This can be one of the best investments you will ever make in your child's music education. (Which is the best investment you can make in your child general education!)
Go to smartmusic.com to see demo videos and to download the program.
I am offering 10 free pass-offs to any student who uses the program and registers for Mr. Farrell's elementary band classes.
Monday, November 24, 2008
CLEAN YOUR INSTRUMENTS!!!!
It's time to start paying close attention to the cleanliness and lubrication of your instruments. See each section on your instrument for details on how to keep your instrument clean without damaging it.
Friday, October 17, 2008
4th Grade Band ULTIMATE WORLD PREMIER CONCERT OF THE UNIVERSE!!!!!
Look out for the RVSP form for the 4th grade band instrument rental meeting and ULTIMATE WORLD PREMIER CONCERT OF THE UNIVERSE.
This will take place on TUESDAY OCTOBER 28th at 6:30pm.
The meeting will comence at 6:30pm in the Surfside Cafe (located in the HS/MS building) and will end not later than 8:30pm.
Please read the materials carefully that were sent home in your child's agenda, then give me a call (727) 541-7593 ext 240 or email nathan.farrell@nck12.com with any questions.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Curriculum
All about the PASS-OFF system!
Elementary bands are using the pass-off system this year. The idea is to make class (and practicing) more competitive and (hopefully) more fun. The advantages of this system include constant individual assement by the teacher and a completely self paced progress by each student. Each student can work to their potential and be rewarded for it.
Here is how it works:
Each student has a band book which contains roughly 160 exercises. In each class students "pass-off" each exercise by performing it "perfectly" for the teacher and the rest of the class. This teaches each student critical listening skills and confidence. If even one mistake is made the students turn is over and we move on to the next student. UNLESS!!! If the student has any "Extra Turn Credits" they can redeem one for another chance to play the exercise. Extra Turn Credits are earned by good behaviour, silent practice while other students are passing off and various other good things. Extra turn credits can be taken away for talking, or playing out of turn, forgetting instruments or books, or other not so good things.
each pass off turn begins with the entire class playing the song with the student, which keeps everyone involved and helps everyone practice.
The students sit in the order of the number of pass-offs earned, regardless of instrument. For example our first chair player is on exercise #60 and plays the saxophone, the second chair player is on #58 and plays the trumpet. On down the line to the last chair which may be on exercise #16. We always start a round with the lowest number, which serves as a good warm-up for the more advanced players and gives the less accomplished players a chance to catch up.
Free turn credits and pass-offs are given out for a variety of "extra" things such as home practice, attending concerts, attending school events, writing songs, etc. There are many variations to the basic curriculum including: Team Day, Las Vegas Day, Lightning Round, and may others.
Any parent is welcome and encouraged to come by and observe this exciting system in use on band class days (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)
Elementary bands are using the pass-off system this year. The idea is to make class (and practicing) more competitive and (hopefully) more fun. The advantages of this system include constant individual assement by the teacher and a completely self paced progress by each student. Each student can work to their potential and be rewarded for it.
Here is how it works:
Each student has a band book which contains roughly 160 exercises. In each class students "pass-off" each exercise by performing it "perfectly" for the teacher and the rest of the class. This teaches each student critical listening skills and confidence. If even one mistake is made the students turn is over and we move on to the next student. UNLESS!!! If the student has any "Extra Turn Credits" they can redeem one for another chance to play the exercise. Extra Turn Credits are earned by good behaviour, silent practice while other students are passing off and various other good things. Extra turn credits can be taken away for talking, or playing out of turn, forgetting instruments or books, or other not so good things.
each pass off turn begins with the entire class playing the song with the student, which keeps everyone involved and helps everyone practice.
The students sit in the order of the number of pass-offs earned, regardless of instrument. For example our first chair player is on exercise #60 and plays the saxophone, the second chair player is on #58 and plays the trumpet. On down the line to the last chair which may be on exercise #16. We always start a round with the lowest number, which serves as a good warm-up for the more advanced players and gives the less accomplished players a chance to catch up.
Free turn credits and pass-offs are given out for a variety of "extra" things such as home practice, attending concerts, attending school events, writing songs, etc. There are many variations to the basic curriculum including: Team Day, Las Vegas Day, Lightning Round, and may others.
Any parent is welcome and encouraged to come by and observe this exciting system in use on band class days (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)
First Quarter Comes to an End!
There are only 2 possible grades for the first quarter of 5th grade band. "O" and "VG". Students earn a VG by aquiring an instrument, a book, and showing up to class with it at least some of the time. Students earn an O by making noticable progress on their instrument in the last several weeks. This is a very enjoyable group to work with and their progress (as a group) has been exceptional.
Remember, grades are not based on "talent" (whatever that is...) they are based on participation, effort, and comprehension. Every student should be at least to #16 (Hot Cross Buns) by this point. Check with your student and see where they are in the book, your involvement can make all the difference!
In this next quarter, we will add the other grade options. These will include participation and comprehension as well as PERFORMANCE, as your wonderful students will be demonstrating their progress at the Christmas Concert.
Remember, grades are not based on "talent" (whatever that is...) they are based on participation, effort, and comprehension. Every student should be at least to #16 (Hot Cross Buns) by this point. Check with your student and see where they are in the book, your involvement can make all the difference!
In this next quarter, we will add the other grade options. These will include participation and comprehension as well as PERFORMANCE, as your wonderful students will be demonstrating their progress at the Christmas Concert.
Friday, September 5, 2008
I am partial to this cornet player
So, as you can see, even 1st graders can get in there and support the team!
The Fabulous Fifth Grade Band
This is it! The first ever website devoted entirely to the incomparable musicians of the Northside Christian School Fabulous Fifth Grade Band. Come here for all the latest news, events, and student acheivements.
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