Mission Attendance Area Band Course Sequence (6th-8th Grade)

6th Grade Band

This class involves Hopkins Middle School 6th grade students. It provides a continuation of Band classes, with a focus on large-ensemble performance. It also includes “sectional rehearsals” with instrument specialists on each instrument. This class is an opportunity for students to switch to some of the larger band instruments (such as trombone, baritone, tuba, bass clarinet, bassoon, etc.) This ensemble performs at least two times per year: in December/January, and in May. This class meets at Hopkins MS twice per week after school.

7th Grade: Hopkins MS Concert Band

This class represents the first opportunity for students to have music classes as part of their daily school schedule. Classes meet as part of the regular school schedule for 49 minutes per day. Continuation and refinement of skills such as tone production, ensemble balance, blend, and intonation are focused upon. Also, students learn and master an advanced level of music reading, notation, and theory. Many students switch instruments in the class in order to form a balanced ensemble. These students who switch to a new instrument receive private group lessons (by instrument) once per week from the band director. This ensemble performs at a very high level, and requires a lot of musical growth during the year. Concert Band performs at a minimum of 3 evening concerts during the year, as well as traveling to the CMEA Band Festival in the spring, and performing at a Music in the Parks Festival at Great America.

8th Grade: Hopkins MS Symphonic Band OR Wind Ensemble

These are the second in the comprehensive Band sequence at Hopkins MS. Classes again meet as part of the regular school schedule for 49 minutes per day. This class also continues refinement of all previously learned skills. There is an introduction of more advanced performance and music reading concepts. Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble are each considered to be one of the highest-level middle school/junior high bands in the State of California. This class is designed to prepare students to participate in the bands at Mission San Jose High School. Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble perform at a minimum of 3 evening concerts during the year. Each ensemble also participates in the spring CMEA Band Festival, and travels to Anaheim, CA (Disneyland) to participate in the Music in the Parks festival in May. Students in this class have the opportunity to audition for the Hopkins Chamber Ensemble. Also, selected students from Wind Ensemble will be asked to play with the Full Orchestra. (Wind Ensemble is a slightly more advanced group than Symphonic Band, with students accepted by audition.) Please note: having a Wind Ensemble is enrollment dependent, there will not be one every year.

* There are exceptions to this sequence, and students always have the option of testing into a higher level if there is space in the class. Students may also begin the sequence at any time in elementary school. However, starting an instrument in 4th or 5th grade is strongly recommended.