Instrumental Music - Grades 6, 7 & 8
Grade 6
At Irma Coulson the instrumental band program begins in grade 6. Students in grade 6 begin with a percussion unit to determine which students would flourish performing on percussion instruments. Students will then be introduced to the wind instruments. Grade 6 pupils are offered flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone to begin. Each child is given a card to indicate their first and second choice of instruments to play in class. The teacher will then determine which instrument each student will play based on aptitude and balance.
Should your child wish to play a double reed instrument (oboe or bassoon) then they may rent or purchase their own. As band instrumentation does not have guitar or piano parts, these instruments are unavailable for regular class. Reeds are provided for students at no cost. Should you wish to purchase a mouthpiece, method book or rent/purchase an instrument, please contact Ms. Taylor. Mouthpieces provided at the school are soaked in Sterisol solution before and after each class.
The grade 6 program focuses on posture, breathing, embouchure and the first 6 notes of the Bb Concert Scale (Repertoire grade 1/2). Care of the instrument and class deportment are also a critical part of the program. A review of music notation of the treble and bass clefs starts the year off. Music from different time periods and styles will be studied in class. Students will have performance opportunities at different times throughout the year.
Grade 7
Grade 7 students continue to play the instruments studied in grade 6. Should a student wish to change instruments, they must be willing to work hard to catch up with the playing level of the class.
The grade 7 program focuses on repertoire in the Bb, Eb and F concert keys. Key signatures, accidentals and various symbols will be covered to ensure a more musical performance. More advanced rhythms and time signatures are explored. The Blues Scale and Jazz style is introduced in the 2nd term. Composition is studied with small melodies and duets created in class. Students may now join Concert Band (repertoire grade 1 - 2).
Grade 8
Grade 8 students continue to play the instruments studied in grades 6 & 7. Changing instruments in grade 8 is not recommended as it would be extremely difficult to catch up with the class performance level.
The grade 8 program focuses on the major scales, introduces minor and the chromatic scale. Students will write their own jazz solos as well as a "Theme and Variations" piece in the 2nd term. Range expansion is continued and repertoire becomes more advanced (grade 1 1/2 - 2).
There are helpful pages for beginning players on this site (check out the "More..." tab to find links to youtube videos).
If you need to contact me, please email me at [email protected] or call at the school (905) 693-0712.
Grade 6
At Irma Coulson the instrumental band program begins in grade 6. Students in grade 6 begin with a percussion unit to determine which students would flourish performing on percussion instruments. Students will then be introduced to the wind instruments. Grade 6 pupils are offered flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone to begin. Each child is given a card to indicate their first and second choice of instruments to play in class. The teacher will then determine which instrument each student will play based on aptitude and balance.
Should your child wish to play a double reed instrument (oboe or bassoon) then they may rent or purchase their own. As band instrumentation does not have guitar or piano parts, these instruments are unavailable for regular class. Reeds are provided for students at no cost. Should you wish to purchase a mouthpiece, method book or rent/purchase an instrument, please contact Ms. Taylor. Mouthpieces provided at the school are soaked in Sterisol solution before and after each class.
The grade 6 program focuses on posture, breathing, embouchure and the first 6 notes of the Bb Concert Scale (Repertoire grade 1/2). Care of the instrument and class deportment are also a critical part of the program. A review of music notation of the treble and bass clefs starts the year off. Music from different time periods and styles will be studied in class. Students will have performance opportunities at different times throughout the year.
Grade 7
Grade 7 students continue to play the instruments studied in grade 6. Should a student wish to change instruments, they must be willing to work hard to catch up with the playing level of the class.
The grade 7 program focuses on repertoire in the Bb, Eb and F concert keys. Key signatures, accidentals and various symbols will be covered to ensure a more musical performance. More advanced rhythms and time signatures are explored. The Blues Scale and Jazz style is introduced in the 2nd term. Composition is studied with small melodies and duets created in class. Students may now join Concert Band (repertoire grade 1 - 2).
Grade 8
Grade 8 students continue to play the instruments studied in grades 6 & 7. Changing instruments in grade 8 is not recommended as it would be extremely difficult to catch up with the class performance level.
The grade 8 program focuses on the major scales, introduces minor and the chromatic scale. Students will write their own jazz solos as well as a "Theme and Variations" piece in the 2nd term. Range expansion is continued and repertoire becomes more advanced (grade 1 1/2 - 2).
There are helpful pages for beginning players on this site (check out the "More..." tab to find links to youtube videos).
If you need to contact me, please email me at [email protected] or call at the school (905) 693-0712.