Course Description

Concert Band is a developmental class for the advancing instrumental music student.  Students meet in a large ensemble setting every day and have small group lessons, during class, once per cycle.  The band performs three concerts during the school year. Concert dates are included in the school calendar. The band also performs at various functions and venues in the North Salem community and New York State.

Goals/Objectives

Goals and objectives for this course are based on the National Core Arts Standards and New York State Standards for Music. Students will study music of an appropriate skill level. This music will be chosen from, but not limited to, Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) grade levels 2,3,4, and 5. Students will study music theory and history through the performance of selected music in ensemble rehearsal and group lessons. The use of study guides, provided by Mr. Austin, will provide students with reading, research, and written assignments to enhance the students’ learning.

EXTRA HELP SESSIONS

Extra help is available in the band room on Tuesday or Wednesday after school, as well as by appointment.

Helpful Suggestions

BE PREPARED 
  • Make sure to bring your instrument, music, pencil, and folder to class each day. 
  • All reed players should have at least 3 working reeds at all times. Brass players should have valve oil. 
  • Percussionists must set up all specified instruments/sticks/mallets before class starts AND return all items to the correct storage at the end of class. 

PRACTICE ON A REGULAR BASIS

KEEP AN OPEN MUSICAL MIND 
We will be exploring music of all kinds together through performing, listening and creating. Don’t judge too quickly!

Concert Dress

Concert dress is all black. 
  • Women should wear a long black dress or black pants/skirt and black top. 
  • Men should wear black pants with black socks and black shoes and also a black dress shirt or a white shirt, and a black dress jacket.