Waukee Band Department
The Waukee Band Program provides all students with opportunities to develop lifelong appreciation of music, take ownership over their own accomplishments, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
The Waukee Community School District Music Program provides educational opportunities that allow students to demonstrate mastery of musical skills. Productivity, accountability, creativity, collaboration, self-expression, self-discipline and pride in excellence are necessary.
Music education is a discipline and a structured field of study with its own body of knowledge, skills, and way of thinking. It is historically significant and reflects the multicultural heritage of mankind. Music exalts the human spirit through its aesthetic values and enhances the quality of life. It involves a coexistence of behaviors that promote higher order thinking skills and life-long learning.
Band Course Standards, Benchmarks, Objectives (SBO) and Curriculum Review Process
Curriculum review work, including a move to formally adopt the National Coalition of Core Arts Standards, was completed by members of the Band Department in the spring semester of the 2021-22 school year.
The National Coalition of Core Arts Standards were revised in 2014, the first revision to national arts standards in 20 years. The NCCA is an umbrella organization that created standards for Visual Art, Music, Dance, and Theatre; each of these sets of standards were adopted by the State of Iowa in 2017. The Waukee Band Department adopted the “Music: Traditional and Emerging Ensembles” strand. These standards divide the musical experience into four components: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. All four components are reflected in the curricular Band experience at all grade levels beginning in 5th grade.
The high school Band experience uniquely intersects with Marching Band in its first term. The Band teaching staff chose to write additional objectives specific to marching and drill so that curriculum reflects all aspects of the Marching and Concert Band experience. The course “Foundations of Individual Musicianship” is available to high school students who are seeking additional individual instruction beyond the scope of large-ensemble Band.
Band 5-12 Standards, Benchmarks, and Objectives
Music Repertoire Statement
Literature for each of our ensembles is carefully chosen. It is the belief of the WCSD Music Department that students are to be exposed to a wide variety of literature. The instructor determines music selection based upon availability, quality, educational value, and suitability for healthy vocal/instrumental development. It is not the intent of this department to persuade student views with opposing beliefs or ideas that a musical selection’s text or subject matter may present. Rather, we desire to familiarize students with a quality repertoire that will give them a better historical and global perspective as well as to make them conversant with musical aesthetics. It is our goal to give students a broad perspective of numerous composers and musical styles.
Band Courses
Waukee students receive a foundational music education through K-5 General Music. An elective band program is offered to students beginning in 5th grade.
Elementary & Middle-Level (Grades 5-8) Courses
High School (Grades 9-12) Courses
