INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
The Instrumental Music program at Anderson School began in 1988 as an after-school program with two groups (Beginning and Intermediate-Advanced). Currently, there are three different bands offered at Anderson School, plus an extracurricular Jazz Band and a String Orchestra which meet before school one day a week each.
FIFTH GRADE BAND
Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30-2:10. You will need the “Essential Elements – Book 1” (purple/yellow cover) for your instrument, and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder (sheet inserts will be provided) for sheet music.
SIXTH GRADE BAND
Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:10. You will need the “Essential Elements – Book 1” (purple/yellow cover to review & finish) for your instrument, “Essential Elements – Book 2” (green/yellow cover), and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder (sheet inserts will be provided) for sheet music. Percussion: a stick bag with concert sticks, and drum set sticks (if applicable).
SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE BAND
Meets Tuesday, Thursday and every-other Friday fifth period from 11:35-12:20. You will need the “Essential Elements – Book 2” (green/yellow cover to review & finish) for your instrument, “Essential Technique” (black/yellow cover), and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder (sheet inserts will be provided) for sheet music. Percussion: a stick bag with concert sticks, drum set sticks (if applicable), and either 1 pair medium yarn mallets (Adams, Balter, Yamaha or equivalent) or 1 pair timpani mallets (Vic Firth T3 Staccato or equivalent).
Due to cuts in the 2009-2010 General Budget, music was reduced from .8 to .5 FTE., with the following areas eliminated until further notice: Percussion Ensemble, sectionals, and all Choirs.
Jazz Band and String Orchestra were partially restored in October 2009 (one day per week instead of two) with funding from the Anderson Parent Council and Participation Fees ($60.00 per year; please pay Betty in the office by September 16, 2011).
STRING ORCHESTRA
Founded in 2002, this performance ensemble is open to students who already play or study privately an acoustic orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass or piano (limit of two)). Guitar, electronics or similar instruments are NOT included. Orchestra meets before school on Thursday mornings from 7:10-8:20 a.m. and is open to anyone in grades 3-8 with at least one year of experience on their instrument. Students need to arrange for their own transportation to school on these days (carpools are encouraged). Participation in band is NOT REQUIRED in order to participate in Orchestra (Band and Orchestra are considered to be “core instrumental groups”), however you may also elect to participate in band during the day on a second instrument (non-string) if you wish. You will need a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder (sheet inserts will be provided) for sheet music.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Founded in 1996, this group meets before school, on Monday mornings from 7:30-8:20 a.m. and is open to anyone in grades 6-8 with at least one year of experience on their instrument. Students need to arrange for their own transportation to school on these days (carpools are encouraged). Participation in the regular instrumental music program is REQUIRED in order to participate in the Jazz Band; however, your jazz band instrument may be different from your usual instrument (keyboard, guitar, bass). Non-band instruments (guitar, bass, keyboard) players may audition for placement in the Jazz Ensemble. You will need a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder (sheet inserts will be provided) for sheet music.
• INSTRUMENTATION: There is no limit to the number of wind and brass players. The maximum size rhythm section is: two keyboards, three guitars, one bass, and three percussion. If additional players are interested, auditions will be held for performing positions. If you do not win a spot, you may still attend rehearsals as an observer or perform on your wind instrument (if applicable). If a rhythm section position opens up during the year, auditions will be held for a replacement. Guitarists need to provide their own instrument and amplifier. Because of time considerations, not all percussionists will perform drumset on every concert.
BEFORE-SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: Before school activities begin AT 7:10 (set-up, ready to play; arriving afterwards means YOU ARE LATE! – plan to be at the school by 7:05).
FOR ALL INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS
• A pencil, your complete instrument, and music is needed in order to participate. At least three working reeds (for wind players) are needed with you every time class meets. Brass instruments should be oiled and in good working order before each rehearsal starts. String instruments should be tuned up and ready to play, with bows rosined if needed. Percussionists are responsible for set-up, breakdown and storage of all instruments, accessories and sticks each time we rehearse.
• If you are unable to play due to slight illness, dental work, etc… you can still do fingerings and work with the group. IN-SCHOOL = IN-CLASS = PARTICIPATING – have your instrument! Consistent tardiness or absence from rehearsals may result in your dismissal from the ensemble. Home practice time is expected of all (consistent daily practice is far more beneficial than “cramming” for an hour once or twice a week – try to schedule your practice time for 4-5 different days of the week for a period of time so it is “part of the routine” and not something “if I get around to it”).
• Home=Practice (where you learn your part), Classtime=Rehearsal (where you learn everyone else’s part, plus new concepts and techniques to practice).
LOST OR DAMAGED PIECES: You will be charged $5.00 for each lost or damaged original copy of music that was checked out. Books that are lost or returned damaged will be charged at the current retail price plus any additional shipping/handling charges. Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble pieces sometimes do not have individual parts that can be replaced, and whole set replacements can run $40-$70 each.
The following groups have been cut from the music program effective Fall, 2009. In the event funding is restored or an alternative funding source is approved, one or more may be added back into the curriculum:
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Founded in 1996, this group meets before school, on Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20 a.m. and is open to anyone in grades 5-8. Students need to arrange for their own transportation to school on this day (carpools are encouraged). Participation in the regular instrumental music program is REQUIRED in order to participate in the Percussion Ensemble, although you do not need to be a percussionist (all who are interested are welcome to play and have a good time with us!). You will need to buy your own pair of drumsticks when needed (model 5A, 5B, 2B, SD1 General or comparable is fine, 7A is too small, Corpsmaster too large), and a Black (preferred) 1” three-ring binder (sheet inserts will be provided) for sheet music. Literature performed includes traditional percussion ensemble repertoire (Grade I-III), African hand drumming. Afro-Cuban/Latin, and Balinese Gamelan.
CHORAL ENSEMBLES
The Anderson School Choral Program is designed to provide all students in grades 2-8 the opportunity to perform vocal music with their peers in a large ensemble setting. This format allows for learning new musical concepts, skills and techniques as well as reinforcing those learned in the general music classroom. This includes posture, tone production, intonation, pitch matching, balance, breath control, flexibility, dynamic control, articulation, diction, reading skills, and music history. We have five primary objectives:
1. Cultural – To continue the development of music appreciation and understanding through the study and performance of fine choral literature.
2. Educational – To develop interested and discriminating listeners and performers, and provide a well-rounded background of musical knowledge.
3. Service – To lend a meaningful atmosphere to school and community events while promoting the reputation of the Anderson School Music Program at all performance appearances.
4. Recreational – To provide Anderson School students an opportunity for a worthy and lifelong leisure activity, an emotional outlet, and positive social experiences.
5. Spiritual – Through singing music that is significant historically, musically, or in text, students will learn to appreciate the deeper meanings of life.
2-4, 5-6, 7-8 CHOIRS
All students in grades 2-8 participate in choir once a week. Song memorization (note and text), interval practice, short etudes and rhythmic exercises will be assigned as homework on a regular basis. Music performed includes a wide variety of popular, historical, classical, show pieces and world music songs. You will be charged $5.00 for each lost or damaged original copy of music that was checked out. Books that are lost or returned damaged will be charged at the current retail price plus any additional shipping/handling charges.