Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions a middle school band
director must make is choosing appropriate music. Balancing the
pedagogical value and the musical integrity of each piece is not a
simple task. In addition, often schools have specific curricular goals
which music teachers must be aware. For example, many elementary
schools use various themes throughout the school year such as Black
History Month, the Presidents, or Celebrating Patriotic Holidays and it
is incumbent upon band directors to choose music that enhances these
themes. Of all these factors, most importantly the music teacher most
choose music based on the musical skill level of musicians in the band.
One of the common mistakes many new band directors make, particularly
at the middle school level, is choosing music which is too difficult. I
recently adjudicated a band festival in which a small school 7th grade
band played a piece with 1st trumpet parts above the staff, exposed low
brass parts, and overly technical clarinet parts. The piece was simply
not appropriate for the band and the fault for the low ratings was
directly the responsibility of a band director that did not take the
time to realistically evaluate the students in the band.
Evaluating the performance level of the students in a band should be
the first task of the band director before making any sheet music
selections. I’ve heard it said that a band is only as strong as the
weakest player and this may hold some credence, although I personally
don’t completely agree. Perhaps the easiest way to evaluate exactly
where the band is in terms of performance level is to use any of the
excellent band methods available on the market today. Pass out a level 3
book to the most advanced middle school band to discover quickly where
the strengths and weaknesses are. As you play exercises in the book,
take notes and record exactly where problems exist. You will very
quickly know what your students can and cannot play and you are ready to
move on the the next step of choosing music.
Most music on the market today is rated from grade 1 to grade 5.
Grade 5 music is primarily restricted to college or professional level
bands. Middle school music teachers should be looking at levels 1 and
2. Generally, level 1 music will be limited to rhythms which include
whole, half, quarter and eighth notes. Trumpet range is limited to
notes within the staff. Clarinets parts do not normally cross the
break, although when 2 parts are present, the 1st clarinet may cross the
break.
Level 2 music simply expands on level 1. Rhythms may include
sixteenth notes and dotted rhythms. Some level 2 music also is written
in 6/8. Ranges for brass extend upward one or two notes and clarinets
are expected to play over the break.
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