6th Grade Course Information

Beginning Band classes are offered in the sixth grade. This is the recommended time for the majority of students to begin instrumental music instruction. No previous musical instruction is required or necessary. The class concentrates on the mastery of fundamentals that will serve as the foundation for future successes as a member of the Driscoll Band. The Beginning Band performs three to four times a year. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to perform as both soloists and in small groups at the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.

The directors approve the choice of instrument after considering the student’s preference, physical characteristics and need for the instrument in the band. A thorough orientation of all the instruments and a trial attempt on the part of the student to produce a sound precedes the granting of the instructor’s approval. Enrollment will be limited in some of the more popular instrument classes.

The school district provides larger, high cost instruments, such as oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, and tuba. The individual must provide other instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. There are many options available in regard to purchase or rental of smaller instruments.

By the conclusion of the sixth grade, band members are ready to go on to advanced band placement and be active members in the Driscoll Defender Band.

ENGLISH 6 Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)	Differentiated from the regular program through the selections of literature and in the challenges presented to students in all areas of study. The scope and sequence covers: (1) language, grammar, usage, and beginning logic; (2) sentence combining; (3) multi-paragraph papers and editing skills; (4) oral presentations and listening skills; (5) study skills, library reports and research. Designed for students with strong language arts skills, the course requires students be able to proceed at an accelerated pace.

MATH 6 Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)	This course emphasizes pre-algebra skills and concepts such as variables, writing and solving equations, and problem solving. The full range of topics needed for the successful study of pre-algebra in seventh grade is covered in this course. To be successful in this course, students must have a firm foundation in the operations of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

	ELECTIVE ROTATION

DEFINITION	It is a combination of the following subjects in twelve (12) week courses. (Other subjects may be added pending staffing).

ART	A survey course designed to introduce students to the Driscoll art program. Students will establish a working knowledge of the elements of design through exploring the major art mediums: drawing, painting, and sculpture. Projects are designed to build a knowledge base and then challenge the student to creatively apply that knowledge.

THEATER ARTS	Will allow students to participate in classroom activities such as pantomiming, story telling, improvisation, original script writing, acting, and public speaking. Theater Arts introduce the sixth grade student to creative drama, self-expression, and player-audience relationships.

EXPLORATORY LANGUAGE	Designed to introduce students to the language learning process and foreign culture. The students will experience the four linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a foreign language.

	MUSIC ELECTIVES

	NOTE: If you sign up for choir, band, or orchestra, you must be willing to commit to practicing outside of school hours on your own time.

CHOIR	Driscoll 6^th Grade Choir is a non-auditioned group open to any incoming 6^th grader who would like to sing and perform. Students build on skills and appreciation developed in elementary school in their music classes and choirs. Students continue to develop their vocal technique, reading skills, performance, confidence and appreciation for the arts. All styles of music are performed with sacred, secular and choreographed selections in concert programs. Students are taught to sing melody and harmony. Requirements include attendance at four evening choir concerts during the school year; four after school rehearsals in preparation for those concerts; and performances in the community during the school day. Other performance opportunities include the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest. At the end of the school year, Driscoll 6^th graders are encouraged to join the choral organizations available in 7^th grade to continue to develop their vocal technique and leadership skills. Recommendations are given.

BAND	Beginning Band classes are offered in the sixth grade. This is the recommended time for the majority of students to begin instrumental music instruction. No previous musical instruction is required or necessary. The class concentrates on the mastery of fundamentals that will serve as the foundation for future successes as a member of the Driscoll Band. The Beginning Band performs three to four times a year. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to perform as both soloists and in small groups at the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest. The directors approve the choice of instrument after considering the student’s preference, physical characteristics and need for the instrument in the band. A thorough orientation of all the instruments and a trial attempt on the part of the student to produce a sound precedes the granting of the instructor’s approval. Enrollment will be limited in some of the more popular instrument classes. The school district provides larger, high cost instruments, such as oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, and tuba. The individual must provide other instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. There are many options available in regard to purchase or rental of smaller instruments. By the conclusion of the sixth grade, band members are ready to go on to advanced band placement and be active members in the Driscoll Defender Band.

ORCHESTRA	There are two levels of Orchestra offered to sixth graders: Beginning Orchestra (Level I) and Sinfonia Orchestra (Level II).

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA	Students may choose to play the violin, viola, cello, or string bass.This strings class provides an excellent opportunity for students to begin their music experience; no previous musical experience is required or necessary.In the beginning orchestra class, students learn the fundamental skills of playing a stringed instrument, as well as learn how to read music.Students are encouraged to rent or purchase the instrument they choose to play, except for the bass, which is provided by the district.This orchestra class performs in several concerts throughout the year and members have the opportunity to also participate in the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.

SINFONIA	Primarily for students who have participated in the NEISD elementary string program or sixth graders with previous experience playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students in this class will continue their musical studies by learning more advanced technical skills on their instrument, and refining orchestral ensemble skills. Sinfonia orchestra members will participate in several performances throughout the school year and have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular musical activities such as Region Orchestra and NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.