Junior High Band
Playing Test Lists

Explanation

When I was a student it bothered me to be surprised with a "pop quiz." I decided to never do that to my students. The first day of school I passed out lists of all the playing tests for the year. Also included were all the early morning rehearsals and concert dates. I encouraged the students to look ahead and always be prepared.

At first glance these lists may seem confusing. Each list has five columns and is read from top to bottom. In the first column is listed the names of the tests, i.e., P.T. #1 - 4 (playing tests #1- 4), major (or minor) scales test, chromatic test, and the notes that will be tested on the strobe and tuner. In the second column is listed the tests for the first quarter. In the third, fourth, and fifth columns are listed the tests for the second, third, and fourth quarters respectively.

Below the playing tests are the method books out of which the playing tests are taken. (See Method Books for composer and publisher information). The 7th-grade tests for the first and second quarters are out of Accent on Achievement, book 1. The third and fourth quarter tests are all out of Accent on Achievement, book 2.

In the middle of the sheet are listed the early morning rehearsals for each quarter. The concert dates are at the bottom.

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.