Concert Countdown Curriculum Guide
Instructional Blueprint Beginning Band • Grades 6–7
Directors: Ms. McCray & Wallace • Duration: 3 Weeks (15 Days)
5E Rehearsal Module & TEKS Deconstruction
Winter Concert Readiness Guide
Targeted skill-building in the first six notes of the Concert B♭ scale, fundamental metric subdivision (whole, half, quarter, eighth notes/rests), and cohesive ensemble rehearsal strategies.
Concert Target Dec. Winter Showcase Performance Level: Gr. 0.5–1
Target Pitch Palette (First 6 Notes)
All literature is anchored in the lower tetrachord plus scale degrees 5 & 6 of Concert B♭ Major:
1B♭
2C
3D
4E♭
5F
6G
B♭ Inst: C, D, E, F, G, A E♭ Inst: G, A, B, C, D, E F Inst: F, G, A, B♭, C, D
Rhythmic & Rest Architecture
Metric mastery in 4/4 and 2/4 time; isolating downbeat entry and rest discipline:
Whole 4 Counts 𝅝 / 𝅘𝅥𝅰
Half 2 Counts 𝅗𝅥 / 𝅘𝅥𝅱
Quarter 1 Count 𝅘𝅥 / 𝅘𝅥𝅲
Eighths 1/2 Count 𝅘𝅥𝅮𝅘𝅥𝅮 (1 &)
Subdivision counting system: "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" with persistent foot-tap.
3-Week Rehearsal Sequence & Milestones
Co-Taught: Podium & Sectional Intervention
WEEK 1 (Days 1–5) FOUNDATIONS
Skill Primer & Tone Mechanics
- • Resonance matching on Concert F & B♭.
- • Stepwise finger navigation: B♭–C–D–E♭.
- • Whole & half note sustained breath support.
- • Foot-tap synchronization at 76–84 BPM.
- • Introduction of concert repertoire motifs.
Milestone: 4-measure tone study with 100% correct fingerings.
WEEK 2 (Days 6–10) INTEGRATION
Eighth Notes & Literature Chunks
- • Range expansion to high F and G.
- • Eighth-note paired subdivision ("1 & 2 &").
- • Quarter rest discipline (silent instrument stops).
- • Rehearsing Sections A & B of winter piece.
- • Split-ensemble brass/woodwind balance.
Milestone: Complete A-section performance at tempo (88 BPM).
WEEK 3 (Days 11–15) POLISH
Full Run-Through & Concert Polish
- • Form assembly: Intro, A, B, and Coda.
- • Dynamic contrast (p vs f) & articulation.
- • Conductor visual tracking & cutoffs.
- • Stage etiquette: horn angles & silence.
- • Mock concert run-through & recording check.
Milestone: Uninterrupted performance run-through graded on rubric.
M&W
Co-Teaching Rehearsal Model: Ms. McCray & Wallace
Alternate between Podium Conducting (Ensemble Lead) and Roving Specialist (Embouchure & Finger Intervention).
TEKS Chapter 117.208
Beginning Band Module
State Standards Alignment
Deconstructed Texas TEKS (Grade 6 Band §117.208)
Music Literacy & Expression Unpacked for Concert Readiness
| TEKS Strand & Code | Deconstructed "Know" (Concepts) | Deconstructed "Do" (Skills) |
|---|
| 1. Music Literacy §117.208.b.1A, 1B, 1C | | |
| Reading, writing, and performing notation in treble and bass clefs. | | |
| • Letter names of first 6 concert pitches (B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G).
• Staff positions across clefs & B♭/E♭ key signatures.
• Note/rest values: Whole (4), Half (2), Quarter (1), Eighths (1/2).
• Common 4/4 meter counting system ("1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &"). | • Read & finger pitches accurately at sight.
• Subdivide rhythms using foot tap and vocalization.
• Count and observe silent rests without entering early.
• Transpose concert pitch to instrument fingerings. |
| 2. Creative Expression §117.208.b.2A, 2B, 2C
Characteristic tone, posture, technique, and ensemble blend.
| • Diaphragmatic breath intake and pressurized air support.
