Course Description

Beginning Band: Woodwinds

This class is designed for 6th grade students interested in learning to play a woodwind instrument.  Students will learn proper instrument assembly and maintenance, music fundamentals, and instrument-specific performance technique. The instruments offered at the beginning of the year are flute and clarinet.  Later in the year, students will have the opportunity to be considered for instruction in other instruments, including oboe, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and percussion.  Private lessons are recommend for all students, but may be required for a student to switch to another instrument.  Daily home practice and participation in 2-3 evening concerts are required.  Parents will need to provide their student with an instrument (either through purchase or rental), music book, various instrumental supplies, and concert attire.  It is vital that students have an instrument to play no later than the second full week of school.  Students who do not have instrument by that time may be dropped from the class.  Successful completion of Beginning Band will prepare students for participation in Intermediate Band the following year.

Beginning Band: Brass

The Beginning Brass class is designed for 6th grade students interested in learning to play a brass instrument.  Students will learn proper instrument assembly and maintenance, music fundamentals, and instrument-specific performance technique.  The instruments offered at the beginning of the school year are trumpet and trombone.  Later in the year, students will have the opportunity to be considered for instruction in other instruments, including horn, euphonium, tuba, and percussion.  Private lessons are recommended for all students, but may be required for a student to switch to another instrument.  Daily home practice and participation in 2-3 evening concerts are required.  Parents will need to provide their student with an instrument (either through purchase or rental), music book, various instrumental supplies, and concert attire.  It is vital that students have an instrument to play no later than the second full week of school.  Students who do not have instrument by that time may be dropped from the class.  Successful completion of Beginning Band will prepare students for participation in Intermediate Band the following year.

Intermediate Woodwinds

The Intermediate Woodwinds class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students who have successfully completed Beginning Woodwinds, or one year of band or private lessons elsewhere.  This course focuses on the development of instrument-specific technique, including embouchure, tone quality, intonation, articulation, rhythmic accuracy, technical facility, and basic music theory.  Private instruction is strongly recommended.  Daily home practice and participation in all scheduled performances throughout the year are required.  Parents will need to provide their student with an instrument (either through purchase or rental), music book, various supplies, and concert attire.  Successful completion of Intermediate Band will prepare students for participation in Advanced Band the following year.

Intermediate Brass & Percussion

This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students who have successfully completed Beginning Brass, or one year of band or private lessons elsewhere.  This course focuses on the development of instrument-specific technique, including embouchure, tone quality, intonation, articulation, rhythmic accuracy, technical facility, and basic music theory.  Private instruction is strongly recommended.  Daily home practice and participation in all scheduled performances throughout the year are required.  Parents will need to provide their student with an instrument (either through purchase or rental), music book, various supplies, and concert attire.  Successful completion of Intermediate Band will prepare students for participation in Advanced Band the following year.

Advanced Band

Advanced Band is open to all 8th grade students who have successfully completed Intermediate Band, or two years of band or private lessons elsewhere.  Admission into Advanced Band is based on auditions; director approval is required.  This course focuses on both the continuing musical training necessary to play a wind instrument or percussion, and the preparation and performance of music of various styles for public concerts and adjudicated festivals.  Private instruction is strongly recommended.  Daily home practice, participation in all scheduled performances, and participation in occasional after school rehearsals are required.  Parents will need to provide their student with an instrument (either through purchase or rental), music book, various supplies, and concert attire.  Successful completion of Advanced Band will prepare students for participation in a high school band program.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band provides an opportunity for students to study and perform in the instrumental jazz idiom.  Admission into Jazz Band is based on auditions; director approval is required.  Students will learn jazz terminology, a variety of jazz styles, and basic improvisation techniques.  Private instruction is strongly recommended; concert attire is required.  The Fowler Middle School Jazz Band requires an increased level of commitment by students who have consistently demonstrated superior levels of knowledge, enthusiasm, self-direction, and skill.  All members (except guitarists and pianists) are required to be enrolled concurrently in another band class the entire year.  Daily home practice and participation in all scheduled concerts and festivals are required.