• There are four main courses offered for band students at Stetson Hills:

    1. 5th Grade Band

    This class is the introductory level to instrument playing. This beginner class focuses on fundamentals of each instrument and meets two times per week by small instrument groups (see schedule below). 5th graders have one 45-minute block during a special area class (music, art, PE). Special area classes are scheduled weekly, so the band student will miss ONE class per week. They will still have 4 regular contacts with art, music, STEM, or PE during that week. The student is excused, but does need to keep up with any project based items. *There is a chance a student may miss art/STEM... I will work extremely hard to adjust the schedule second semester to ensure they do not miss the same special all year long! The second band contact is one 30-minute block during their RTI time, which is a homeroom time for additional assistance/support. Students should touch base with their teachers as to what they need to be making up for that slot of time they miss. Students do not miss core classes for band!

    6-Day Special Areas Rotation: 11-11:45am

    Day 1 - Brass (Trumpet/Trombone)       

    Day 2 - Saxophone     

    Day 3 - Clarinet     

    Day 4 - Percussion     

    Day 5 - (No Band Q1)     

    Day 6 - Flute

    RTI: 1:45-2:15pm

    M - Flute & Trombone    

    T - Reeds (Clarinet/Saxophone)     

    W - Percussion     

    Th - Trumpet    

    F - NO BAND

     

    2. 6th Grade Band

    This class is a continuation to our beginning band classes. It focuses on larger ensemble playing, dividing the band into three groups: brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Students will be pulled 2-3 times per week by section during a special area class. Special area classes are scheduled weekly, so the band student will be excused 2-3 times during that week but will still have 2-3 regular contacts with art and PE. Band students who are also in choir may not have art or PE due to the additional choir pull-out. It is expected that they keep up on any artwork or project based learning in their special areas classes. Students will perform in 2 concerts per year and may be nominated for ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp Honor Band as well as All-State Band. Students are able to do both band and choir! **There is a chance the student may miss a special area class. I apologize for this inconvenience, but with a 6-day rotation and 3 days of band to meet ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp guided minutes, this may happen. I will work to adjust the schedule at semester so the same special is not missed year-round! No guarantees!

    6th Grade Band Schedule 2024-2025

    Quarter 1

    Day 1 - Percussion

    Day 2 - Brass

    Day 3 - Woodwinds

    Day 4 - Percussion

    Day 5 - Woodwinds/Brass

    Day 6 - FULL BAND

     

    4. Wind Ensemble - Middle School Band

    Wind Ensemble is our varsity band ensemble. It is comprised of all 7th and 8th grade students who are continuing on their instruments. Students meet in 2 class periods: 1st hour is largely 7th graders and 2nd hour is largely 8th graders. Students are able to do BOTH ensembles (maybe take up a secondary instrument for fun!). Students in this ensemble can expect to focus in on tone production, embouchure formation, and technique necessary to perform appropriate grade level music. This is a step up from elementary level ensembles! This group will perform multiple concerts per year and is our main group that performs at the district level. These courses are offered to all middle school students, but be advised this is a year 3-4 course of study. While students are more than capable to join in year 3 or 4, it does require additional work to learn the fundamentals of the instrument to be able to perform at the given class level. Students in this course must have the all provided music, as well as their instrument and all necessary items for their instrument to function and be taken care of. Woodwinds will need reeds, silk swabs, and cork grease in most cases. Brass will need valve oil and slide cream in most cases. School owned instruments may be available for those who are unable to rent from Milano Music, Allegro Music, or Music & Arts. No method book is needed for the 2023-2024 school year.