Band Handbook
Course Descriptions
8th Grade Band
The Oak Prairie 8th Grade Concert Band is designed for advanced students in their 3rd or 4th year of playing a musical instrument. The 8th Grade Band performs at quarterly concerts, as well as ILMEA Large Group Festival in March. At times throughout the year, the 8th Grade Band will perform in combination with the Intermediate Band.
7th Grade Band
The Oak Prairie 7th Grade Concert Band is designed for intermediate students in their 2nd or 3rd year of playing a musical instrument. The 7th Grade Band performs at all quarterly concerts and the ILMEA Large Group Festival in March. At times throughout the year, the Intermediate will perform in combination with the 8th Grade Concert Band, and with the 6th Grade Intermediate Band.
6th Grade Band
The Oak Prairie 6th Grade Intermediate Band is designed for intermediate students in their 2nd year of playing a musical instrument. The 6th Grade Band performs at all quarterly concerts and assemblies. At times throughout the year, the Intermediate may perform in combination with the 7th Grade Concert Band.
Oak Prairie Beginning Band
The Oak Prairie Beginning Band is designed for students who have no prior playing experience. The Oak Prairie Beginning Band develops skills appropriate, including learning and knowledge of major and minor tonalities, terminology, and performance skills. The Beginning Band is open to any student. Beginning Band performs at the Fall Concert, the Winter Assembly and the Spring Concert with the 6th Grade Intermediate Band.
Ludwig Beginning Band
The Beginning Band class is designed for students who have had no experience playing an instrument. The goal is to develop skills appropriate, including learning and knowledge of major and minor scales, terminology, and performance skills.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Jazz Ensemble - Lesson Plans
The Oak Prairie Jazz Ensemble is designed for students already in the music department who wish to broaden their musical experiences in the style of a traditional big band. Membership in the Jazz Ensemble is voluntary. The Oak Prairie Jazz Ensemble meets from August through May. Jazz Ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45-3:30pm. There are many additional performances for the Jazz Ensemble including performances with the Shout Section Big Band and the Pete Ellman Big Band. The Jazz Ensemble will be featured at the Illinois Music Education Conference and at various festivals throughout the state.
Solo and Ensemble
Solo and Ensemble is open to any students in any of the Oak Prairie Bands. Students looking to participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival, will complete a permission slip in November. After Thanksgiving Break, the students will receive music to practice on their own, with a private teacher, or during help sessions with Mr. Rank. The students then perform with an accompanists (solos only) or with their ensemble in the District 92 Solo and Ensemble Festival. More advanced students can elect to participate in the IGSMA District VI Solo and Ensemble Contest in February.
Scope and Sequence
Traditional Category Weights |
d92 Standards Based Grading Rubric |