Unit Plan 23 (Grade 7 Band): Music & Personal Growth
Help Grade 7 band students reflect on musical identity, interests, experiences, and goals, explaining how these factors shape their choices and growth as musicians through a structured week-long reflection and goal-setting project.
Focus: Reflect on identity, goals, and growth as a band musician, explaining how interests, experiences, and goals influence musical choices and development.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Band (Connecting • Reflection • Goal-Setting)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students step back from day-to-day rehearsal to think about who they are as band musicians and how band fits into their lives. Through guided reflection, writing, and discussion, they examine how their interests (styles, pieces, favorite instruments), experiences (concerts, lessons, challenges), and goals (skills, confidence, leadership) shape their musical choices and growth. Students consider how they’ve changed since joining band and what they want their next steps to be. By the end of the week, they will create a Music & Personal Growth Reflection that connects their story, goals, and band participation in a clear, thoughtful way.
Essential Questions
- How have my interests and experiences shaped who I am as a band musician today?
- In what ways do my goals influence the way I practice, perform, and participate in band?
- How can reflecting on my growth help me make better musical choices in the future?
- How does being in band affect my identity, confidence, and relationships inside and outside of school?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify key musical interests (styles, pieces, ensembles, instruments) and explain why these matter to them.
- Describe at least two past experiences in band (performances, successes, struggles) and how those experiences influenced their growth.
- Set at least one meaningful personal goal related to band (technique, musicianship, participation, leadership, confidence).
- Explain how their interests, experiences, and goals influence their musical choices and growth as band musicians.
- Create a Music & Personal Growth Reflection (written, visual, or audio) that clearly connects identity, goals, and band participation using specific examples.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Cn10.7a — Explain how interests, experiences, and goals influence musical choices and growth as a band musician.
- Example: Students set a personal goal (range, articulation, confidence) and explain why it matters.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name specific musical interests (styles, pieces, instruments) and explain why I’m drawn to them.
- I can describe at least two band experiences that changed how I think or feel about music.
- I can set a realistic, meaningful goal for myself as a band musician and explain why it is important.
- I can clearly explain how my interests, experiences, and goals affect my musical choices and growth.
- I can share my reflection in a way that is honest, organized, and respectful, using examples from my own band journey.