Beginning Band:

Weber, Fred, First Division Band Method, Parts 1 & 2, Belwin-Mills Corp., Miami, Florida
Supplemental Materials: Foss, W.A., various music selections edited, arranged and/or composed (copyright-all rights reserved)
Various composers and or arrangers, published musical compositions

Beginning Band is for students enrolled in 6th or 7th grades as well as those students who have just entered Aiken Preparatory School in grades 8 through 10, not having been in Band in a prior year. In Beginning Band, the learner will become capable of public performance on one or more standard Band Instruments. The learner will also gain greater understanding of teamwork and the concepts of working together to accomplish a major goal for all members of the group. In addition, the learner will begin to gain an understanding of group dynamics and their importance in all life activities.

EVALUATION: Will be based upon a combination of daily classroom work, homework (practice at home) and frequent announced playing tests in class.

Concert Band

Foss, W.A., various music selections edited, arranged and/or composed (copyright). Various composers and or arrangers, published musical compositions

Concert Band is comprised of 7-l2 graders who have successfully completed 1 or more years of prior band experience. In Concert Band the learner will expand the ability of public performance on one or more standard Band Instruments. The learner will also expand an understanding of teamwork and the concepts of working together to accomplish a major goal for all members of the group. In addition, the learner will expand their understanding of group dynamics and their importance in all life activities and grow more capable of applying their skills in this area.

EVALUATION: Will be based upon a combination of daily classroom work, homework (practice) and successful playing on scheduled Concert Band performances throughout the year.

Studio Art

In the Middle School, Studio Art forms part of the Exploratory Courses. Students learn to work with various media. They complete projects in charcoal and in color and form still life, and three dimensional pieces. The focus of this course is to bring out the best of the students’ creativity. For those students who are interested in more serious Art studies, assessment and support is available so they can begin forming an Art Portfolio that they can take all the way up to High School.