Playing tests for 5th and 6th grade band students will begin in September. Each student will be individually tested on a short piece of music (such as a song out of the band book or a section of a concert song) to demonstrate the following:
Correct posture, horn carriage/stick grip
Correct breathing, embouchure, tone, and articulation
Correct note and rhythm reading
Correct style and dynamics
In band, our daily homework is PRACTICING! Playing tests are used to evaluate how each student's "homework" is coming along, and it demonstrates where each students' strengths and weaknesses are. Playing tests will be simple at the beginning of the school year, and will increase with difficulty as the year progresses. As each student continues to practice at home, week after week, they will feel and hear the improvements in their playing, especially in their weak areas!
As always, Ms. Ley is available each morning before school (7:30 - 7:50am) and after school (2:34 - 3:00pm) to help students individually prepare for their playing tests. Students are encouraged to set up an appointment with her anytime!