Band Karate
We are introducing a new assessment and incentive program for Junior Band students this year!
In "Band Karate" students will chart their progress in the Standard of Excellence method book by testing for "Belts". Each belt represents a specific skill (or learning target) which we need to master in order to play more challenging and fun music. Students will be able to test for each belt by choosing from the list of options given for each belt. To show proficiency and meet the expected skill growth Junior Band, students will need to show mastery of three learning targets (belts) per quarter. Below you will see the rules for Band Karate |
Rules
- Belt playing tests can be done with Mrs. Colman in the last 2 minutes of rehearsal (in front of the class), during lunch, after school, or by recording your playing test on your own device and submitting it via email. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Students should strongly consider recording themselves on their own device and sending it to Mrs. Colman via email or submitting it on Google Classroom.
- All portions of the song/exercise must be played with correct notes, rhythms, phrasing, articulations, and dynamics in order to receive a "check off" for your playing test. When you plan to test for a belt you must be prepared. Your playing test performance is NOT practice time! You must be able to play the song as soon as it is your turn to test.
- You must test for Belts in order.
- Percussion should learn their Band Karate songs on BELLS unless otherwise instructed. (Percussionists have a separate snare drum packet that they work on simultaneously with their bells assignments).
- We will be respectful and supportive of ALL PBHS band members as they strive for perfection through this activity.
*Please note that for the majority of Band Karate Learning Targets (Belts), your child will choose ONE song from the list of songs for that belt for play testing. If more than one song is required for a belt playing test, this will be indicated in the "Completed" column of your child's Band Karate Learning Target sheet (this sheet should be in their band folder).