| About Band at North Ridge |
Sixth grade is a new beginning for your child. No longer is he/she an elementary student but a true
"middle-schooler" now. You will see a significant change in your child during these special years. It
seems that when the 6th graders enter they still seem very young. So innocent and full of life. This is
the perfect time to get them involved in one of the best programs North Ridge has to offer and learn the
gift of music to last a lifetime.
The North Ridge Band is comprised of four different bands: Beginner, Symphonic, Honors, and
Select Band.
Beginner Band is for those who are starting from scratch. Our directors will be working closely with
each child to ensure that they are learning the proper technique of playing the instrument of their choice.
In the beginning you will hear some "interesting" sounds coming from your child's instrument. But by the
Winter Concert they will be performing as a whole concert band. You will be amazed by their progress!
Major focus points are posture, breathing, reading rhythms accurately, reading musical notation and
developing listening skills.
Symphonic Band is made up of mostly 7th graders and is under the direction of James Smith and
Jessica Daniel. This class is for students who have completed Beginner Band or incoming students who
have demonstrated that they are ready for this class. This class picks up where Beginner Band left off,
further exploring new rhythms, styles and developing the young musician. Having completed at least a
year of study, the students are expected to be able to tackle some concepts on their own.
Honors Band is made up of 7th and 8th graders and is under the direction of Jessica Daniel. This class
is for students who have completed Concert Band or Beginning Band and have demonstrated that they
are ready for this class. This class picks up where Concert Band left off, further exploring new rhythms,
styles and striving to attain the quality of a "varsity" level ensemble. Students in this band are expected
to study their music and instrument diligently to prepare for Honors Band or High School Band in their
near future.
Select Band is made up of mostly 8th graders and is under the direction of James Smith. This is the
most advanced group at North Ridge Middle School. By this time, students have learned most of what
they need to know to play in this band, so instruction moves away from the basic elements of music to
concentrate on the more abstract concepts of musicianship. This is where we put all of the pieces of
previously learned knowledge together to make great music. Preparation for a successful experience in
the Richland HS Band Program and beyond begins to be cultivated in this environment. The Honors
Band performs for the student body, community and at local festivals and concert halls such as the
Murchison in Denton.
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