All About Band & Art

All About Band

Hello, future Grade 6 students and parents/guardians! My name is Mrs. Zinn, and I am the Band teacher here at École John Henderson Middle School. Below you will find information you need in order to decide if Band is right for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through email at lzinn@retsd.mb.ca or on the phone at (204) 661-2503.

Who is Band for?

Band and Art are both inclusive. Anyone who would like to participate in Band is welcome! No previous experience playing an instrument is necessary.

What instruments do we play in Band?

In Grade 6 Band, we play woodwind and brass instruments. These include flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. (Oboe and bassoon are also available, but private lessons are required.) Percussion becomes available in Grade 7 by audition.

What does playing an instrument teach us?

Playing an instrument allows students to be a part of a team, which builds social and team-work skills. It fosters self-expression, develops self-confidence, and creates a sense of achievement. Research shows that playing an instrument is a “full-brain workout”, as it uses all areas of the brain at once. This helps develop problem solving, strategizing, literacy, and emotional processing skills. Playing an instrument also develops perseverance, discipline, and responsibility.

How many concerts are there?

We have two band concerts each year (winter and spring) that all students perform in. Each grade also performs in the Winnipeg Concert Band Festivals (during the daytime). In Grade 8, we go on a band trip to Edmonton, Alberta!

What is Jazz Band?

Jazz Band is an auditioned extra-curricular ensemble for Grades 7 and 8 students that meets before school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. All instruments in Band are allowed in the Jazz Band, as well as piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drum set. The Jazz Band travels to Brandon, Manitoba in March every year to participate in the Brandon Jazz Festival.

How much time does Band take?

In Band, our “homework” is practicing our instruments! Students who are busy with extracurricular activities shouldn’t worry about having enough time for Band. There are opportunities to practice at school too, if needed.

How much does Band cost?

Renting an instrument costs between $160-$300 per school year. There is also a $12 Band fee at the beginning of Grade 6 that covers the cost of a method book. When it comes to band trips and other opportunities, fundraising opportunities and additional financial assistance are available. Please contact me if you have any questions about this.

How do I pick my instrument?

After registration is done, an email will be sent out to all parents/guardians of future Band students about our Instrument Selection Evenings. These will happen in May or June (dates TBD). Students will have an opportunity to try all the instruments and pick their top three favourites! Then, it is my job to create a balanced band. Students are guaranteed to play one of their three favourites. It is important that all students attend and do not choose an instrument until they’ve had a chance to try them. Information about instrument rentals will be sent out after the Instrument Selection Evenings.

I look forward to meeting you all and hope to see you in Band next year! (It’s so much fun!) - Mrs. Zinn

All About Art

Hello future Grade 6 Students, parents, and guardians! My name is Mrs. Wiebe, and I am the art teacher here at École John Henderson Middle School. Below you will find the information you need to know about art in order to decide if it’s right for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through email at awiebe@retsd.mb.ca.

Who is art for?

Art and band are both inclusive. Anyone who would like to participate in art class is welcome!

What does creating art teach us?

The Manitoba Visual Arts Curriculum is based on four parts with the individual student artist at its centre. In the Visual Arts Framework, the four parts of essential learning areas are Art Language and Tools, Creative Expression in Art, Understanding Art in Context and Valuing Artistic Experience. In art class, we learn about a variety of different ways to create art, how to use different art materials, what the role of art in everyday life and culture is, and how historically art has played a part in shaping who we are today. We also learn how to talk about and share our art experiences and learn how to communicate our interpretations and analysis of art viewed through class discussions and art critiques.

Why is art great for my future?

Did you know that educational and neurological research show many benefits when a person critically thinks and produces art? It can improve literacy and numeracy skills, problem solving skills, making connections between prior knowledge and new information, helps process emotions, builds creativity, pushes critical thinking, and helps with sharing ideas and team building, as well as strengthening fine motor control.

Some careers in the visual arts are:

Architect - Graphic Designer – Photographer – Interior Designer – Animation Artist – Landscape Designer/Architect - Marketing Director – Videographer – Content Developer – Video Editor – Filmmaker – Industrial Designer – Photojournalist – Art Therapist – Museum or Gallery Curator – Illustrator and Book Designer – Art Consultant – Art Director – Costume Designer – Stylist - Set Designer – Court of Law Artist – Muralist – Tattoo Artist – Jewlery Designer – Art Instructor/Teacher - Painter – Makeup Artist – Fashion Designer – Brand Manager – Art Preservation Specialist – Art Historian – Art Appraiser – Art Dealer – Antiques Dealer – Film Restoration Specialist –Design and Production Assistant – Sculptor – Gallery Owner – Gallery Director – Typographer – Furniture Designer – Ceramic Artist – Video Game Designer – Medical Illustrator – Magazine Layout Designer – Toy Designer – Glass Blower – Cake Decorator – Automotive Designer – Floral Arrangement Designer – Web Designer – T.V. and Film Director – Lighting Specialist – Art Critic and Writer – Metalsmith – Drafting – Urban Planner – Ariel Photographer – Industrial Designer/Engineer – AutoCAD – 3D Rendering… (and so much more!!!)

Assessment

One worry we often hear is “how can I do well in art”? Each student artist is on a continuum of learning, and their artwork is assessed on an individual basis, not in comparison to anyone else’s work. We learn about goal setting, strengths and challenges, as well as next steps in developing our skills as a student artist. Another concern is about drawing or painting realistically. Drawing or painting realistically might be a personal goal but not a learning goal for our art class. Our classes are diverse in content and mediums used so students can experience a wide variety of learning styles, techniques and creative challenges to help push them individually.

How much does art cost?

At École John Henderson, we have an art fee of $50.00 per year to cover the cost of supplies. Art materials for the year are both consumable and non-consumable items and due to wear and tear need to be replaced every year. Our kits include items such as drawing pencils, sketchbooks, pencil crayons, oil pastels just to name a few. Our kits may change year to year depending on what projects we are doing and what is needed. There is nothing better than when the kids get their new kits for the year. Pure joy and smiles when they open them up and begin using their stuff.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and seeing what great things you create in art!” - Mrs. Wiebe