Dear 8th Grade Band Families,
I hope this information finds you well and excited about your musical journey! As an 8th grader, you’re likely looking ahead to high school, I want to take a moment to talk about an amazing opportunity that will be waiting for you: joining the Emmaus High School Band Program!
First of all, congratulations on your hard work and dedication in band so far! As you transition from middle school to high school, your musical skills will continue to grow, and high school bands will provide you with even more exciting challenges and opportunities. Here’s what you need to know as you prepare for this next step:
Emmaus High School offers opportunities to participate in marching band, which is a fun and energetic part of high school band life. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a great way to build teamwork and school spirit. Additionally, there are often other ensembles you can join, like jazz band, pep band, brass ensemble, woodwind ensemble, percussion ensemble, symphonic band and wind ensemble. These groups provide a chance to focus on specific styles of music and develop your skills in different ways.
In high school, balancing band with schoolwork and other activities is important. You’ll need to stay organized and manage your time well to keep up with rehearsals, performances, and assignments. However, the skills you learn in band, like discipline and teamwork, will help you excel in many areas of life. Although band seems like a lot of time, our students tend to be the most successful at balancing their time between school work and their activities through participation in band.
Being part of the Emmaus High School band is not only about improving your musical skills but also about making lifelong friendships. You’ll be part of a supportive community of musicians who share your passion for music. The friendships you form in band often become some of the most meaningful during your high school years.
One of the most exciting aspects of high school band is the opportunity to perform at concerts, pep rallies, football games, parades, and festivals. Performing in front of an audience is one of the best ways to build confidence and become a stronger musician. Emmaus High School also allows our band to travel. Our band does a large trip every other year including Disney World every 4 years.
Emmaus High School offers the following classes and extra curricular ensembles. Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Wind Ensemble. More details about each ensemble can be found on the Classes and Ensembles page or on the individual ensemble pages for those that are available.
Provide a list of the instruments students can join the band with (e.g., woodwinds, brass, percussion, etc.).
If the program provides instruments or has rental options, mention that. If students are expected to have their own, include a note about where they can get instruments (e.g., local music stores, rentals).
Include quotes or short videos from current or past students sharing their positive experiences in the band program. Focus on personal stories about growth, fun, and the impact the band has had on their high school life.
Auditions:
The only ensemble that REQUIRES an audition is Jazz Ensemble. Information about Jazz auditions can be found on the Jazz Band page. Your middle school directors may have you perform a piece of music for a teacher at the high school to figure out what ensembles would work for you and seating in your section.
Classes:
Symphonic Band and Jazz ensemble must be registered through your guidance counselor. The class codes for these ensembles are listed below. All other ensembles are extra-curricular, sign-ups are done through your middle school band director for marching band and Mr. Koppenol for all other ensembles later in the year. You can find more information under the Courses and Ensembles page.
Share when and where rehearsals happen (i.e., after school, evenings, or weekends) and the expected schedule.
Mention if students will have any flexibility with scheduling conflicts, especially for students involved in other extracurricular activities.
Showcase a calendar of key events: concerts, competitions, festivals, parades, or any other notable performances.
Highlight any special events like band camps, trips, or community outreach performances.
Describe the band program's sense of camaraderie, teamwork, and support. Show how students can form lasting friendships and become part of a close-knit, fun-loving group.
Include pictures of students having fun at band camp, performances, or social events.
Address common concerns or questions that 8th-grade students or their parents might have, such as:
“What if I don’t know how to play an instrument yet?”
“What are the time commitments for band?”
“Can I join if I’m involved in other extracurricular activities?”
“What’s the best way to get involved?”
Provide the band director’s contact information (email, phone number) and any other relevant links (school website, social media pages, etc.) for more information or questions.
Optionally, include a form for prospective students to submit questions or request a meeting with the director.
End the page with a clear, enthusiastic call to action, encouraging prospective students to take the next step, whether it’s attending an info session, signing up for an audition, or simply contacting the director with questions.
By presenting your high school band program as an exciting and welcoming opportunity, you’ll be able to attract motivated, passionate 8th-grade students eager to join the program!