Unit Plan 10 (Grade 5 Band): Reading Simple Notation
Grade 5 band unit building music reading skills by performing basic notes, rests, and rhythms from standard notation with a steady tempo.
Focus: Read and perform basic notes, rests, and rhythms in beginning band music using standard notation and a steady tempo.
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 build their music reading skills so they can understand what notation on the page is telling them to play. They learn how to read note names, staff positions, and simple rhythms (quarter notes, quarter rests, half notes, whole notes) in their beginning band music. Through echo reading, counting aloud, and short performance lines from the method book, students connect what they see on the page to what they play and hear. These skills help them feel more confident when learning new music together as a band.
Essential Questions
- How do music symbols (notes, rests, and staff lines) tell us what to play and for how long?
- How does being able to read notes and rhythms help our band sound more together and confident?
- What strategies can we use (like counting and note names) to figure out a new music line on our own?
- Why is it important for band musicians to be able to read notation, not just play by ear?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and perform basic note names and staff positions used in their beginning band music.
- Read and perform simple rhythms (e.g., quarter notes, quarter rests, half notes, whole notes) at a steady tempo.
- Use counting, clapping, and air/valve/finger practice to decode new lines before playing.
- Perform short notation-based lines from the method book with mostly accurate notes and rhythms.
- Reflect on which reading strategies (counting, note names, looking ahead) help them most when reading new music.
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 name and find the notes I see on the staff in my band music.
- I can clap and count simple rhythms (notes and rests) before I play them.
- I can play a short line from my book with mostly correct notes and a steady beat.
- I can use strategies like counting aloud and saying note names to help me read new music.
- I can explain which reading strategy helps me the most when I see a new line of music.