Unit Plan 27 (Grade 5 Band): Ensemble Performance
Grade 5 band students perform ensemble music with steady beat, correct notes, and focused etiquette, building teamwork, listening skills, and confident group performance.
Focus: Perform ensemble music with steady beat, correct notes, and focused rehearsal etiquette.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Responding • Connecting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 5 sessions (30 minutes per session)
I. Introduction
In this unit, students experience what it feels like to perform as a full band ensemble, focusing on steady beat, correct notes, and working together. They practice watching the conductor, listening across sections, and starting and stopping together. Students learn that good performances are not just about individual playing, but also about ensemble sound and performance etiquette—how they sit, listen, and support their classmates on stage.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform as part of a band ensemble instead of playing alone?
- How do steady beat, correct notes, and watching the conductor help the group sound good together?
- Why are focus, listening, and performance etiquette important when playing for an audience?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform a short band piece with accurate notes, steady beat, and a mostly characteristic tone as part of the ensemble.
- Demonstrate performance etiquette by sitting ready, watching the conductor, tracking rests, and starting/stopping together.
- Listen across the ensemble and make basic volume adjustments (louder/softer) to match the group.
- Reflect on one strength and one area to improve in their ensemble performance using simple musical words (beat, notes, loud/soft).
Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Pr6.5a — Perform beginning band music with accurate notes, steady beat, and appropriate tone in an ensemble setting.
- Example: Students perform a unison class piece together with steady tempo.
- BD:Pr6.5b — Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette (focus, tracking rests, following conductor cues, respectful collaboration).
- Example: Students sit ready, watch the conductor, and enter together on cue.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can play my notes with a steady beat when I perform with the band.
- I can watch the conductor and start and stop with everyone else.
- I can listen to my section and adjust my volume so we blend together.
- I can say one thing I did well and one thing I want to improve in our performance.