Self Pre-Assessment__________________________________________________________

Name:
Instrument:

1. I am good at

2. I need to work on

Lesson 1 Assessment _____________________________________________________

Name:
Instrument:

1.

Define the following terms as they refer to band/ensemble sound:

Balance:

Blend:

Use the Balance Pyramid below to answer questions 2 and 3.

2.

Label each part of the Balance Pyramid using Low, Middle, High.

3.

Circle the part of the pyramid where your instrument belongs.

4.

As we go from the bottom of the pyramid to the top of the pyramid, do we get louder
or softer?

Lesson 2 Assessment ______________________________________________________

Name:
Instrument:
1. Fill out the table below:

Abbreviation

Italian Word

Meaning

Example

f
f
mf
mp
p
pp
2. What is the musical term for getting louder? Please write the full term, its abbreviation,
and draw its musical sign.

3. What is the musical term for getting softer? Please write the full term, its abbreviation,
and draw its musical sign.

Word Bank:
Mezzo Forte

Crescendo
Pianissimo

Piano
Crescendo

Mezzo Piano
Decrescendo

Fortissimo
Forte

Lesson 3 Assessment_____________________________________________________

Directions: Use breath marks ( ) to mark the beginning and ending of each phrase. Add
expressive markings such as crescendos and decrescendos. Circle places you would slow
down. Box places you would speed up.

Lesson 4 Assessmemt_________________________________________________________

Name:
Instrument:
1. In your own words, define and describe staccato notes.

2. In your own words, define and describe tenuto, or legato, notes.

3. Draw a staccato above this quarter note.

4. Draw a tenuto above this quarter note.

Post-Assessment_____________________________________________________________
Name:
Instrument:

1. Match each term below with its definition and draw its symbol and/or abbreviation.
Term
Balance

Definition

Symbol/Abbreviation

Blend

2.

Forte
Piano
Mezzo-forte
Fortissimo
Pianissimo
Mezzo-piano
Crescendo
Decrescendo
Ritardando
Accelerando
Staccato
Tenuto/Legato

a) The strength of various

sections and the extent to
which these sections tend
to dominate the band as a
whole.
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)

Gradually softer
Loud
Gradually slowing down
Medium soft
Gradually louder
Very Soft
When to breathe
Soft
Short and light
The process of merging the
sounds of instruments

l)
m)
n)
o)

Long, full length

Very loud
Medium Loud
Gradually getting faster

2. In your own words, what is

musical expression?

Breath Mark

3. Explain the Balance Pyramid

4. Label the Balance Pyramid below Low, Middle, High.

5. Circle the part of the pyramid where your instrument belongs.

Post-Reflection__________________________________________________________
Name:
Instrument:
Instructions: During class today, we will be listening to a recording of our run-through
from yesterdays rehearsal. As you listen, take time to quietly reflect on the performance
and begin to answer the questions below. Today serves as a reflection time for you to
look back on what we have learned so far in terms of musicality and apply it to your
performance. A complete response is due Friday, December 4th at the beginning of class.
This may be hand-written or typed.
1. Choose a musical concept from the box below and describe how we worked
on improving this concept during class.

2. Choose one or more musical concepts from the box below that needs more
work for our Holiday concert. Elaborate on how we can work on this musical
concept in class.

3. Consider the following quote: The paper and ink dont make the music;
instruments make no sounds on their own; the soul creates the music. How
does this quote relate to what we have talked about in class? Respond to this
quote by talking about your connection to music. Why do you play your
instrument? Why do you choose to be in band everyday?

Notes/Rhythm

Articulation

Balance/Blend

Expressive Elements

Accuracy of values in
both notes and rests,
duration, steadiness,
consistency, pulse, clarity,
and ensemble motion
through ritardandos and
accelerandos

Entrances, releases,
staccato, legato,
accents, tenuto, light,
heavy, tip of the
tongue

Tone colors between

section members,
ensemble
balance/unbalance,
bright, dark, dynamics
between parts

Dynamics: pianissimo,
piano, mezzo-piano,
mezzo-forte, forte,
fortissimo
Phrasing: breathing,
motion, crescendo,
decrescendo, rubato
(slow down/speed up)