Band
This course is designed to give the student an enriching and diverse instrumental music education. This class provides a number of performance opportunities for the student in a variety of settings, including Disneyland. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each students expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course.
Each week throughout the year, the class will cover the following objectives: posture, playing position, breathing, tone quality, intonation, articulation, style, fingerings, syncopation, rhythm, rhythmic precision, dynamics, balance & blend, and phrasing. In addition, students will have weekly musical vocabulary and theory lessons.
Beginning Band: This class is for any student who is new to playing a band instrument. If you have had NO prior music instruction -OR- if you have had LESS THAN 1 year of music instruction, then Beginning Band is the right class for you! All beginning musicians will learn the fundamentals of reading music and playing their instruments in an ensemble. Beginning Band students perform in three concerts throughout the school year and enjoy an end of the year field trip to Six Flags. SCUSD provides Band instruments and accessories to all students FREE of charge.
Advanced Band: This class is for students who have had 1 or more FULL years of band experience or private music lessons. The Advanced Band class will pick-up from where the students left off in their prior year(s) of band experience and will continue to be challenged daily in class, and with their at-home practice. Students will prepare, over several months, to perform in several concerts during the school year. Advanced Band students will also have the opportunity to participate in a Disneyland Band Festival, if they desire. SCUSD provides Band instruments and accessories to all students FREE of charge.
Orchestra: Welcome to 8th Grade Beginning String Orchestra, where musical dreams take flight! This course is designed to introduce students to the beautiful world of string instruments including violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Through engaging lessons, students will learn fundamental techniques such as proper posture, bowing, fingering, and music reading skills. With a focus on ensemble playing, students will discover the joy of making music together as they prepare exciting repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. Students will get the opportunity to participate in several concerts and events to showcase their talent!
Band Class FAQs
Do I have to practice my instrument in order to pass the class?
Yes, students are expected to practice. Your skills will not improve if you do not practice. In fact, a blank practice sheet cannot be turned in the teacher for your grade. Your grade is dependent on you practicing and keeping track of that time spent practicing.
Do I have to turn in a practice sheet?
Yes, if you would like a grade in this class. The practice sheet provides a means for assessing the students’ improvement in playing their instrument. Your grade is dependent on you practicing and keeping track of that time spent practicing.
What happens if I damage or break my instrument that I borrowed from Sam Brannan Middle School?
If you break your instrument, you need to let Mr. Hammond know at the beginning of class. Bring the instrument to class so it can be assessed and repaired.
What is a play test?
Play tests are opportunities for the teacher to assess the student’s playing skills, and how much students are improving (or practicing). A student will play a selected passage in front of the class. It may be a little scary the first time, but it gets easier and the other students are rooting for you.
When do play tests take place?
Play tests take place once a week. Not every student plays during the play test each week, due to the time constraints of the class period. Students can be randomly selected or volunteer to take the play test.
How is my grade determined?
Student grades are determined by how they perform during the play tests, how much they practice (as reflected on the student play chart) and by their participation in band concerts. Students who miss a band performance will lose one letter grade. Performances are an integral part of the band experience.
What do we do on the Disneyland trip?
The primary reason for the Disneyland trip is the music competition. The band plays a short concert for a panel of judges and is rated on their poise, how well directions are followed, and of course how they play and sound. As an added bonus, the band students enjoy spending time at Disneyland and another Southern California theme park.
Do I need to provide any equipment or accessories for band?
Students are supported with all the supplies they need, so long as they are using them respectively, and ask permission of course.
Can I get valve oil?
Sure, once class is done a student can get valve oil from the desk.
Can I have a new reed, mine is cracked?
Students should get a new reed from the desk drawer.
Can I have a tissue?
Of course, students need to come to the front of the room and get it themselves.
Can I use the restroom?
Hurry up. Bring a music stand, as it is your hall pass.
How do I contact Mr. Hammond?
If you need to speak to Mr. Hammond, please do so in person or by email. Voicemail is not an option.