About

Located in Ashwaubenon, WI, as part of the Ashwaubenon School District, the Parkview Middle School Band program proudly consists of more than 350 members strong, ranging from grades 6-8.

Ashwaubenon Music Program Mission Statement

To provide each K-12 student opportunities to create, perform, and respond through music, fostering a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

About the Ashwaubenon Music Program

The Ashwaubenon Music Program is a multifaceted program that is dedicated to fostering a lifelong appreciation of the arts. The curriculum is focused on developing music literacy for students at all grade levels and abilities as guided by the Wisconsin Music Education Associations (WMEA) Wisconsin Music Standards. The WMEA Standards highlight processes that lead to understanding, independence, and music literacy, while providing a holistic guide to Music Education in the 21st century.

Meet the Directors:

Mrs. Michelle Kuchta

Mrs. Kuchta has been an instrumental music teacher at Parkview Middle School since 1995. She co-directs all 8 bands. She also added 8th grade choir for one year in 2007. In 2009 she was an integral part of the creation of the guitar program, helped create the curriculum and began teaching the then newly added guitar classes.

She is the dedicated and proud Director of the Parkview Jazz Ensemble, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir and Woodwind Ensemble. She enjoys teaching these young musicians and helping them achieve their full potential by continuing education and being an active member of music organizations and community involvement. In addition, she was co-advisor of the Student Council at Parkview from 1996-2002 and again from 2007 to the present. Through Student Council, she organizes yearly fundraisers to aid organizations like the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and Feed My Starving Children. She also helps organize the school dances. She continued to pass on her talent and love of teaching by co advising the drama club and co-directing the Middle School Musical from 2007-2010. In addition, she has lead the organization of the middle school talent show from 2012-the present. Most recently, she has helped to start the Parkview chapter of StingCancer. Mrs. Kuchta, offers opportunities for students to grow and perform through organization of field trips to see the Symphony, the 8th grade band performance tour at the elementary schools, assistance with honors programs, auditions and pregame/halftime appearances at Green Bay Blizzard Games.

From 1988-2003, 2021-present, she was a member of the Green Bay City Band and served on their board for two of those years. She was a member of the Bay Area Wind Ensemble clarinet section from 1990-1995. From 1996-2006 she was a member of the St. Norbert Community Band clarinet section. She has also participated in their flute section. She has further expanded her study and participation in music by being a member of the Sounds of Silver adult flute choir since 2012. Mrs. Kuchta is also an active instrumentalist and vocalist in her church.

Mrs. Kuchta holds professional membership in the following groups: NAFME (National Association for Music Educators), NBA (National Band Association) and WYBDA (Wisconsin Youth Band Directors Association)

Mrs. Kuchta’s love of music began at a young age and in middle school brought her to the world of band. This has remained her passion. She received her Bachelors Degree from UW-Green Bay and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Viterbo College 1998. She holds triple certification in music to teach instrumental, choral and general music. Mrs. Kuchta proves her dedication and commitment to ongoing learning through her continuing education. She has attended several education programs that help her reach all children in a positive way, and create a learning environment that encourages them. She continues to share her skills by teaching private lessons in her home. She is married to her high school sweetheart Ross, and they have two children: Noah and Dayle.

Contact: mkuchta@ashwaubenonk12.org

920-492-2945 ex 4202

About Our Performing Ensembles:

6th Grade Band

No prior knowledge of playing an instrument is necessary to participate in 6th grade Band. Students will be matched with a band instrument based on their physical traits and interests as well as the needs of the group. Fundamentals of playing an instrument will be taught including: proper care, and maintenance of a musical instrument, reading and writing of notation, musical terms, and music history. Students will perform in concerts, along with receiving small group lessons.

At Parkview there are four different 6th grade bands that all come together to perform at the concerts. Two of these bands are brass and percussion while the other two are made up of woodwind players. This allows more focus attention and learning on their instruments as well as technique, especially as beginners on their instrument.

7th Grade Band

Parkview has two 7th grade bands that perform together for all concerts. These bands have all instruments in both ensembles.

This year-long course provides students with learning and performance opportunities on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students will be introduced to “comprehensive musicianship” through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills, which will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze and evaluate music, and use critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Students in these bands will perform in at least two concerts a year at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center, along with receiving individual and small group lessons. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, honor bands, and private lessons.

8th Grade Band

Parkview has two 8th grade bands that perform together for all concerts. These bands have all instruments in both ensembles.

This year-long course provides students with learning and performance opportunities on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students will be introduced to “comprehensive musicianship” through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills, which will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze and evaluate music, and use critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Students in these bands will perform in at least two concerts a year, along with receiving individual and small group lessons. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, honor bands, and private lessons.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is an extra-curricular activity that meets outside of the school day, typically before school. This ensemble is open to any 7th and 8th grade band student interested in trying out jazz. All 7th and 8th grade band students are welcome to join, regardless of instrument. An introduction to jazz is taught along with jazz techniques, swing beats, blues scales and more. The Jazz Band performs several times a year including concerts, the student-faculty basketball game, 8th grade graduation and more.

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