Agawam Middle School Band Program Mr. Zachary Scherpa - Director 5th Grade Band 5th Grade students will have the opportunity to try a concert band instrument. Below are the starting instruments offered. - Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Sax
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Combined Percussion (keyboard percussion, battery and auxiliary percussion)
Later in the year students are able to try - Bass Clarinet
- Tenor Sax
- Baritone Sax
- Baritone Horn
- Tuba
No prior music or instrument background is required. Students will learn proper instrument assembly, playing posture and techniques. Also, students will learn how to play and practice proficiently. The Rental Night will be held in our cafeteria, and lessons will start in October. The lesson book used is Accent on Achievement Book 1. Full band rehearsals start late January every Thursday before school. This band plays three concerts a year. The first concert is always the Band Time concert at the High School in May, followed by the 5th Grade Spring Concert at our school in June. 6th Grade Band 6th Grade Band students start classes the 3rd week of September. The lesson book required is Accent on Achievement Book 2. This year students are expected to become proficient with the chromatic scale, simple and complex rhythmic patterns, and sight-reading. We will be studying these areas in preparation for student chair auditions in November. Full band rehearsals are on Tuesday mornings before school and start in early October. The winter concert will be in late December. The next concert is the Band Time concert, followed by the 6th Grade Spring Concert held at our school in June. Jazz Band Our Jazz Band is an award-winning band! We have medaled at the International Jazz Educators Association competitions. Students must audition to be accepted for this band, because the music is much more difficult. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays before school and start in early January. The Jazz Band requires dedication and lots of individual effort and practice. The Jazz Band participates in both 5th and 6th Grade Spring Concerts, Jazz Night, a tour to two Agawam Elementary Schools, and possibly an IAJE competition.
|