Departments → Music → Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music
Mr. Steve Cowan - Instrumental Music
Overview
The study of music is very important to all students. Essential skills and knowledge that are developed in a performing ensemble at Julius West Middle School are valuable, transferable skills and disciplines that will be utilized in each student’s life now and throughout their adult lives. All instrumental music performing classes give the music student an opportunity to participate in ensembles that perform several times during the school year.
The Julius West instrumental music program is designed to further build skills and techniques that students previously studied. Through rigorous performance course work, this will enable success for every student, and equip each student with the necessary tools to continue the study of music into the high school years. Coupled with the implementation of Standards of Technology in Music Education and the nine National Standards for Music Education, students will be equipped with necessary skills. Through disciplined work and practice at home, each and every student will contribute to the tradition of musical excellence in our Music Department at Julius West Middle School.
Philosophy, Objectives, and Program Goals
All students have the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program and to progress as far as his or her ability and desire permits. If a student accepts the challenge, has the self-discipline required, and feels responsibility to the program, he or she will undoubtedly succeed.
The Julius West Instrumental Music Department strives to foster not only musical excellence, but to encourage and develop a sense of individual responsibility, dependability, and dedication. The study of music fosters discipline, develops self-confidence, and gives each student a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Music students score significantly higher on SAT and ACT tests than other students do! Studying music actually makes kids smarter!
It is our goal to develop in all students the necessary technical skills to play a musical instrument satisfactorily in an instrumental organization. We further intend to develop and nurture the cultural and aesthetic values necessary to acquire a deeper appreciation and enjoyment in music which will last a lifetime and passed from generation to generation.
Overall Teaching Objectives for Instrumental Music Students
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To learn and use good posture
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To learn and use correct breathing, hand, and embouchure skills (for woodwind and brass players)
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To learn correct technique and consistently incorporate in all performance situations (practice, rehearsals and concerts)
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To learn the proper concept of tone production and quality of tone
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To know various articulation, terms, and tempo markings
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To know various bowing techniques (strings only)
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To be able to clap and count rhythm correctly
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To be able to sing their respective parts and/or excerpts in a large ensemble setting
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To develop discriminatory listening and aural self-assessment skills
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To develop and incorporate good practice routines
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To promote social and personal self-discipline and development through routines and large group interaction
Course Offerings:
6th Grade Band
7th Grade Band
8th Grade Band
6th Grade Orchestra
7th Grade Orchestra
8th Grade Orchestra
Select Wind Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble