Unit Plan 24 (Grade 5 Band): Personal Musical Goals
Reflect on Grade 5 band growth with student-friendly checklists and goal-setting prompts that celebrate progress, connect instrument choice to interests, and build realistic action steps for continued improvement.
Focus: Reflect on individual progress, celebrate growth, and set personal musical goals for continued improvement on band instruments.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Connecting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students pause to reflect on their journey as beginning band musicians, thinking about what they can do now that they could not do at the start of the year. Through guided discussion, quick-write reflections, and simple self-checklists, they identify personal strengths (tone, rhythm, confidence) and areas for growth. Students then set 1–2 concrete personal musical goals and outline small, realistic actions they can take in rehearsals and home practice to move toward those goals.
Essential Questions
- How have I grown as a band musician since I first started my instrument?
- What are my current strengths in band, and what do I still want to improve?
- How can clear goals and small action steps help me become a stronger musician and band member?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Reflect on their current abilities in band (tone, rhythm, reading, focus, ensemble skills) and identify at least one strength and one area for improvement.
- Describe how their instrument choice, interests, and experiences in band connect to their personal goals.
- Write at least one specific, realistic musical goal (e.g., stronger tone, better counting, more confident playing) for the upcoming weeks or months.
- Identify action steps (practice strategies, rehearsal habits) they can use to work toward their goals.
- Share their goals respectfully with a partner or small group and give encouraging, constructive feedback.
Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Cn10.5a — Describe how personal interests and goals influence instrument choice and musical growth.
- Example: Students explain why they chose their instrument and set one goal for improvement.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name at least one strength I have developed as a band musician.
- I can explain why I chose my instrument and how it fits with my interests or goals.
- I can write at least one clear, realistic musical goal and describe what I will do to work toward it.
- I can share my goals respectfully and give kind, helpful feedback to classmates about their goals.