7th Grade Band

Students enrolled in 7th grade band are assigned to attend large group rehearsals on A days or B days.  Each group rehearses every other day with Mr. Tallman during 2nd period.  In the week before a concert, the bands rehearse together to prepare for the performance.

Each 7th grade band student is assigned to a lesson group that meets one day per week during 6th period WIN.  Lesson attendance is required for all band students. Lesson groups are divided by instrument and may be taught by Mr. Tallman, Mr. Tipping, or Mr. Thompson. 

Attendance and full participation in small group lessons accounts for a large percentage of each band student’s grading percentage. Additionally, students are rewarded and recognized for 90% lesson attendance in each quarter.  The procedures for lesson attendance and grading are as follows: 

• 3 points (full credit) for attendance and full participation

• 2 points possible for being present with No Instrument, eligible for full credit by submitting a makeup recording

• 0 points for an excused absence (“absent excused” from school), eligible for full credit by submitting a makeup recording - an "M" for missing will be entered on Infinite Campus

• 0 points for an unexcused absence, eligible to receive up to 1 point by submitting a makeup recording - an "M" for missing will be entered on Infinite Campus

To complete a makeup recording, a student must record two lines of their current lesson book assignment and email the link to their grade level instructor.  Recordings may be in either video or audio format. 

The 7th grade band gives four public performances during the school year: 

• Fall concert in November.  This concert is shared with the 8th grade concert band. 

• Winter concert in February.  This concert is shared with the 8th grade concert band, and the 7th and 8th jazz bands. 

• Ensemble Festival in March.  Each lesson group performs a selection before a small audience and a judge. 

• Spring concert in May.  This concert is shared with the 6th and 8th grade concert bands.

*Please click the Calendar link in the top menu for current year performance dates. 

All brass and woodwind players are required to have their own instrument.  Options include purchasing your own or renting through a music store.

In some cases, students may rent a school-owned instrument.  Large and/or expensive instruments including French horn, baritone, tuba, oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor sax, and bari sax are typically rented through the school.  *A limited number of smaller instruments are available for rental from the school.

Percussionists need to supply their own drum sticks.  All other percussion equipment is provided by AMS.  A small percussion rental fee is collected each year. 

Each student is expected to bring their own supplies, which may include reeds, valve oil, and cleaning brushes or swabs. 

For more information on instruments and supplies, click here. 

7th grade band students have the opportunity to try oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone and baritone saxophone.  Students will be able to indicate their interest in trying a new instrument on a Google Form that will be shared early in the year.  The AMS band staff will determine who will move to which instrument.  All of these instruments are supplied by AMS, but students should retain their primary/original instrument.  For special procedures regarding bass clarinet and low saxophones, click here. 

Each 7th grade band student will have their own lesson book, provided by the school.

As a class, 7th grade band is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.  To earn a passing grade, each student must achieve a minimum score of 60% in the following: 

1. Preparation of assigned material

2. Participation in rehearsals and lessons

3. Performance in 7th grade band concerts and Ensemble Festival

Grade updates will be posted regularly on Infinite Campus. 

7th Grade Jazz Band is an extra-curricular opportunity for students in 7th grade band.  The jazz season runs from August through early April. 

Rehearsals: The jazz band rehearses every Tuesday after school from 3:55-4:35pm, and every Thursday before school from 7:50-8:30am.  7th grade jazz band is optional, but consistent participation is required for membership.  Three unexcused absences (from rehearsals and/or performances) will result in dismissal from the group.  For students who have an athletic practice conflict, we will create a solution.  

Performances: The 7th grade jazz band performs three times each year. 

• • Jazz Workshop at AMS in January

  • Winter Concert in February

  • Jazz Showcase in April

Instrumentation: The 7th jazz band consists of typical jazz instruments: saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm section (piano, drums, bass, guitar).    In addition, any student in 7th grade band can perform in 7th grade jazz band on the instrument they currently play in 7th grade band..  Realize that students need to play a “jazz instrument” in 8th grade jazz band, if they would like to continue.  Students who are interested in playing trap set, piano or guitar should have previous years of experience and/or a private instructor.  Students interested in playing a different instrument in jazz band should contact Mr. Tallman to determine their options. 

The AMS 7th grade band sends students to two honor band opportunities.  Selection is made by the honor band organizers according to director nominations.  AMS 7th grade band students may indicate interest in being nominated for honor band.