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"Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not participate in music lessons (Arete Music Academy. "Statistical benefits of music in education." Arete Music Academy. Accessed July 17, 2014)"
The Olsen Middle School Band is the largest and most visible group on campus and is also the most active performing ensemble at school. Under the direction of Ms. Jennifer Luechauer, students will learn how to play instruments both through structured academic experiences and extra curricular lessons/rehearsals.
The Olsen Middle School Band Program is comprised of three units designed to meet any child's musical needs if they are interested in joining.
Beginning Band
The beginning band is designed for those students with limited or no music background. Students will be oriented to all band instruments offered prior to selection. Students will be instructed on the proper fundamentals and skills necessary to ensure a positive learning experience. Students will develop a basic understanding of music notation, two major scales, one octave of their chromatic scale and perform in the end of the semester concert. A minimum of 140 minutes of practice per week (twenty minutes per day) will be required.
Optional activities: Solo and Ensemble Festival, Young Musicians Honor Band
Advanced Band: (Director’s approval needed)
The Advanced Band is intended for students who have prior experience on a band instrument. This band will perform music at a medium difficulty level of grade I & II , and should prove to be quite a challenge to the students involved. Emphasis will be on developing the skills and fundamentals gained from the beginning band level. Students will perform from memory 4 major scales and the practical range of their chromatic scale. Students must attend all rehearsals and concerts and learn all music assigned. A minimum of 180 minutes of practice per week (30 minutes per day) will be required.
Optional Activities: Solo and Ensemble Festival
Symphonic Band: (Director’s approval needed)
This is our highest level band class. The Symphonic Band will perform music of medium difficulty at the grade II & III level, and should be extremely challenging to all members. Emphasis will be on perfecting musical skills and performance fundamentals. Students will perform from memory seven major scales and the full range of their chromatic scale. Students selected must attend all selected rehearsals and concerts, and learn all music assigned. A minimum of 240 minutes of practice per week (40 minutes per day) will be required.
Optional Activities: Solo & Ensemble Festival, All County Honors Band and All-State Honors Band.
If you have any questions please contact the band director, Ms. Jennifer Luechauer, at jennifer.luechauer@browardschools.com
