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Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School

6th Grade Band

 

A new year, a new school, a new BIG BAND!

Wow and welcome. Together we make up a band of over 100 members! This is an impressive number and it is an exciting room to be in for a rehearsal. We are well into the swing of things with our weekly lessons, and daily rehearsals. As we progress as musicians we are learning the level of responsibility that comes along with being a member of the team. But most of all the opportunity to show off and perform what we have learned this year.

Rehearsals: 

  • As members of the band we are responsible for communicating the dots on the page into music for our audience to hear, so we always need a working instrument. If an instrument is not working properly ask the band directors if they can help before the rehearsal and even before the school day starts if possible. Trying to repair an instrument at home can magnify the severity of the problem. In the instance the director cannot fix the problem, school rented instruments will be sent out by the director but personally owned instruments can be fixed at one of our local music stores
  • To help keep everything organized in this new and exciting year, keeping our band music in a binder or folder allows everything to be in one place at the same time.
  • One more thing a PENCIL!!! A pencil is one of the most important tools in a musicians bag. A wise man once said to me the difference between a professional band and a beginner band is that professionals never make the same mistake twice. Using a pencil to circle a note, write in fingering, or any thing to make it better, will help the band sound better.

Lessons:

  • Each band member is assigned a lesson group based on their instrument. The lesson group meets once a week on the same day each week. The PERIOD ROTATES so the band members do not miss the same class more than once a month. The lesson schedule is located in many places around the band room and copies are available for everyone.
  • During lessons we learn things that focus on our specific instrument and to aid in that we are studying from the Essential Elements 2000 Book 2. This book can be found at most music stores. If you are having difficulty finding the book please contact the band director so we can all be prepared.
  • Once again our PENCIL!!!

Concerts:
The moment we have been waiting for............The chance to prove to everyone we are not holders but PLAYERS in a band. These concerts are not just for our families and friends but for us as well. We have worked hard and put in a lot of hours to make something special. It takes all of us to make this moment happen and happen it will.
Part of the concert ambiance is the band members attire:

  • Boys- Black shoes, black socks, black pants, white shirt, long tie
  • Girls- Black shoes, black bottom, white top *Please make sure your outfit is appropriate. You will be on stage which is an elevated position. *