Willowwind Band
April Update
Students spent the month putting the finishing touches on their concert music in both Concert Band and Jazz Band. Performing with dynamics and phrasing, as well as determining important melodies and harmonies to bring out in each piece were areas of focus. Jazz band has had the opportunity to work with Craig Kessler as he led small group sectionals and assisted students in learning their music. A highlight of the month included working with Ms. Colette as they prepared Feelin' Good.
We are excited to perform for you! The solo-ensemble band concert will take place on Tuesday, May 9th at 4:30pm at River Community Church. The jazz band and concert band will perform at this event in addition to students' individual solo and ensemble pieces.
Program Overview
The band program was founded in the Fall of 2012. What started as a group of about seven 4-6th grade students has grown to include over 20 budding and aspiring musicians, about 80% of the 4-6th grade classes.
Band lessons, weekly large group rehearsals, and biannual concerts make up the band program at Willowwind. New band students have the opportunity to 'test' their top three instruments in the spring. Lessons can begin over the summer or at the beginning of the following school year. Lessons include between one and three students, taking place at the beginning or end of the school day. Students are divided into lesson times based on instrument and ability level. All students work out of the Standard of Excellence method book series.
Large group band rehearsals take place once per week for 45 minutes. During this time, students learn how to work as a team to play together. Some of the skills learned in beginning band include, but are not limited to, performing entrances and cut offs together, articulating rhythmic passages uniformly, blending and balancing with fellow band mates, and understanding how to follow the conductor.
Students work all semester to master their music. They showcase their hard work with a concert performed for family, friends and teachers. Band concerts typically take place in December and May.
April Update
Students spent the month putting the finishing touches on their concert music in both Concert Band and Jazz Band. Performing with dynamics and phrasing, as well as determining important melodies and harmonies to bring out in each piece were areas of focus. Jazz band has had the opportunity to work with Craig Kessler as he led small group sectionals and assisted students in learning their music. A highlight of the month included working with Ms. Colette as they prepared Feelin' Good.
We are excited to perform for you! The solo-ensemble band concert will take place on Tuesday, May 9th at 4:30pm at River Community Church. The jazz band and concert band will perform at this event in addition to students' individual solo and ensemble pieces.
Program Overview
The band program was founded in the Fall of 2012. What started as a group of about seven 4-6th grade students has grown to include over 20 budding and aspiring musicians, about 80% of the 4-6th grade classes.
Band lessons, weekly large group rehearsals, and biannual concerts make up the band program at Willowwind. New band students have the opportunity to 'test' their top three instruments in the spring. Lessons can begin over the summer or at the beginning of the following school year. Lessons include between one and three students, taking place at the beginning or end of the school day. Students are divided into lesson times based on instrument and ability level. All students work out of the Standard of Excellence method book series.
Large group band rehearsals take place once per week for 45 minutes. During this time, students learn how to work as a team to play together. Some of the skills learned in beginning band include, but are not limited to, performing entrances and cut offs together, articulating rhythmic passages uniformly, blending and balancing with fellow band mates, and understanding how to follow the conductor.
Students work all semester to master their music. They showcase their hard work with a concert performed for family, friends and teachers. Band concerts typically take place in December and May.