Band Olympics

Band Olympics

Has the potential of meeting ALL nine National Standards of Music Education (with additional mini-lessons as provided by teacher)

Grade level: Any and can be catered to specific needs of students or private studios

OBJECTIVE:     To teach basic fundamentals of music and playing a musical instrument (band, orchestra or private students). Fundamentals include note reading, rhythm, embouchure, fingerings, basic theory, sight reading, scales, and individual instrument information.

MATERIALS:    Fourteen “Hurdles” posted throughout the classroom and “Far Side” (by Gary Larson) characters (or other cartoon characters of class’ choosing).

·         Hurdles consist of pieces of paper taped (in order) around the classroom. On each piece of paper, the specific requirements for that level are written.

·         Each “character” should be no less than 9 inches tall but should be under 12 or 13 inches.

·         Photocopy characters to be at the right size. Have a coloring day in class so kids can personalize the characters.

·         Use contact paper to protect the finished character. Number each one and keep track of which student is what number. Students may help with this.

·         Poster board with all numbers listed in column “A” and levels listed across the top. The numbers represent each student. As a student finishes a level, he/she can put a sticker next to his/her number (under each hurdle) to show the level has been passed.

·         “Sticky Tack” or non-abrasive or gummy type substance that will allow characters to stick to the wall but not harm the wall.

·         Certificates for awards at the end of the year.

OBJECTIVE:     To teach students the basics of playing a musical instrument and to get the characters from hurdle #1 all the way through hurdle #14.

·         As students reach level 8 (or earlier if you choose), prizes are awarded (candy, pencils, reeds, valve oil, etc). Consider asking music stores (or parents/administrators) to donate to the fund to pay for prizes.

·         Some levels are done as a class and others must be done individually.

·         Students MAY NOT skip levels. They must do them in order.

·         In the event a class hurdle is passed (for example, a note name quiz), students may skip to that level ONLY when the previous levels have been accomplished.

·         The goal is to finish all levels by the end of the school year. The further along a student gets, the better the prize.

·         Award certificates for every student who completes Band Olympics at the final concert of the year.

·         Playing tests can be given as a class but again, students can’t go directly to that level unless they are already there. Students may put a sticker in the appropriate space (on the poster) but must leave character at the correct hurdle on the wall.

PROCEDURE:   Have packet prepared for each student that explains each level. Suggested levels for beginning students are as follows:

1.      Level ONE: Random five-note scale quiz. Long tones on five-note scale with good embouchure

2.      Level TWO: Demonstration of proper articulation (tongue contest or other game)

3.      Level THREE: Note name quiz! Group written test to be given as often as need-be. Students must be able to do one note per second to pass.

4.      Level FOUR: Clapping of rhythms (have a rhythm practice sheet of half notes, quarter notes, quarter rests, pairs of 8^th notes, and four 16^th notes)

5.      Level FIVE: Playing test time! Choose a piece of music that students must play with good tone, correct rhythm, and correct notes. They may NOT write in note names under notes.

6.      Level SIX: Enharmonics. Group written test to be given as often as need-be.

7.      Level SEVEN: Individual instrument warm-ups. Examples: low note exercises on clarinet and saxophone, playing in proper register for flute and brass (proper harmonics that match fingering), etc. Student must demonstrate good playing technique (embouchure, articulation, tone) to pass this level.

8.      Level EIGHT: Group written test on order of sharps and flats. Have class come up with their own slogans.

9.      Level NINE: Playing test time! Choose a piece of music (concert music?) Students must be graded on tone, right notes, tonguing, rhythm, and all other basics of playing their instrument correctly.

10.  Level TEN: Chromatic scales (one-octave slurred) with chromatic fingerings

11.  Level ELEVEN: More warm-ups for each instrument but on more advanced level. Example: lip slurs for flute/brass, going over the break for clarinet, etc.

12.  Level TWELVE: Playing test time! Choose another piece of music that specifically works on chromatic notes, more difficult rhythms, bigger instrument range, etc. This should be a final test and could easily be a specific solo for each instrument.

13.  Level THIRTEEN: F-sharp Major scale (slurred) with correct fingerings

14.  Level FOURTEEN: D-flat major scale (slurred) with correct fingerings

ASSESSMENT:  Assessment for Band Olympics is when each student can pass the proper hurdle. This is demonstrated through written test or performance.

CLOSURE:        Closure for this activity would be the awarding of certificates/grades for completing the various levels.

·         1^st place awards go to anyone who finishes ALL levels. 2^nd place awards go to any student finishing up to level THIRTEEN. 3^rd place awards go to any student who finishes up to level TWELVE.

·         In addition, grades for the end of the year can be partially based off of what level a student finishes. For example, to get an “A,” students must complete level THIRTEEN or FOURTEEN. For the grade of a “B,” a student must complete up through levels TEN to TWELVE. A grade of a “C,” a student must complete up through levels EIGHT to NINE.