• Instrument-specific embouchure formation rules.
• Ensemble pyramid of balance (low roots > harmony > melody).
• Articulation mechanics: tongue tip placement ("Dah"). | • Sustain 8-count long tones with centered pitch.
• Match pitch with ensemble drone on Concert F & B♭.
• Self-adjust volume to maintain section blend.
• Execute clean, uniform tongued beginnings & cutoffs. |
| 3 & 4. Repertoire & Critique §117.208.b.3A, 4A, 4B
Winter performance traditions, rehearsal habits, and self-evaluation.
| • Seasonal concert literature forms (Fanfare, Processional).
• Rehearsal score markings: dynamics (p, mf, f), breath marks ().
• Objective criteria on the 4-tier ensemble rehearsal rubric. | • Respond visually to director preparatory and cutoff gestures.
• Critique rehearsal audio recordings for rush vs drag.
• Complete daily exit self-assessment slips. |
Director Diagnostic Interventions (McCray & Wallace Protocol)
Pitfall 1: Rushing Eighth-Note Subdivisions
Students accelerate paired eighths into sixteenth-note rushes.
McCray Fix: Vocalize "DOWN-UP" synchronized with Wallace’s metronome anchor at 80 BPM before putting horns to face.
Pitfall 2: Late Breathing During Rests
Beginners breathe on beat 1 instead of beat 4 of rest measures, delaying attacks.
Wallace Fix: Drill the "Drop Jaw Inhalation" on beat 4. Wallace monitors abdominal expansion while McCray leads silent visual cueing.
Pitfall 3: Concert D to E♭ Finger Cracking
Woodwinds lift too many fingers; brass blow through partials erratically.
McCray Fix: "Shadow fingering" drills without sound. Clarinets lock right-hand home position; brass reinforce 1st-valve firmness.
Pitfall 4: Brass Overblowing Woodwind Melody
Brass overpower delicate flute and clarinet lines in tutti passages.
Wallace Fix: Rehearse "Reverse Dynamic Hierarchy": brass play p while woodwinds play full tone at mf until balance locks in.
Student-Facing Mastery Targets:
✓ I can play all 6 notes of Concert B♭ with correct fingerings and tone.
✓ I can accurately count and perform whole, half, quarter, & eighth notes.
✓ I can freeze silently during rests and watch the conductor for clean entries.
Instructional Arc (15-Day Model)
The 5E Band Rehearsal Framework
Engage • Explore • Explain • Elaborate • Evaluate Structured for Ms. McCray & Wallace
1. ENGAGE
Aural Ignition & Resonance Discovery (Days 1–3)
Warm-up Focus
Director Actions: Ms. McCray plays a mystery winter concert theme on flute/trumpet. Students close eyes, echo motifs by ear using Concert F & B♭, and describe musical mood.
Student Tasks: Buzz mouthpieces to match pitch; clap mystery motif back; locate starting pitch on instrument.
Co-Teaching Move: Wallace monitors mouthpiece angles and shoulder tension while McCray models pitch center.
2. EXPLORE
Tactile Finger Navigation & Pulse Subdivision (Days 4–6)
Skill Lab
Director Actions: Introduce the "6-Note Staircase" (B♭–C–D–E♭–F–G). Students test fingerings through guided call-and-response without sheet music first to build muscle memory.
Student Tasks: "Air & Finger" 4-measure rhythm drills; foot-tap on floor tiles; swap between whole and eighth note pulses.
Co-Teaching Move: Wallace runs the brass slide/valve accuracy station; McCray runs woodwind finger seal clinic.
3. EXPLAIN
Notation Decoding, Transposition & Breath Physics (Days 7–9)
Literacy Core
Director Actions: Transition from ear to visual literacy. Distribute concert rehearsal sheets. Deconstruct key signature (B♭ & E♭ flats), time signature, and the exact count math for eighth notes.
Student Tasks: Mark key signatures with highlighter pencil; write subdivisions ("1 & 2 &") under syncopated measures.
