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Band » Band (Winds)

Band (Winds)

Staff Member: Mr. Chiarello
 
  • 3-year sequential program that prepares students for specialized high school auditions and a life-long appreciation for music.
  • Beginners are welcome! No prior musical experience is necessary. 
  • Each student is provided his or her own instrument.
  • Magnet classes meet one period per day.
  • Students are given an extra instrument to leave at home for practicing, no need to carry them back and forth.

What skills does learning an instrument give you?

Increases the capacity of your memory.

Refines your time management and organizational skills.

Boosts your team skills.

Teaches you perseverance.

Enhances your coordination.

Betters your mathematical ability. 

Improves your reading and comprehension skills.

Please watch:

How playing an instrument benefits your brain - Anita Collins

Through the development of fine motor skills and systematic thinking, students will learn basic instrumental technique in age-appropriate repertoire and self expression. Students will develop instrumental technique through group and individual lessons utilizing method books, warm ups and exercises with special attention to:

  • Breath control
  • Embouchure development / pitch / intonation
  • Posture
  • Articulation
  • How to interpret basic rhythms 
  • Dynamics
  • Sight-reading development
  • Balance / ensemble skills

Continue reinforcing and building upon previous skills and knowledge from the 6th grade. 

Students will learn:

  • New notes, fingerings, techniques and scales.
  • More challenging repertoire.
  • Basic improvisation concepts and skills.
  • Interpret and perform more advanced rhythms.
  • Further development of sight reading skills.
  • Perform a wide range of music including classical, rock/pop and multicultural.

Continue reinforcing and building upon previous skills and knowledge from the 7th grade. 

Students will :

  • Prepare / perform their high school music auditions guided by Mr.C
  • Learn new / more advanced repertoire. 
  • Continue to improve sight-reading skills.
  • Expand upon basic improvisation concepts and skills.
  • Perform a wide range of music including classical, rock/pop and multicultural.
  • Annual concerts, events  and festivals at David A. Boody.
  • Local “feeder” elementary school concerts.
  • Past performances at:  Gracie Mansion, Brooklyn College, USS Intrepid, Tweed Courthouse, Brooklyn Borough Hall, UFT Conferences, NY Hilton, Pierre Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Brooklyn Marriott, NYCDOE ESL Bilingual Conference, Park Slope Armory, New York Aquarium, CEI-PEA Benefit Dinner, District 21 Multicultural Expos, Salute To Music at Carnegie Hall - May 2006, June 2008, and June 2010
  • Selected as a model music department by the NYC Department of Education.
Mark Twain Testing:
 

Winds Talent Application Instructions

Prepare and submit BOTH videos specified below. 
 

Video 1

Perform ONE scale. Choose a scale that shows off your range, technique, and intonation. For drummers/percussionists: Please submit a video of TWO drum rudiments, instead of a scale.  
Before playing, briefly introduce yourself, and provide the following information: 
  • Your name (first and last)
  • Your student ID number (OSIS) 
  • Title of the piece you will be playing 
  • Why do you want to be in Winds Talent? (30 seconds or less) 

Video 2: 

Perform ONE prepared solo selection without accompaniment. (Performing without accompaniment means playing by yourself without a track or additional instruments.) 
 
Select a piece you feel confident performing that shows your skill level and musicality.  
Before playing, briefly introduce yourself, and provide the following information: 
  • Your name (first and last) 
  • Your student ID number (OSIS) 
  • Why do you want to be in Winds Talent? (30 seconds or less) 
  • The following instruments are permitted for a Winds Talent audition: Woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.) brass (trumpet, trombone etc.), percussion (snare drum, drum set, xylophone, etc.) or piano. Recorder is NOT permitted.