A piddly question, a "why do they do that?" regarding music education...

[Ilsa]

My background: I was a band member in school beginning in 6th grade through college. Sixth graders rehearsed together. 7 & 8th graders rehearsed with high school band because it was a small school, but also performed as 7 & 8th graders at middle school events. Rehearsing and performing with high schoolers raised my ability level significantly. The older kids helped the younger ones.

The question: Why do middle schools have separate Concert and Symphonic bands? Why do 12 & 13 year olds need to compete for placement at this age? Why can't older/better musicians assist younger ones? I can understand having a Beginning band for beginners, but does separating 7 & 8 graders into two different bands (not based on grade level) make a big difference in growth in musicianship?

[jeepnstein]

1. It makes a big difference...

To the parents. You have to constantly display your students' progress to them. Otherwise, they get kinda stingy at tax levy time.

To the kids, well, there's a huge difference between a junior high student and a high school student. Both sides still like to have some space of their own.

I agree that younger and weaker players benefit from being tossed into the mix with better ones. But there's more to it than that in a school setting.

[Ilsa]

2. I don't mean separation between middle school

and high school bands. (I'm sorry for the lack of clarity.) I mean having separate bands in middle school, having both a "concert band" and a "symphonic band", when most of the music for middle schoolers is rated about the same level in difficulty.

Same answer?

[Iggo]

3. Same kids in both bands?

[Ilsa]

4. No, kids are assigned to one or the other,

And it doesn't matter if they are 7th or 8th graders.

So, middle school would have a 6th grade beginning band, a concert band with 7th and some 8th graders, and a symphonic band with some 7th and mostly 8th graders.

My question is why do 7th & 8th graders have to be split into two groups?

[ProfessorGAC]

5. With My Nieces. . .

. . .it was obvious. One niece played sax in the marching band but bass clarinet in the orchestra band, so that made sense.

The other niece played viola and now plays string bass in HS. It made sense that she wasn't going to be in a marching band with a stringed instrument.

I'd have to ask them if they saw what you're describing. Not saying it didn't. Just that when they were slotted, it made complete sense.

[Ilsa]

6. None are marching bands. No stringed instruments.

Brass, woodwinds, percussion, learning to play all kinds of music.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. Got It

Wasn't disagreeing. Just commenting.