Band instruction in District 70 begins in fourth grade. It is part of the school board approved curriculum for instrumental music instruction. Instrumental music instruction consists of two parts. This first is small-group lessons and the second is large-group ensembles. Small-group lessons are separated by instrument and focus on the skill sets needed to play each instrument well. Class size varies by school and instrument, but is usually 2-6 students. Lessons occur once per-week during the school day for approximately 30 minutes. Large-group ensembles are what most people think of when they think of "band." These ensembles include all of the band instruments. Students work on ensemble skills such as blend, balance, timing, rhythmic independence, and following the conductor. These large-group ensembles meet outside of the school day. These are the ensembles which give concerts during the year.
Classes and Information |
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| Class | Size and grouping | Frequency of class | Length of class | Time of Day for class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary - Small Group Lessons |
Usually 2-6 students of like instrument | Once per-week |
Usually 30 minutes | During the school day |
| Elementary - Large Ensembles |
All Instruments. Class size varies depending upon which elementary school students attend. | Once per-week |
45 minutes |
Beginning Band (first year) Intermediate Band (second year) |
| Highland - Small Group Lessons |
Usually 2-6 students of like instrument | Once per-week |
One Highland Class Period (39 minutes) | During physical education class. Every student at Highland is scheduled to have physical education every day. Students in band and orchestra (approximately one third of the student body) have physical education four days per-week and lessons the other day. |
| Highland - Large Ensembles |
All Instruments. Usually 60 - 80 students. | Two or three times per-week | 1 hour | Before school. 7:45 - 8:43 A.M. |