8th Grade Band

Students enrolled in 8th grade band are assigned to attend large group rehearsals on A days or B days.  Each group rehearses every other day with Mr. Thompson during 1st period.  In the week before a concert, the bands rehearse together to prepare for the performance. 

Each 8th grade band student is assigned to a lesson group that meets one day per week during 7th 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 account 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 either: 1) their current scale assignments (Chromatic and major scale(s)), or 2) two lines of their current lesson book assignment. Recordings can be emailed to Mr. Thompson.  Recordings may be in either video or audio format. To receive credit, makeup recordings must reflect preparation of the music.

• Fall concert in November. This concert is shared with the 7th grade concert band.

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

• Ensemble Festival in early 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 7th grade concert bands. 

• Out-of-town festival performance in May.

*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, although priority is given to 6th and 7th grade students.  By high school, all woodwind and brass players typically have their own instrument for high school band, with the exception of French horn, baritone, and tuba.  Please don't hesitate to contact an AMS band instructor if you would like help procuring your own instrument. 

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. 

Each 8th grade band student will have their own lesson book, provided by the school. These books will remain the property of Ames Middle School and will be turned in at the end of the year. Students will be responsible for replacing lost lesson books.

As a class, 8th 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 8th grade band concerts and Ensemble Festival

Grade updates will be posted regularly on Infinite Campus. 

Pep Band is open to any member of the 8th grade band.  We will rehearse pep band tunes during regular band rehearsal and perform for select school assemblies and athletic events.  No commitment is necessary - students may sign up to perform with the pep band whenever they choose.  The pep band schedule will be announced at a later date. 

Students who participate in pep band should obtain a lyre for holding their music.  This page has the details. 

8th Grade Jazz Band is an extra-curricular opportunity for students in 8th grade band.  The jazz season runs from mid-September through late March.  

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

Performances: The 8th grade jazz band performs three times each year. 

• • Jazz Workshop at AMS in January

  • Winter Concert and Out-of-Town Festival in February

  • Jazz Concert in late March.

Instrumentation: The 8th jazz band consists of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm section (piano, drums, bass, guitar).  8th grade band members who do not play one of those instruments but would like to participate in jazz band should talk to Mr. Thompson about options. 

The AMS 8th grade band sends students to two opportunities, which are available by audition.  The first step for either is to audition for the SCIBA honor band, which happens very early in the school year.  This document contains information on our honor band opportunities.