Musical Standards

Individual Practice

Each band student is expected to practice her/his instrument and listen to recordings of her/himself regularly outside of rehearsal.  Time spent is not as important as making improvement in skills.

6th grade students                          5 days per week

7th/8th grade students                  4 days per week

Upper School students                   3 days per week
Those who wish to truly excel should take private lessons and practice diligently every day.

See  52 tips for Improving Your Skills by Daniel Coyle for strategies for deep and effective practice that will save time and maximize growth.

Band Music Standards

Preparation
• Practice
• Audiation (hearing the music in your head)

Sound
• Breath Control
• Tone

Pitch
• Notes
• Tuning

Time
• Rhythmic accuracy
• Pulse Control (Tempo)

Style
• Articulation (note beginning, note length, note release)
• Dynamics
• Phrasing