6th Grade Band (Beginning Band)
This is the first year that students are offered an instrumental, intensive music class in the public school system in Union County. Much attention is given to the individual students so they may excel on their instrument as much as possible. Because of this, the 6th Grade Band is divided into two separate classes. Two community concerts are given, one in December and one in May. Each class meets everyday during school for approximately 40 minutes. Listed below is a brief description of each class.
6th Grade Brass
This class is designed to introduce beginning band students to the Trumpet or the Trombone. Students will learn the basic concepts of playing these instruments while learning how to apply the music theory studied to their instruments. During this year in band, the brass students will have the opportunity to audition for French Horn, Baritone, or Tuba. This audition is only open to 6th Grade Brass students.
6th Grade Woodwinds
This class is designed to introduce beginning band students to the flute and clarinet. Students will be allowed to audition for percussion in October and saxophone in January. More information will come home prior to auditions. Opportunities are given later in the year for students in this class to audition for oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, or tenor saxophone.
7th Grade Band
This is a continuation of 6th Grade Band, with the exception that both groups are now combined into one class during the school day. Students move into the second band method book. Students will perform a public concert in December and at the end of year, as well as participate in Concert Festival in March.
8th Grade Band
This class is a very intensive class for the band students. By now they are expected to have a firm grasp of their knowledge of music theory and performing on their instrument. The more advanced players are invited to participate and perform with the Piedmont High School Marching Band. Here students can be given an even greater challenge by playing with older, more advanced musicians. The level of difficulty of music begins to increase in this third year of playing. They not only learn how to tune their instruments, but how to tune to each other by playing chords and by using their ears to make adjustments. Students in 8th Grade Band typically play in three public performances. They will perform a concert in December and at the end of year, as well as perform in the North Carolina Concert Band Festival to be adjudicated by competent judges from around the South Eastern United States. The 8th Grade Band also has the opportunity to perform for the 5th grade students that are part of the Piedmont School Cluster, when they come to visit our campus.
