I teach at an inner city school. I have 21 band members from 9th grade thru 12th grade. They are all at different skill levels and discipline levels.
Last year we started a string program and I have 10 strings that are doing well.
My thought is to combine my best band members (about12) with the strings and have a more elite group with a higher interest level.
I only have two applied music periods per day so I would be creating an orchestra period and a band skills class.
My question is. Does anyone have experience with a mixed group like this? Is there literature available that is not too hard for the strings but still challenging for winds? Are there method books available?
Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks,
Mike Hillman
1
Band to Orchestra
Started by divajazz, Dec 02 2004 12:37 PM
1 reply to this topic
#2 Guest_Kari Howard_*
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Posted 15 December 2004 - 07:07 AM
Hi Mike,
I'm responding to your question because I too teach an inner city band/orchestra program, and I come from a band background. I teach at the elementary level, however.
First, my students are really motivated and excited by the idea of playing together with the whole group - band and orchestra. I also think it's a great way to introduce both groups to keys they wouldn't normally encounter. It is challenging finding good music for this type of group, though. Frank Erickson wrote some really nice folios - I'd take a look at those. Another idea is to commission a local composer to write something, or maybe even a composer of national standing.
Good luck!
Kari Howard
I'm responding to your question because I too teach an inner city band/orchestra program, and I come from a band background. I teach at the elementary level, however.
First, my students are really motivated and excited by the idea of playing together with the whole group - band and orchestra. I also think it's a great way to introduce both groups to keys they wouldn't normally encounter. It is challenging finding good music for this type of group, though. Frank Erickson wrote some really nice folios - I'd take a look at those. Another idea is to commission a local composer to write something, or maybe even a composer of national standing.
Good luck!
Kari Howard
