About the Bands

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is mainly an 8th grade ensemble, but select 7th graders can also join. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the Spring semester. In order to join Wind Ensemble, students must show a certain level of proficiency on their instrument, demonstrated by playing all of their major scales, a full0range chromatic scale, and sight reading at a high level. They must also play with tone that is characteristic of their instrument, part of which is playing on the correct mouthpiece and reed for their level (see handbook for more details).

It is recommended that these students take private lessons on their instrument, but is not required. Those that do, as well as practice diligently will find that they can become great musicians in middle school. Students in this croup can expect more performance opportunities and responsibilities and are expected to fulfill their commitments to this ensemble. Commitment to this group requires additional daily practice time. Other commitments include performing at all mandatory concerts, playing at open house, participating in specific band festivals, and maintaining a high level of responsibility in band as well as in all other classes. The best students make the best musicians.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble focuses on America’s music – Jazz! Open to 7th and 8th graders by audition, students in this group will begin the year with the basics of improvisation and theory. They will learn how imitate the Jazz Masters by first playing simple melodies by ear to develop their jazz language. In addition, they will play a wide variety of written jazz standards and will work to develop a mature and polished sound as an ensemble. Commitments for this group include all required school performances, jazz festivals, and “gigs” for special functions around town. These students must also maintain the highest level of musicianship on their instruments by practicing regularly at home and working hard to develop this new style of playing and improvising.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is mainly a 7th and 8th grade group, with the exception very advanced 6th graders that audition with Mr. Harrison. The students in this group prepare for Wind Ensemble (and High School Band) by working on increasingly difficult and varied concert music. They are expected to learn all of their major scales by the end of the year, and also work on polishing the techniques required to play their instruments well.

Commitments for this band include all mandatory concerts, regular practice time at home, and occasionally a band festival.

Cadet Band

Cadet Band is mainly a 6th grade class, 7th graders also occasionally joining. This group includes students who have 0 to 2 years experience playing their instrument in elementary school. Starting from the very basics of music, the band works its way through the band method book into more complex literature later in the year. Emphasis is on the learning of fundamentals.