Students begin instrumental music instruction in the summer before 6th grade with a four-week program that starts the last week of July and continues through the first three weeks of August. When school resumes in September, students continue individual/small group lessons once every week at twenty minutes each. In addition, full band begins and will meet every other day during the Encore block. First year instruction centers on developing tonal concept, counting fundamental rhythmic patterns, and correct fingerings and hand position on their chosen instrument. Music performed is of a grade 1 level and occasionally 1-1/2. The 6th grade band will give 2 to 3 required evening performances during the school year.

 

In their second year of instrumental music study students begin a combined marching program with the 8th grade band. The majority of marching band instruction takes place during the four-week summer band program that begins the last week of July and culminates the third week of August with the annual Holmen Kornfest Parade. In September, further marching band instruction takes place during the day and is required course work. Most parades are outside of the school day, and while attendance and participation are expected, students may be excused from these with written parent permission. Increased scale study begins in 7th grade where quality grade 2 level, and occasionally 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 level music are studied. ALL students also complete a major unit emphasizing solo and small ensemble playing and will participate in the WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival. Jazz Ensemble and/or Jazz Combo are offered as after school co-curricular experiences. The band meets every other day throughout the year and performs three required evening concerts annually, at the end of the 2nd,3rd and 4th quarters of study (January, March and May). They also participate in the WSMA Concert Festival in April. Individual/small group lessons continue once each week for twenty minutes each.

 

In the third year of instrumental music study, students learn about the audition process and audition for seating placement in the band. Advanced scales and technical studies are added and top students are recommended to participate in Wisconsin’s two middle-level honors bands. Marching band, solo & ensemble festival, and jazz study are all continued, as are other occasional performance opportunities in the school and community. The 8th grade band also performs for the school’s Veteran’s Day Assembly in November. Quality band literature of a grade 2-1/2 level and occasionally 2 and 3 level music is studied. The band meets every other day throughout the school year and performs three required evening concerts annually, at the end of the 2nd,3rd and 4th quarters of study (January, March and May). They also participate in the WSMA Concert Festival in April. Individual/small group lessons continue once each week for twenty minutes each.