Remember that aptitude testing this year begins the week before the first day of classes! They will be held over a two day period, on Thursday August 20th for beginning band students, and Friday August 21st for beginning orchestra students, from 12PM to 3PM on both days. This is the first time we get to introduce our incoming 6th grade students to our band program! Please take into account of what their interests and instruments of preference are. You should be receiving each student's preference form from each student as they come into the cafeteria to begin aptitude testing.

 

Begin testing by teaching the students form to embouchures and apertures, and have them play on small instruments from their instruments of preference first, followed by the rest of the instruments. A rhythm section will follow after to test those students interested in percussion. 

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Also take into account of the student's physical appearances and traits, as they can influence what small instrument they'll be able to produce a sound with. Spend no more than 10 minutes with each student to accurately assess and identify their strengths and weaknesses with each small instrument.

 

These tests should not be the end all be all of what each student is destined to play, but we do these tests to help find which instrument feels the most natural to each student, regardless if it is their first preference or not. Keep in mind to motivate the students who may be struggling on their preferred instrument but exceling on another one, and the amount of spots per section that we offer in the ensemble.

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Giving our incoming students a feeling of success and accomplishment on a small instrument, regardless of preference, may keep them more motivated to want to perfect their craft with us. Be warm, encouraging and kind! See you on Thursday!