Junior High Band
Written Tests

Written Test Day

I gave a written test each quarter. To prepare for the test, I covered the wall posters and set the test materials out. As the students arrived they picked up a test booklet, a scan sheet, a lap board, a pencil if they didn’t have their own, and a piece of scratch paper if needed. They also brought their reading books. Taking roll took a little more time since I spread them out all over the room. We did it by having each section raise their hands. I usually played the recorded part of the test first so they would have time to hear it again later if needed. As the students took the test, I moved around the room making sure no students were using a study guide or looking off their neighbor’s paper. After finishing the test, the students stacked the scan sheets and test booklets on my desk and returned the other materials to the stacks on the counter. They would then read their books until enough were finished that we could play. Those who weren’t finished kept working on the test while the others warmed up briefly and played through our concert music. The lesson plan for the day looked like this:

  1. No Instruments at First
  2. Roll Call
  3. Book Check
  4. Written Test
  5. Concert Music

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.