Elementary Instrumental

About DES Bands

Under the direction of Mrs. Brumbaugh, Donald E. Schick Elementary School offers students the opportunity to learn an instrument as a part of the curricular day. The process of learning an instrument is an extremely unique experience and, thus, provides unique contributions to child development. Such contributions include musical skills, but also prioritize demonstrations of service, personal responsibility, and character education. Most importantly, through opportunities that encourage expressions of humanity, band members will form a deeper and more meaningful connection with the community around them.

Benefits of Involvement

Increased Attendance:

• Students who participate in band through middle school have miss (on average) 35% less school than those not in band
• Students who participate in band through high school have miss (on average) 17% less school than those not in band

Higher Grade Point Average:

• Students who participate in band through middle school have (on average) a 5.56% higher GPA than those not in band
• Students who participate in band through high school have (on average) a 3.77% higher GPA than those not in band

Academic Distinctions:

• 66% of students who participate in band through middle school receive honor roll (GPA of 90% and up)
• 47% of students who participate in band through middle school receive high honor roll (GPA of 95% and up)
• 76% of students who participate in band through high school receive honor roll (GPA of 90% and up)
• 58% of students who participate in band through middle school receive high honor roll (GPA of 95% and up)

Curriculum

4th Grade Instrumental Curriculum

5th Grade Instrumental Curriculum

Schedule

Lessons: Students in 4th and 5th Grade Band receive one small-group lesson per week for 30-minutes. These lessons are designed to establish and promote musical independence focusing on the areas of posture, positioning, rhythm/beat, pitch, tone quality, and style. Additionally, practice habits, music literacy, hand-eye coordination, and critical reflection are all addressed in the context of their instrument.

Rehearsals: In addition to the weekly lessons, each band meets once a week for a 45-minute rehearsal with 4th Grade Band on Day 4 and 5th Grade Band on Day 5. This time allows students to develop ensemble musicianship skills, such as how to positively contribute to and perform effectively as a group.

Resources

SmartMusic: Using this free app on their school-owned device, students in 4th and 5th Grade Band will complete regular recordings. Once submitted, each recording will be to their SmartMusic portfolio as a measure of routine progress assessment. You will find your child’s personal login information in their band folder!

SeeSaw: Each band member has access to the band SeeSaw class. This virtual platform allows students to engage with their peers and teacher in a variety of ways. Fun practice challenges are posted in the “Activities” section on a regular basis!

Practice Logs: Learning an instrument is most rewarding when students work to improve their skills at home! Each student is supplied a weekly practice log where they can track their at-home practice time to receive special rewards!

BandMate Chromatic Tuner: This free app (programmed on all school iPads) is very beneficial, especially for students who play a brass instrument and will need to check their notes as they play!

Metronome: Students rely on their teacher in school to help them practice and perform with a steady beat, so using a metronome to as a substitute teacher while practicing at home is highly recommended!