Band Basics Handbook
Online Handbook
Instruments
Students rotate through four different Band Instruments during the Full Year course.
Flute
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Lesson Structure
The weekly group lessons provide a foundation in instrument skills, musicianship, and fine motor skills following a fundamental music curriculum that focuses learning throughout the year.
Staff - Band Basics
Michelle Lovett moved to Hong Kong in 2004, and worked in as an Arts Educator in International Schools, Post-Secondary Vocational education and as a consultant in Creative Industries Education. In Australia she lectured in Arts Education at the University of Southern Queensland, and was active in promoting arts education amongst young people, in Instrumental Music Pedagogy and Arts Curriculum visioning.
Below are the four
Woodwind Instruments:
Woodwind players use all fingers, so finger dexterity is important. A child with any problem or difficulty controlling and coordinating the fingers may be challenged playing a Woodwind Instrument. Children with double-jointed fingers, especially thumbs may find the balancing and playing of a woodwind instrument more difficult than a brass instrument.
Brass Instruments:
These shiny powerful sounding instruments appeal to a large number of children. A child who can sing, hum or whistle a tune from memory can learn a brass instrument. Playing a Brass Instrument generally uses only three or four fingers of the right hand, unlike the woodwind instruments, which can require precise coordination of the fingers from both hands. Because brass playing can require physical strength and stamina, athletically inclined children may do well on these instruments. Lips must be free of scar tissue, and the size of the lips generally indicates the size of the instrument best suiting the child.
Loans
All Band Basics instruments are provided - four instruments over the year, with one instrument allocated each instrument rotation.
Band Basics students play on age and size appropriate instruments that are light, colourful, easy-care and hygienic, yet sound identical to their full size versions. This unique and original opportunity to learn Band Instruments at a younger age is rooted in solid music education philosophies that enhance all aspects of a young musician.
All instruments are ultrasonic cleaned between each rotation, and mouthpieces have additional ultraviolet light cleaning and a germicide application.
Instruments are robust, but should be handled with care. Wear and tear is acceptable, or accidents, but deliberate damage will incur a charge.
The Band Basics program is a Full Year course.
Classes are held after school one day per week.
The class meets directly after school from 3:00pm to 3:45pm.
(These times are subject to change due to COVID-19 and end of school time).
The Class Day will be confirmed closer to the start of school, and there will be limited opportunity to change class days before the course begins, only if spaces are available.
Schedule 2021-22
Dismissal Procedures
At the end of the 3:00pm class students;
Take the 4:00 bus home
Continue with another ASA activity
Picked up by private vehicle (5th floor gate)
Walk home (with school permission)
Please add 9136 0837 as “MicraMusic” to your phone contacts in case of emergency - please use this number to contact your child if needed too.
Ensembles and Concerts
Students continue their musical journey by participating in a school ensemble whilst simultaneously developing a deep understanding of being part of a team. Making music together will inspire greater cooperation and encourage students to develop communication and self-management skills. Regular Concert performances celebrate the achievements of learning an instrument, recognise achievements, and contribute to celebrating Music within the school community.
Curriculum
The Upper Primary Band curriculum is aligned with the National Association for Music Education Standards.
Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
Reading and notating music.
Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
Evaluating music and music performances.
Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Prepared for Class
Every student must bring their instrument to each class along with their music book / folder.
Only use pencil marks in the music books.
Practice suggestions will be given during each class. Practice is not compulsory, and suggestions aim to support students who choose to adopt a home practice schedule.
Feedback
Students in the Band Program receive ongoing formative feedback in classes. If needed, we will get in touch with parents to discuss strategies for improvement in these areas.
There are no summative tasks in the Band Program.
Formative Evaluation feedback is based on:
Performance tasks, ensemble skills and participation, attendance, practice and musical responses.
Technical aspects of playing an instrument (such as posture, intonation, rhythm and sound quality) will be assessed through instrument specific rubrics.
Zoom Links for Blended Class Learning:
Mr. Lovett Personal Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8120803623
Online Resources and Practice Tools
HKIS Upper Primary Band Resources
Play-Alongs, PDF’s of Music, Practice Tips, Theory Videos, Recital Pieces and Fun Stuff all in one place!