RCS Ensembles

Upper Band

Upper Band is open to 8th through 12th grade students at a mature level of development, who are proficient in music reading, scales, tone production and articulation. In addition, a student must have a proven record of reliability and good conduct in order to be considered for Upper Band. All the basic techniques introduced in Beginning Band are further developed in Upper Band, and additional scales and more difficult exercises are learned. Private lessons are highly recommended at this level, since class size and performance commitments limit the amount of individual instruction a student receives. Students will rehearse after school when necessary to prepare for a performance. Director audition/approval is required.

Private lessons are highly recommended at this level, since class size and performance commitments limit the amount of individual instruction a student receives. Students will rehearse after school when necessary to prepare for a performance.

Beginning band

Beginning Band is required for all 7th Grade students.  Previous musical training and music reading is helpful, but not necessary.

Playing a musical instrument can be a very rewarding experience with lifelong enrichment implications.  Being able to create music on your own is the ultimate goal of instrument study.  Yet, playing an instrument is a very complex task that requires much patience as well as perseverance.  The investment, both of time and money, must be protected through careful instruction and, more importantly, encouragement.  By taking an active role in your child’s musical education, you will see your child grow with excitement for music and success on the instrument.  You will see first hand the many benefits that the music program will provide.

Instrument selection​

Beginning Band students can try out several instruments. Selection is based on student interest, physical characteristics (formation of lips and teeth), rhythmic coordination and instrumentation requirements (the number of students on each instrument must be kept within reasonable limits to perform the music written for the modern band).

All instruments will be demonstrated for students and in many cases, private teachers will be invited to demonstrate their instruments.

Beginning Band Consultation Meeting​

Once students have tested all instruments, parents and students are required to attend a Beginning Band Consultation Meeting.

Mr. Carr will schedule an appointment with students and guardians to review instrument selection and Beginning Band Checklist. At this time, music dealers will be invited to attend this meeting where parents/guardians may rent instruments and materials for class.

IMPORTANT: Please do not rent an instrument until you have met with Mr. Carr and received your Beginning Band Checklist. This meeting is vital to the success of your child’s band experience.

Instrument Assembly, Care & Maintenance​

Proper assembly and care are necessary to minimize repairs and frustrations caused by a malfunctioning instrument.

Tone Production​

This includes all elements necessary to produce a musical sound on a wind or percussion instrument. Embouchure (the way the lips and facial muscles are used and applied to the mouthpiece), use of air and concept of correct sound for a given instrument are learned.

Articulation

Articulation involves the correct use of the tongue in playing an instrument. It is very similar to pronunciation in speech.

Music Reading​

After students can demonstrate basic tone production and articulation, music reading is introduced, gradually. Students only learn notes and rhythms they are able to play and apply. New notes and rhythms are added as control improves. Music reading involves learning the name of the note, the sound of the note (pitch), the duration of the note (rhythm) and the fingering of the note on the instrument. It is essential that students practice daily. Each skill builds on the last skill, so progress depends on keeping up.

Ear Training​

The ability to discriminate pitch, to play in tune with others and to hear a musical line is a learned skill. Students can learn what “in tune” and “out of tune” sound like, just as they can learn to discriminate between a pleasant and unpleasant sound. Most students have quite good natural pitch.