Unit Plan 4 (Grade 5 Band): First Notes & Fingerings
Grade 5 band unit teaching first notes with correct fingerings, steady air, simple rhythms, and reading standard notation through stepwise patterns.
Focus: Play initial notes on band instruments using correct fingerings and steady air/support, while beginning to read standard notation with simple rhythms and stepwise patterns.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Presenting • Reflecting)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (1–2 weeks), 30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students move from making basic sounds to playing their first notes on band instruments. Using fingering charts, note-name visuals, and a beginning method line, they connect what they see on the staff to what they do with their fingers, embouchure, and air support. Students practice simple quarter-note and rest patterns with stepwise motion, focusing on steady tempo and clean starts and stops so they can perform short lines together as a beginning band.
Essential Questions
- How do fingerings and air support work together to help us play our first notes clearly on band instruments?
- How does standard notation (lines, spaces, note names, rhythms) tell us which notes and fingerings to use?
- Why is steady tempo and simple rhythm accuracy important when playing in a band?
- How can practicing short note patterns with correct fingerings help us grow as beginning band musicians?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify the first notes for their instrument using a fingering chart and note-name visuals.
- Match note names on the staff to correct fingerings and hand positions on their instruments.
- Perform simple 4-count long tones and quarter-note patterns on their first notes using steady air/support.
- Read and perform a short 4-measure line of beginning band music with quarter notes, rests, and stepwise motion at a steady tempo.
- Play their assigned method-book line with the class, demonstrating basic note accuracy, fingerings, and simple rhythm reading.
Standards Alignment — 5th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Pr4.5b — Read and perform beginning band music using standard notation with simple rhythms, basic note patterns, and steady tempo.
- Example: Students perform a 4-measure line with quarter notes, rests, and stepwise motion.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can find my first notes on a fingering chart and set my fingers or sticks in the right place.
- I can look at a note on the staff and know which fingering or stroke to use.
- I can play my first notes using steady air or controlled strokes for 4 counts.
- I can read and play a short beginning band line with quarter notes, rests, and stepwise notes at a steady tempo.
- I can stay focused and play with the ensemble, starting and stopping when the conductor shows.