About the Bands

Beginning Band

This is Miller's entry level band. It is open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8, and it is appropriate for students with no musical experience as well as those who have elementary school band experience. Students learn to play band instruments from the very beginning. Those who have experience will refine their instrumental techniques to a higher level. They may also choose to learn a new instrument in the Beginning Band.

Mustang Band (intermediate band)

Open to students in grades 7 and 8 who have successfully completed one year of middle school band. Woodwind and brass players entering Mustang Band are expected to know to how to tongue, slur, and play the following concert pitch scales fluently, one octave: Bb, Eb, F, Ab, and the chromatic scale.

Percussionists are expected to have facility on snare drum as well as mallets (xylophone, marimba), They should be able to execute paradiddles, buzz rolls, flams, and flam taps on snare drum, and they should be able to play the Bb, Eb, F, and Ab concert major scales and the chromatic scale fluently on a mallet instrument.

Advanced Band

Open to students in grades 7 and 8 by audition only. The Miller Advanced Band is a highly select group made up of the most serious and dedicated Miller band musicians. Instrumentation is limited. Students (and parents) in the Advanced Band must commit to participating in all Miller Advanced Band performances for the school year. Parents, do not schedule trips on days that conflict with Miller Advanced Band performances. We hope that parents will not schedule trips on school days in general.