Edgewood

 
 

Our Band Program is exploratory in the 3rd grade. Each student spends six weeks with hands-on experience playing the recorder and another six weeks exploring rhythmic pulse and learning rhythmic literacy through using drumsticks and practice pads. Students learn the concepts and formulas for reading music as synthesised with the kinesthetics of their instrument and how to navigate their book to become independent learners. Students will be able to play simple melodies using the first few notes and music literacy concepts learned.

In 4th grade, students may continue in small group lessons with any band instrument that they choose: flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn/euphonium, tuba and percussion. As they are ready, students become members of the Edgewood school band. 

In 5th grade, band students automatically become members of the school band with weekly early morning rehearsals in addition to small group lessons. All fourth and fifth grade band students participate in two annual schoolwide performances and two evening performances.

Participation in the band program is fun, exciting and extremely rewarding. As students practice at home what they have learned in class, they are able to see and feel good about their own progress as well as experience the opportunity to share their music with others.