Unit Plan 9 (Grade 7 Orchestra): Early Performance Check

Focus: Perform current repertoire demonstrating steady tempo, unified bowing, improved intonation, and appropriate performance etiquette and section leadership.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Orchestra (Performance Skills • Ensemble Cohesion • Professionalism)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 7 orchestra students prepare for an early performance check that serves as a benchmark for their progress in intonation, rhythm accuracy, tone, and bow unity. They rehearse selected excerpts from current repertoire while focusing on steady tempo, matched bowings, and characteristic tone. At the same time, students practice performance etiquette—following conductor cues, tracking rests, and supporting their sections through positive leadership. The unit culminates in a short in-class performance check with simple reflection on strengths and next steps.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to give a strong ensemble performance early in the year?
• How do intonation, rhythm, tone, and bow unity work together to create a polished performance?
• What does professional rehearsal and performance etiquette look like in a middle school orchestra?
• How can section leaders and members support each other to stay together in tempo, entrances, and releases?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform selected repertoire excerpts with steady tempo, mostly accurate intonation, and clear rhythm.
2. Match section bowings (direction, length, and basic articulation) to support ensemble clarity and blend.
3. Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette, including following the conductor, tracking rests, and avoiding distracting behaviors.
4. Show section leadership by helping align entrances, bowings, and counting within their section.
5. Complete an Early Performance Check & Reflection that identifies strengths and sets one or two specific goals for future improvement.

Standards Alignment — Grade 7 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Pr6.7a — Perform orchestra music with accurate pitch, rhythm, characteristic tone, unified bowing, and expressive intent, showing developing stylistic understanding.
  • Example: Students perform a two- or three-part arrangement with steady tempo and dynamic contrast.
• OR:Pr6.7b — Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette, including leadership within sections, following conductor cues, tracking rests, and supporting ensemble success.
  • Example: Students lead section warm-ups and ensure bowings match across the section.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can perform our repertoire excerpt with a mostly steady tempo and accurate rhythm.
• I can play with improving intonation and a characteristic tone that blends with my section.
• I can match bowings with my section and follow the conductor’s cues for entrances, cutoffs, and dynamics.
• I can show professional behavior during rehearsal and performance (ready posture, quiet focus, eyes up).
• I can reflect on my performance, naming at least one strength and one clear goal for future improvement.