music reading is of course helpful, but not necessary.
Instrument Selection
Beginning Band students will have an opportunity to try out several instruments. Selection of instruments is based on student interest, physical characteristics (formation of the lips and teeth), rhythmic coordination (percussion instruments), and instrumentation requirements (the number of students playing each instrument must be kept within reasonable limits in order to be able to perform music written for modern band).
Instrument Assembly, Care, and Maintenance
Proper assembly and care are necessary to minimize repairs and frustration caused by a malfunctioning instrument
Tone Production
This includes all of the elements necessary to produce a musical sound on a wind or percussion instrument. Embouchure ( the way the lips and facial muscles are used and applied to the mouthpiece), use of air, and concept of correct sound for a given instrument are learned.
Articulation
Articulation involves the correct use of the tongue in playing an instrument. It is very similar to pronunciation in speech.
Music Reading
After students can demonstrate basic tone production and articulation concepts, music reading is introduced. Students are introduced to notes and rhythms gradually. Students only learn notes and rhythms they are able to play and apply. New notes and rhythms are added as control improves. Music reading involves learning the name of the note, the sound of the note (pitch), the duration of the note (rhythm), and the fingering of the note on the instrument. It is essential that students practice daily, to avoid getting behind. Each skill builds on the last skill, so progress depends upon keeping up.
Ear Training
The ability to discriminate pitch, to play in tune with others, and to hear a musical line is a skill that can and must be developed by music students. Students can learn to play in tune, understand and appreciate good tone quality, and learn to blend and balance their sound with their fellow musicians. Most students have quite good natural pitch perception; musicians develop an above average awareness of the sounds around them by learning to listen critically.
Scales
Students will learn 7 major scales in Beginning Band. Students will also be able to write and label each of their scales. Almost all music is based upon some kind of scale. Knowledge of scales is essential in learning to play an instrument. Percussion students learn scales on the mallet instruments, and in addition learn rudiments- exercises that build coordination and control necessary to play percussion parts.
CONCERT BAND
Symphonic Band is open to students at an intermediate level of development. Students should be proficient in music reading, scales, tone production, and articulation. All of the basic techniques that were introduced in Beginning Band are further developed in Symphonic Band. Greater emphasis is placed upon performing band music of an intermediate level. Private lessons are a great help at this level, since class size and performance commitments limit the amount of individual instruction a student receives. Students will have after school section rehearsals when necessary for concert preparation. Students in Symphonic Band are encouraged to perform either a solo and/or ensemble at the FBA Solo-Ensemble Festival, held in February.
SYMPHONIC BAND
Wind Ensemble is open to only the most proficient students who have demonstrated ability to perform more difficult music. Instrumentation is a consideration when selecting students for Advanced Band. In addition, a student must have a proven record of reliability and good conduct in order to be considered for membership in Wind Ensemble. The skills learned in Beginning and Concert Band are further refined, and additional scales and more difficult exercises are learned. Private lessons are highly recommended. Private teachers can help with preparation for All-County Band and All-State Band auditions, preparation of difficult band music, and selection and preparation of Solo and Ensemble music for performance at F.B.A. Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment. Students will rehearse after school when necessary to prepare for a performance.
JAZZ BAND
The Indian Trails Jazz Ensemble consists of members of the Wind Ensemble who are interested in performing Jazz and Rock music, and in learning improvisation. Instrumentation is limited, and only the top musicians in the school are considered for membership. This ensemble performs numerous times throughout the year at school and community functions. Tools of improvisation, including blues, dorian, and dominant scales will be studied. A variety of musical styles, including Swing, Jazz Rock, Latin, and Ballad will be performed using a traditional "Big Band" instrumentation. Students may also play in a combo format. Jazz Band meets everyday during First Period.