Co-Teaching Move: McCray demonstrates articulation syllable ("Dah"); Wallace writes common pitch pitfalls on whiteboard.
4. ELABORATE
Ensemble Literature Synthesis & Balance (Days 10–13)
Full Rehearsal
Director Actions: Assemble winter literature ("Frostfire Fanfare" / "Snowbound Processional"). Link melody (woodwinds/trumpets) with bassline (low brass) and percussive pulse.
Student Tasks: Perform in section antiphony; observe dynamic contrasts (p vs f); track conductor’s expressive prep cues.
Co-Teaching Move: McCray conducts from podium; Wallace pulls struggling students to back row for 3-minute micro-coaching.
5. EVALUATE
Formative Checks & Concert Stage Simulation (Days 14–15)
Assessment Check
Director Actions: Conduct a 100% uninterrupted mock performance. Record audio on tablet. Lead student reflection using the 4-tier Winter Readiness Rubric.
Student Tasks: Execute performance posture; self-rate rhythm and note accuracy; submit exit ticket assessment.
Co-Teaching Move: Both directors complete independent rubric scores on sections to calibrate final concert chair assignments.
Co-Teaching Roles Matrix: McCray vs. Wallace High-Efficiency Rehearsal Teamwork
Ms. McCray (Lead Director / Conductor): Podium leadership, tempo establishment, cueing, dynamic sculpting, pacing transitions, and full ensemble balance control.
Wallace (Ensemble Specialist / Support): Physical embouchure fixes, slide position guidance, percussion rhythm anchoring, individual fingering checks, and IEP accommodations.
Model Rehearsal Plan
Lesson Exemplar: Day 8 Rehearsal
Focus: Concert D to E♭ & Eighth-Note Drive 60-Minute Class Period • Week 2
Instructors: Ms. McCray & Wallace
Time: 60 Minutes
Key: Concert B♭ Major
Target Notes: B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G
00:00 – 00:12 | Phase 1: Breathing Gym & Resonance Primer 12 Min
Protocol: Breath Gym: 4 counts in ("sip air"), 4 counts out ("hiss air"). Play Long Tone 1 on Concert F (whole notes, quarter=72). Advance downward: F → E♭ → D → C → B♭.
McCray (Podium): Enforces 4-count breath prep; checks release synchronization. Wallace (Floor): Corrects slumped posture; checks trumpet 3rd valve slides.
00:12 – 00:24 | Phase 2: Rhythmic Subdivision & Rest Discipline 12 Min
Protocol: Display Rhythm Flashcard #4 (Quarter, 2 Eighths, Quarter, Quarter Rest). 3-Step Strategy: (1) Sizzle rhythm with foot tap; (2) Air & Finger on Concert B♭; (3) Tongue on pitch at 80 BPM.
Script Prompt: "Feel the down-up in your shoe before your tongue strikes the reed/lip!" Target Check: Silence on beat 4; no breathing early.
00:24 – 00:44 | Phase 3: Literature Chunking ("Frostfire Fanfare" mm. 1–16) 20 Min
Protocol: Isolate mm. 5–8 (The D to E♭ melodic leap).
• Clarinets & Flutes: Isolate right-hand finger stability.
• Trombones: Rapid transition between Position 4 (D) and Position 3 (E♭).
• Rehearse brass melody over woodwind whole-note drone, then switch.
McCray: Rehearses balance; cues dynamic surge from p to f. Wallace: Hands-on support at clarinet section to ensure half-hole seal.
00:44 – 00:54 | Phase 4: Sectional Face-Off & Ensemble Assembly 10 Min
Protocol: Formative showcase: Woodwinds perform mm. 1–8 alone; Brass self-evaluates woodwinds on tone and rhythm. Brass performs mm. 9–16 alone; Woodwinds evaluate brass. Tutti run-through mm. 1–16.
Ensemble Self-Check Question: "Did the eighth notes stay glued to the pulse, or did they outrun the bass drum?"
