Band
Welcome to the Jones College Prep Band Home Page!
At Jones we offer courses in Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band.
Click the buttons above to explore each course offering!
JCP Bands Slideshow!
Jones College Prep offers four band courses:
About the Director
Michael Block
Director of Band
Jones College Prep
Mr. Block is the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Jones College Preparatory High School. Outside of school, Mr. Block arranges, composes, records and performs throughout the Chicagoland area. Mr. Block holds two bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Music Performance (Jazz Studies) from Eastern Illinois University.
Why should I join band?
Joining the band in high school can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience for a multitude of reasons:
Musical Skill Development: Band offers the chance to develop and refine your musical skills on an instrument of your choice. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, the band provides a structured environment for improvement and growth.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Being part of a band teaches you the importance of teamwork and collaboration. You'll learn to listen to others, blend your sound with different instruments, and work together to create a unified musical performance.
Friendships and Community: Band creates a close-knit community where you can form strong friendships with fellow musicians who share your passion. The shared experiences, rehearsals, and performances create lasting bonds.
Discipline and Time Management: Regular practice sessions, rehearsals, and performances help you develop discipline and time management skills. Balancing your academic responsibilities with band commitments teaches you to manage your time effectively.
Creative Expression: Music is a powerful form of self-expression. Playing an instrument allows you to channel your emotions and creativity into your performance, fostering a deeper connection to the art.
Cultural and Historical Appreciation: Band repertoire often includes music from various cultures and historical periods. Through playing this music, you can gain insights into different traditions and historical contexts, broadening your cultural awareness.
Confidence Building: As you improve your skills and contribute to group performances, your confidence and self-esteem naturally grow. Performing in front of an audience further boosts your confidence.
Leadership Opportunities: Many band programs offer leadership roles, such as section leader or drum major. These roles help you develop leadership skills and take on responsibilities within the group.
College and Career Advantages: Participation in band can enhance your college application, especially if you excel or hold leadership positions. It also opens up opportunities for music scholarships and could potentially influence your future career choices.
Life-Long Enjoyment: Learning to play an instrument and being part of a musical community can be a life-long source of enjoyment. Even if you don't pursue a career in music, the skills and memories you gain from band can stay with you forever.
Performance Opportunities: Band offers various performance opportunities, from school concerts to competitions, parades, and community events. These experiences allow you to showcase your hard work and dedication to a wider audience.
Stress Relief and Emotional Well-Being: Music is known to have therapeutic effects, and playing an instrument can be a healthy outlet for stress relief and emotional expression.
Overall, joining the band in high school can provide a well-rounded and fulfilling experience that nurtures your musical talents, social connections, and personal growth. Whether you're driven by a love for music, a desire to challenge yourself, or a longing for camaraderie, the band offers a platform to pursue your passions and create lasting memories.