Fraser Elementary Bands
Peyton Krantz, Band Teacher
Our program consists of Introduction to Instrumental Music (5th grade Song Flute), 5th Grade Beginning Band, and 6th Grade Band.
5th Grade Introduction to Instrumental Music
For our 5th grade students, a unit called Introduction to Instrumental Music occurs during the first 7 weeks of the school year. Every 5th grader in the district receives this instruction. During this time, students will learn how to play the song flute, as well as review and apply many of the skills they have learned in their vocal music class. They learn new skills in areas such as note recognition, reading and counting rhythms, tone production, tempo, pulse, etc. This 7-week unit concludes with a concert. After the Song Flute Concert, students may elect to continue in the program by joining the 5th grade Beginning Band. There will be an Instrument Rental Night immediately following the concert.
5th Grade Beginning Band
This is an optional program. Students can continue in the instrumental music program on a variety of band instruments. For our band program to provide the best possible learning scenario for every student, the balance of instrumentation must be addressed. Any student may choose to play the following instruments in 5th grade band: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet or trombone. Students interested in playing percussion will be selected through an audition process, as these spots are limited within the ensemble. Those chosen to play percussion are required to have a “bell kit” for both 5th and 6th grade bands. Students who decide to continue in the band program must obtain an instrument on their own. They are also required to have a music stand and a band book (the "Essential Elements" method book).
Information on obtaining an instrument for the band will be provided during the song flute portion of the school year. Additional information can always be obtained by emailing the band instructor at your child’s school.
There are two (2) band concerts required for 5th grade beginning band students: one in January and one in May. There are no other after-school requirements, other than regular “at-home” practice.
6th Grade Band
The 6th Grade Band is a continuation of the study of instrumental music. The students have the same requirements in regard to instruments as the 5th Grade Band. The expectations of 6th graders become more rigorous, as the music becomes more complex, and requires the students to learn more on their own. At-home practice is a necessity.
Students who are new to the district may learn an instrument in 6th grade. It is strongly recommended that those students also see a private tutor to help keep them up.
There will be two (2) concerts required for the 6th grade band: one in January and one in May. There are no additional after-school requirements, other than regular “at-home” practice.
Private Lessons/Band Tutors
Information regarding lessons is available from the band teacher. Lessons are not required but are highly recommended. Private instruction greatly enhances a child’s learning. The individualized instruction can help guide a student in any areas of weakness, and the tutor can give instrument-specific strategies to improve elements of a student's playing. Many band members from Fraser High School will tutor 5th and 6th-grade band students or you can choose from several professional teachers as well.
Book Requirements
All 5th and 6th grade band students use “Essential Elements" book for their instruction. These books can be obtained at most of the local music stores. Each student MUST have their own book specific to his or her instrument. This book must be brought to school along with the instrument and folding music stand for each class session.
5th Grade Introduction to Instrumental Music
For our 5th grade students, a unit called Introduction to Instrumental Music occurs during the first 7 weeks of the school year. Every 5th grader in the district receives this instruction. During this time, students will learn how to play the song flute, as well as review and apply many of the skills they have learned in their vocal music class. They learn new skills in areas such as note recognition, reading and counting rhythms, tone production, tempo, pulse, etc. This 7-week unit concludes with a concert. After the Song Flute Concert, students may elect to continue in the program by joining the 5th grade Beginning Band. There will be an Instrument Rental Night immediately following the concert.
5th Grade Beginning Band
This is an optional program. Students can continue in the instrumental music program on a variety of band instruments. For our band program to provide the best possible learning scenario for every student, the balance of instrumentation must be addressed. Any student may choose to play the following instruments in 5th grade band: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet or trombone. Students interested in playing percussion will be selected through an audition process, as these spots are limited within the ensemble. Those chosen to play percussion are required to have a “bell kit” for both 5th and 6th grade bands. Students who decide to continue in the band program must obtain an instrument on their own. They are also required to have a music stand and a band book (the "Essential Elements" method book).
Information on obtaining an instrument for the band will be provided during the song flute portion of the school year. Additional information can always be obtained by emailing the band instructor at your child’s school.
There are two (2) band concerts required for 5th grade beginning band students: one in January and one in May. There are no other after-school requirements, other than regular “at-home” practice.
6th Grade Band
The 6th Grade Band is a continuation of the study of instrumental music. The students have the same requirements in regard to instruments as the 5th Grade Band. The expectations of 6th graders become more rigorous, as the music becomes more complex, and requires the students to learn more on their own. At-home practice is a necessity.
Students who are new to the district may learn an instrument in 6th grade. It is strongly recommended that those students also see a private tutor to help keep them up.
There will be two (2) concerts required for the 6th grade band: one in January and one in May. There are no additional after-school requirements, other than regular “at-home” practice.
Private Lessons/Band Tutors
Information regarding lessons is available from the band teacher. Lessons are not required but are highly recommended. Private instruction greatly enhances a child’s learning. The individualized instruction can help guide a student in any areas of weakness, and the tutor can give instrument-specific strategies to improve elements of a student's playing. Many band members from Fraser High School will tutor 5th and 6th-grade band students or you can choose from several professional teachers as well.
Book Requirements
All 5th and 6th grade band students use “Essential Elements" book for their instruction. These books can be obtained at most of the local music stores. Each student MUST have their own book specific to his or her instrument. This book must be brought to school along with the instrument and folding music stand for each class session.
