Unit Plan 32 (Grade 8 Band): Expressive Performance
Grade 8 band unit refining expressive, stylistically accurate ensemble performance—blending accurate pitch/rhythm/tone with dynamics, phrasing, articulation, balance, and feedback-driven polish.
Focus: Perform band music with refined expression and stylistic understanding, integrating accurate pitch, rhythm, tone, balance, and phrasing to communicate musical intent.
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Expression & Style • Ensemble Performance)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students bring together their technical skills and musical understanding to deliver highly expressive performances of current repertoire. They focus on dynamics, tone color, articulation, phrasing, tempo, and style, learning how these elements work together to communicate mood, character, and story. Through focused run-throughs, feedback, and self-reflection, students refine their ability to perform with confidence, consistency, and stylistic accuracy. By the end of the unit, the ensemble can perform selected pieces at a level that shows both precision and musicality.
Essential Questions
- What does a truly expressive band performance sound and feel like from both the stage and the audience?
- How do dynamics, tone, articulation, phrasing, and tempo work together to communicate meaning in music?
- What does it mean to show stylistic understanding when performing marches, lyrical pieces, or contemporary works?
- How can recordings, feedback, and reflection help us refine our expressive performance?
- In what ways does performing expressively change our connection to the music and to each other as an ensemble?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform current repertoire with accurate pitch, rhythm, and tone, maintaining ensemble balance and blend.
- Shape phrases using dynamic contrast, tone color, articulation, and pacing that match the style of each piece.
- Demonstrate stylistic understanding (e.g., march style, lyrical legato, dance-like character) in at least one selected work.
- Use teacher, peer, and recording feedback to refine expressive details and correct performance inconsistencies.
- Present a polished performance (live or recorded) that shows clear expressive intent and ensemble cohesion.
Standards Alignment — 8th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Pr6.8a — Perform band music with accurate pitch, rhythm, tone, balance, and expressive intent, demonstrating stylistic understanding.
- Example: Students perform a Grade 2–3 band piece with clear dynamic contrast and accurate articulation.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform with mostly accurate notes and rhythms and a strong, characteristic tone.
- I can shape phrases with dynamics, articulation, and tone color that fit the style of the piece.
- I can explain and demonstrate how our piece should sound in terms of mood, character, and style.
- I can listen to feedback or recordings and adjust my playing to improve expression and accuracy.
- I can help the ensemble deliver a performance that sounds together, musical, and confident.