Students play the Recorder in 4th grade to learn to read music and
play a simple instrument in preparation for the band program. They are
invited to an instrument demonstration assembly in May of their 4th
grade year, where they watch and listen to the band instruments played
by professionals. Specific information about the selection of an
instrument is given at this assembly, and a letter sent home to
parents. This will allow students and parents to confer, and select
the instrument that is best for the student. Students then return the
bottom portion of the letter to the school indicating their decision.
These "registration slips" are then used to plan for the next year
when they actually begin studying their band instrument.
We a very fortunate at Deterding School to have the only band program
in our district taught during the school day as part of the standard
curriculum for 5th and 6th graders. There are many documented studies
that report that playing an instrument creates better readers,
chemists, mathematicians, and writers to name a few. Also, those
students who participate in band for more than 2 years score
significantly higher on college SAT tests. It has been found that
playing an instrument creates neural pathways in the brain that are
not created by the study of any other subject, but are then available
to be used to achieve in whatever area a person chooses to focus.
Beginning instrumentalists study the fundamentals
of musicianship in their first year. The curriculum is based on the
National and State Standards, as well as those developed by our
district. By the end of 5th grade, they are almost through the first
method book and playing simple intermediate band literature, well on
their way to accomplishment. In 6th grade, they finish the first
method book and continue with enrichment concert literature befitting
and enhancing their playing abilities. Close articulation with
Intermediate School band directors assures a smooth transition as they
leave us and continue their studies.
Performances are an important and fun part of a recorder and band
program. It's a chance for students to really demonstrate what they
have learned to their peers, their parents, teachers, and for them.
Nothing can create a better "high" then a concert well done. We
perform our own concerts during the school year as well as supporting
other activities of the school, such as a fund-raiser dinner, an art
fair, a visit to a rest home, and occasionally an educational
conference.
The education of the whole child is an important part of our
philosophy at Deterding School. Offering recorder and band as academic
subjects is only one of the many ways in which we accomplish this
important goal.
