Section 1
Goals and Beliefs

The sequence of study is vital to a student’s success in the area of instrumental music.  It is a progressive discipline that is based on the four areas of language development:

1.      Reading---the ability to read musical notes and relate them to note names; to relate notes to fingering positions and tones on an instrument; to read key signatures; to read note values; to relate note values to time signatures; to read musical symbols denoting dynamic level, phrasing, articulation, repeat signs and other musical road map instructions.

2.      Writing—the ability to write note names (composition) with appropriate attention to key signatures, note values, time signatures, and musical symbols to further incorporate musical instructions to a performer.

3.      Listening—the ability to critically examine an aural example, whether the example be a “live” one, or recorded on audiocassette, compact disc, sequencer from a computer, or video of a performance.  The examination should entail the performance’s context (culture, era, purpose of music performed), its quality (tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, and interpretation), and the effect it has on the listener (color of music, emotion evoked, level of appreciation).

4.      Speaking---the ability to produce a characteristic sound on a musical instrument at a grade-level standard.  This encompasses three levels:  1)the ability to play in a fully-instrumented group and add positively to its sound,  2) the ability to hold one’s own in a small ensemble by performing one’s own part, and 3) the ability to perform a solo with or without accompaniment at a grade-level standard.  These standards are reinforced by the areas of an individual’s tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, and interpretation, used by the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association for band festivals.  They are also employed for small ensemble and solo performances at solo and ensemble festivals.

Using the four areas of development in a balanced format, the student in the instrumental music department will be assessed on his/her musical improvement, participation, and performances. The performance is considered the essential culmination of a student’s progress, and a student’s consistency in performances a vital measure of their preparation.

We believe this philosophy to be an educational, linguistic, and musical experience that will benefit all who are involved in the program.