00:54 – 01:00 | Phase 5: Exit Ticket & Instrument Storage 6 Min
Students write answers to 2 quick questions on their music folder index card:
1. "What is the fingering/slide position for your Concert E♭?"
2. "How many counts does a half note receive in 4/4 time?"
Differentiation Strategies (Inclusion & Advanced Beginners):
• Emergent / IEP Support: Color-coded note names written in pencil; peer buddy clapping; reduced tempo rehearsal tracks accessible via QR code.
• Advanced Extension: Advanced students perform eighth-note countermelody in mm. 9–16 or lead section pulse on low woodwinds/brass.
Rehearsal Rule: Horns up on count 4, silent breathing, eyes on director baton. Beginning Band Lesson Exemplar • Ms. McCray & Wallace
Assessment & Repertoire Tools
Repertoire Guide & Performance Rubric
Concert Readiness Evaluation Standards-Based Assessment Suite
Exemplar Piece: "Frostfire Processional" (Grade 0.5) Key: Concert B♭ Major • Meter: 4/4 • Tempo: Moderato (84–88 BPM)
Range: B♭ – G
mm. 1–4: Fanfare Call
Brass unison B♭–D–F whole & half notes. Woodwinds sustain root octave.
mm. 5–8: Woodwind Theme
Flutes & clarinets introduce 8th-note pairs; low brass maintain quarter note pulse.
mm. 9–12: Tutti Dynamic
Full ensemble crescendo from mp to f using repeated scalar motif B♭–C–D–E♭–F.
mm. 13–16: Coda & Cutoff
Quarter rest on beat 3; fortissimo whole-note finale with clean conductor cutoff.
Winter Concert Performance Assessment Rubric
| Criterion | 4 – Concert Ready | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Novice |
|---|
| Pitch Accuracy | | | | |
| First 6 Notes | 100% accurate fingerings; crisp partials on Concert D, E♭, and F with zero splits. | 1–2 minor fingering hesitations; self-corrects without stopping the musical line. | Frequent missed accidentals (confuses E♭ and E natural); wrong brass partials. | Cannot find target pitches; uncertain fingerings disrupt ensemble line. |
| Rhythmic Precision | | | | |
| Whole/Half/Quarter/8ths | Rock-steady foot tap; precise eighth-note subdivision; dead silence on rests. | Consistent pulse; slight rush on eighth-note pairs; enters on time after rests. | Rushes tempo; plays through quarter rests; erratic or absent foot tap. | Cannot maintain tempo; lost in measure counts; disregards rests entirely. |
| Tone & Embouchure | | | | |
| Posture & Breath | Characteristic, open tone; tall posture off chair back; firm embouchure corners. | Good tone with slight airiness; upright posture maintained 80% of rehearsal. | Thin, pinched tone; slumps onto chair back; puffy cheeks or weak air speed. | Uncharacteristic sounds (squeaks, blats); collapsed posture and improper horn angle. |
| Ensemble Discipline | | | | |
| Tracking Cues | Eyes glued to baton; starts and cuts off with podium; silent horn transit. | Watches preparatory beat; minor delay on cutoffs; quiet between reps. | Rarely looks at conductor; relies entirely on hearing neighbors; late horn raises. | Ignores conductor cues; talks or plays out of turn during director instructions. |
Section-by-Section Quick Diagnostic Checklist
Flute & Clarinets
Flute: bottom lip covers 1/3 embouchure hole. Clarinet: firm lower lip cushion, thumb at 2 o’clock, no air leaks around tone holes.
Saxophones & Horns
Alto Sax: neck strap height brings mouthpiece directly to mouth. French Horn: right hand cupped at 2 o’clock inside bell, steady air support.
Trumpet, Trombone, Low Brass
Trumpet: flat chin, pads of fingers on valve caps. Trombone: wrist unlocked, 3rd position at bell ring, 4th position past bell.
Curriculum Authored & Verified By: Ms. McCray & Wallace, Band Directors
Concert Readiness Status: On Track for Showcase • Document ID: BND-WTR-5E
