Unit Plan 32 (Grade 6 Band): Expressive Performance
Grade 6 band unit building confident, expressive performance through accurate notes, steady rhythms, tone control, dynamics, phrasing, and ensemble listening.
Focus: Perform band music with confident expression and accurate notes and rhythms, demonstrating growing control of tone, dynamics, and phrasing.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Rehearsing • Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students bring together their technical skills and musical expression to perform with greater confidence and artistry. Through targeted warm-ups, focused work on phrasing, dynamics, and tone shaping, and short in-class performances, students learn how to make written music sound musical, not just correct. They practice responding to conductor cues, listening across the ensemble, and using expressive markings to shape a performance that feels cohesive and intentional.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform with expression, not just correct notes and rhythms?
- How do dynamics, tone quality, and phrasing change the mood and meaning of band music?
- How can I use conductor cues and listening to my section and ensemble to perform more confidently?
- What habits help me feel prepared and expressive when it is time to perform for others?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform selected band repertoire with accurate notes, rhythms, and steady tempo in an ensemble setting.
- Use dynamics, tone shaping, and phrasing to show expressive intent in at least one concert piece.
- Respond consistently to conductor cues (entrances, cutoffs, dynamic changes) during rehearsal and performance.
- Listen across the ensemble to maintain balance and blend, making small adjustments to tone and volume.
- Reflect on a performance (live or recorded) and identify one strength and one expressive goal for future playing.
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Pr6.6a — Perform band music with accurate notes, rhythms, tone quality, and basic expression in an ensemble setting.
- Example: Students perform a Grade 1.5–2 piece with correct notes and clear dynamics.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can play my parts with correct notes and rhythms at a steady tempo.
- I can use dynamics and phrasing to make the music sound more expressive and interesting.
- I can watch the conductor for entrances, cutoffs, and changes and respond on time.
- I can listen and adjust my sound to blend with my section and the full band.
- I can explain one thing I did well in a performance and one expressive goal I still have.