Unit Plan 4 (Grade 7 Band): Scale Patterns & Key Awareness
Build 7th grade band key literacy by performing scales with correct fingerings, steady tempo, and accurate intonation while reading key signatures confidently.
Focus: Perform scales and scale patterns with correct fingerings and intonation, while reading common key signatures and maintaining steady tempo.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Music Literacy • Technique & Keys)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students strengthen their understanding of key signatures and scale patterns so they can read and perform band music with more confidence. They practice major scales and related patterns in common band keys, focusing on correct fingerings, steady tempo, and good intonation. Through visual “key maps,” call-and-response patterns, and short sight-reading excerpts, students connect what they see on the page—key signature, accidentals, scale degrees—to what they play and hear. By the end of the week, they can better recognize which notes belong in each key, adjust to staying in that key, and use scale fluency to support future repertoire.
Essential Questions
- How do key signatures and scales help me understand the notes in a piece of band music?
- What does it mean to play a scale with correct fingerings, steady tempo, and good intonation?
- How can practicing scale patterns make sight-reading and learning new music easier and faster?
- In what ways does my attention to key (which notes are sharp/flat) affect how well I play my part?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Read and identify key signatures for at least two to three common band keys (e.g., B♭, E♭, F, others used locally).
- Perform major scales and basic scale patterns (stepwise patterns, broken chords) in at least two keys with correct fingerings and steady tempo.
- Use good technique (posture, embouchure, hand position, stick/mallet control) to support even tone and intonation throughout their scales.
- Apply key awareness to short sight-reading or method-book excerpts, recognizing which notes belong in the key and where accidentals change them.
- Reflect on their scale strengths and needs, setting at least one specific goal for continuing to improve key fluency.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Pr4.7b — Read and perform band music using standard notation, including varied rhythms, key signatures, and expressive markings, maintaining steady tempo.
- Example: Students perform music with dotted rhythms and accidentals accurately.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name and recognize the key signatures we use most in band.
- I can play major scales and patterns in at least two keys with mostly correct fingerings and a steady beat.
- I can adjust notes to fit the key signature and watch out for accidentals that temporarily change notes.
- I can use my scale knowledge to help me play short sight-reading lines more accurately.
- I can describe one key or scale pattern I am confident with and one I still need to practice.