Scale Club

Do you want your band students to memorize the 12+ major scales? Well, kids LOVE to see and hear their names and have brag tags. At Tennyson Middle School, we do a Scales Club in order for kids to memorize their scales. They can earn a spot in the Bronze club by passing off the Concert F, Bb and Eb major scales full range by memory. To move up a level, they must pass off an additional three scales (doesn't matter in which order) full range by memory. To earn a spot in the Platinum club, they have to pass off all of the scales - including the chromatic scale. We have large laminated posters in the back of the room that we clip clothespins with the students' names to when they've entered a club. We also print off flyers for each level with the names of those in the club(s) listed and have them taped to the inside of the exterior band hall door. The students also receive a laminated "brag tag" to put on the handle of their instrument case (or stick bag) for each level they advance through. And, their names are announced during the daily announcements when new students are added to any of the clubs. 

I had an ice cream social last year where students could earn vanilla and/or chocolate ice cream, a banana, whipped cream, fudge, caramel and/or strawberry sauce, nuts, a cherry on top... I think this year I'll do nachos instead. Bronze level will earn chips; Silver level will earn the cheese; Gold level will earn chili; Platinum level will earn other toppings like onions, jalapeños, salsa...

If you've never tried a scale club, you totally should. It's pretty fun.