Students in the band program at River Bend Middle School will participate in one of three core ensembles - Beginning Band (6th grade), Intermediate Band (7th grade), or Advanced Band (8th grade).  In addition to these core groups, students will have the opportunity to participate in various other large and small ensembles.  Below is a description of each performance group offered in at Lucas Middle School.

 

6TH GRADE - Beginning Band

All students begin their band career in the Beginning Band.  This ensemble is composed of 6th grade students who are just learning to play their instruments.  Students in this ensemble will learn: to read music, to compose simple melodies, to count rhythms and understand rhythmic patterns, and to play and improve basic skills on their instrument.

 

7TH GRADE - Intermediate Band

After participating in the Beginning Band, students may advance to the Intermediate Band.  This ensemble is composed of 7th grade students who have at least a year of experience in band.  This band plays more difficult music (than the Beginning Band) and continues to learn concepts and develop skills.  Students in this ensemble will learn: to blend and balance within the ensemble, to develop individual tone quality, to advance technical skills, to compose and analyze music, and learn about composers, social events, and time periods in music history.

 

8TH GRADE - Advanced Band

After two years of study in the band program, students become members of the Advanced Band.  This is the top band in the program, and it is open to 8th graders.  This band plays challenging music and continues to develop the musicianship of each student in the group.  Students in this ensemble will learn: to blend and balance within the ensemble, to refine and develop individual tone quality, to advance their technique and facility, to compose and analyze music, to improvise melodies and rhythms, and learn about composers, social events, and time periods in music history.

 

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