Course Description

The PCEP Varsity Band is a performance band, which continues to develop fundamental instrument techniques, sight-reading and performance skills. The band will perform in concerts during the school year and may participate in MSBOA sponsored band festivals.

Knowledge, Skills, Enduring Concepts:

• Pitch, Rhythm, and Melody
• Harmony
• Texture
• Form
• Dynamics
• Tempo
• Timbre
• Articulation
• Affect
• Style

Course Content:

• Convert symbolic notation to characteristic balance and blend of sound.
• Sing or play with proper intonation.
• Perform a melody with sensitivity to phrase structure.
• Understand their role as an individual performer within the ensemble including an understanding of the importance of simultaneity in ensemble work.
• Understand the role their part plays in the harmonic structure of the work.
• Understand the structure of a chord and how chords are performed in an ensemble.
• Understand and perform all major scales in tune. Understand the relationship between major and minor scales.
• Understand the relationship between the literature they are performing, its tonal scale, and the chords built on that scale.
• Understand shift in tonality within a work ( modulation or just a momentary shift ).
• Use their understanding of texture to perform a piece and achieve the appropriate balance within the ensemble. Develop understanding of how, when, and why musicians use texture.
• Use their understanding of the formal structure to perform a piece ( sequences, patterns, repetition, organization ).
• Recognize and identify form when listening to a musical work.
• Understand form in its cultural and historical contexts and how that influences interpretation when performing as an ensemble member or as a soloist.
• Use their understanding of the technique of variation to perform a piece.
• Develop understanding of how, when, and why musicians use form.
• Understand and carry out dynamic markings and indicators of variations in dynamics as indicated in the score  ( as stylistically and culturally appropriate ).
• Understand and carry out tempo markings and indicators of variations in tempo as indicated in the score.
• Have a concept of the characteristic tone quality of their instrument.
• Understand the techniques necessary to produce a characteristic tone on their instrument and execute vibrato where appropriate.
• Understand and carry out articulation markings and indicators of variations in articulation as indicated in the score ( as stylistically and culturally appropriate ).
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ways musical elements are used and combined to produce affective qualities.
• Perform with the understanding that the overall effect of a musical product is much greater than the sum of its parts. The essence of effective performances lies in the combination of the elements listed under enduring concepts.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ways musical elements are used and combined to produce style.
• Perform music of a variety of styles.

Assessments:

• Playing tests
• Required rehearsals and performances
• Daily participation requirements.