Things to Remember This Week
Fall is breezing by us and we wanted to remind you of couple of things that need handing in:
-Grade 8's permission forms are now late!! Please get them in this week.
-All Grade 6,7, and 8 band students will be receiving t-shirt forms, please return them by Oct. 15
-Instrument Rental Forms have been distributed, please return this week
In Grade 6 Band
The Grade 6's this week have continued to focus on the basics. It is at this time of the year, that some grade 6's will begin to feel a few frustrations. We are doing our best to reassure them, and to keep assignments simple. All grade 6's in their first year focus on developing their embouchure (or grip for percussionists), correct hand position, posture, and using lots of air. We discovered this week that many grade 6's were confused by the difference between "blasting" and using "lots of air." Many of the grade 6's were pleasantly surprised as to how easy some of the "hard" notes were when they used air. We will continue to work on this in upcoming weeks. The percussionists were also surprised at how much easier it is to play in time when they too breath with everyone else.
You may notice that we have been doing a few more things in our composition books. We have been using these books to reinforce note names by having students write their own compositions. This week we limited our compositions to whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes on two (and in some cases three) pitches. This allowed us to write a composition for our full band. We had the premier performance of the Grant Road and Perry Grade 6's Piece and the premier performance of the Massey, McVeety and RCS composition. It was quite exciting. After performing as a large group, many students tried playing their part of our composition with a friend. This created several duets happening in the band room.
You may also notice that several grade 6's are using their composition book to write the note names for songs THEY know. Grade 6's have been asked to try to figure out a melody that they would like to learn so that we can figure it out. Many times the notes involved are not notes we have named yet, but notes that reinforce proper playing position and are just plain fun to play.
Once again, we have asked students to circle in their books what to practice. We have also started marking in our composition books the days for the following week to make sure our instruments are at school. With no school on Fri. Oct. 4, some students needed reminding that Monday Oct. 7 will be Day 4. This will be a Grant Road Grade 6 sectional day.
In Grade 7 Band
There are many full and big sounds happening in Grade 7 band. We continue to work at controlling our air and making sure we play in "balance" and that we "blend." This week our "snowman of sound" got dissected a little bit. We have learned previously that each instrument has a very important role to play in the pyramid of sound. Students have learned where their instrument sits in the pyramid. Now, we have added more divisions within the pyramid. In grade 7 band we have more divided parts. This means each part will have a different section within their section of the pyramid and it could change in the course of a piece. This is a skill we will continue to work at.
Grade 7's are preparing to learn about the Circle of Fourths and the Circle of Fifths. In order to get to this point we are learning about the consistent order of flats and sharps in key signatures. We experimented a little by figuring out the key signatures for someone who does not play the same instrument as us.
Grade 7's reviewed 3/4 time this week, reviewed their Concert E note, and reviewed the differences between ties and slurs. (Ties connect two note names that are the same, slurs connect two different notes.) They also experimented with Concert Db. Grade 7's were asked to practice on Page 28 of their book lines 4.13 and 4.14 as well as practice the first 20 measures of Incantation and Ritual.
In Grade 8 Band
Grade 8's are STRONGLY reminded to bring back their permission forms. We cannot take you to the University on Oct. 16 without a form.
Grade 8's are continuing to warm-up with the Circle of Fourths. Playing tests are beginning this week so students should be practicing their Circle of Fourths as well as measures12-16 and 33-41 in Chant and Tribal Dance. The pieces that we have been working on are Spania and Chant and Tribal Dance. We will be starting to work on Chesapeake Serenade this week as well.
Our Grade 8 band will also have the pleasure of working with Dr. Dale Lonis, whom they had the opportunity to work with last year, on November 14 from 9:30-11:00. This is a wonderful chance for our kids to work with one of the most respected band directors around.
In Jazz Band
Another great week of jazz. Students are beginning with learning about the blues scale, and a little about improv. Tuesday Jazz students have Louie Louie almost down, and Wednesday Jazz students figured out C Jam Blues by ear. Anyone who missed, you are welcome to join us!
In Junior Winds
Junior Winds had an excellent rehearsal. They began most appropriately with a piece called Morning Mist. Junior Winds expressed an interest in getting information about playing in the Grey Cup Parade. Ms. Anderson will bring some information next week. Students are not required to participate in the parade, however, if they would like to are more than welcome. Anyone who has missed Junior Winds but would still like to participate, please let us know.
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