about Our Bands

Hammond Middle School Bands 

The HCPSS middle school band program builds upon the skills learned in the elementary school band program.  Band is a class that occurs regularly throughout the academic schedule. There is a strong emphasis on daily ensemble performance. Weekly instruction is given in the form of section lessons. In addition to seasonal performances, the adjudication process is introduced.  Students will be exposed to a wider variety of musical styles than those experienced in elementary school. There is an opportunity for participation in additional ensembles, such as GT Band and All-State.

• Wind Ensemble consists of 7th and 8th grade musicians.

• Symphonic Band consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade musicians.

• Concert Band (MU-100-1) consists of 6th and 7th grade musicians. 

Scroll down for the HMS Band Handbook and Syllabus.

Required Materials

The following is a list of required materials for participation in band. Students must have these materials in order to be successful on their instrument. Sheet music and a folder will be provided.

All students will need:

1.) Wire music stand (for practicing at home)

2.) Instrument in good playing condition (rental or owned)*

3.) Clearly labeled NAME TAG on case

4.) One-inch binder with at least at least 4 dividers (Handouts, Warmups/Technique, Current Repertoire, Past Repertoire)

5.) Metronome/ tuner (Korg TM-60 or similar); it’s okay to use a phone app like Tonal Energy for this at home, but students need a tuner for band class and cannot use their phones at school

6a.) Concert Band Students: Essential Elements Book 1 for your instrument

6b.) Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Students: Essential Elements Book 2 AND Foundations of Superior Performance for your instrument 

Students will also need the following required materials for their instrument:

Flutes:

1.) Flute cleaning rod (usually comes with the flute)

2.) Hodge or Jupiter flute swab

3.) Polishing cloth

Recommended flute brands: Yamaha - open hole, low B, silver head joint; Azumi; Di Zhao

Clarinets:

1.) At least five reeds at all times (Vandoren, strength 3)

2.) Cork grease

3.) Clarinet cleaning swab

4.) Recommended mouthpiece: Hite Premiere or Vandoren B45 with Rovner Dark ligature

Recommended clarinet brands: Buffet, Yamaha 

Bass Clarinets:

1.) At least five bass clarinet reeds at all times (Vandoren, strength 3)

2.) Cork grease

3.) Bass clarinet cleaning swab

4.) Polishing cloth

5.) Recommended mouthpiece/ligature: Clark Fobes Debut Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece with Rovner Dark ligature

Recommended bass clarinet brands: Yamaha, Jupiter, Vito 

Saxophones:

1.) At least five reeds at all times (Vandoren, strength 3 for alto, tenor, or bari)

2.) Cork grease

3.) Saxophone swab - Alto, Tenor, and/or Bari

4.) Polishing cloth

5.) Neck strap or harness

Recommended mouthpiece: Selmer C* or Yamaha 4C with Rovner H ligature

Recommended saxophone brands: Selmer Super Action 80, Yamaha

Oboes:

1.) Four handmade reeds at all times - I recommend Lakota Oboe Reeds

2.) Oboe reed case

3.) Cigarette paper

4.) Magnetic reed soaker/water container (or similar…old film canister, pill bottle, etc.)

5.) Cork grease

6.) Silk cleaning swab

Recommended oboe brand: Fox Renard

Bassoons:

1.) Four handmade reeds at all times - I recommend purchasing from Mr. Rob Sirois  rsirois@hcpss.org 

2.) Bassoon reed case

3.) Magnetic reed soaker/water container (or similar…old film canister, pill bottle, etc.)

4.) Bassoon wing/boot cleaning swab and bocal swab

5.) Seat strap AND harness (comes with your bassoon)

6.) Crutch/hand rest (comes with your bassoon)

7.) Cork grease for cork, or paraffin wax for string tenons

Recommended bassoon brand: Fox Renard

Trumpets

1.) Al Cass FAST Valve Oil

2.) Tuning slide grease

3.) Mouthpiece brush

4.) Cleaning snake

5.) Polishing cloth

Recommended trumpet brand: Yamaha 

Trombones:

1.) Bottle of “Yamaha Trombone Slide Lubricant”

2.) Tuning slide grease

3.) Small 2- or 3-oz  spray bottle for water (example)

4.) Mouthpiece brush and cleaning snake

5.) Polishing cloth

Recommended trombone brands: Bach Strad 42B, King 3B

Euphoniums & Tubas:

1.) Al Cass FAST Valve Oil (for piston valves)

      1a.) For rotary valve tubas ONLY, Holton rotary oil

2.) Tuning slide grease

3.) Mouthpiece brush

4.) Cleaning snake

5.) Polishing cloth

Recommended instrument brand: Yamaha 

French Horns:

1.) Bottle of Holton rotary oil

2.) Yamaha Horn Maintenance Kit (includes tuning slide grease, level oil, rotary oil, mouthpiece brush, snake, and cleaning kit

Recommended Horn brand: Holton Farkas, Conn 8D. Must have a Double Horn, not a single Horn

Percussion:

Percussionists need a number of items, but these supplies are relatively inexpensive. These items should last through high school. It is important that percussionists have as many of their own supplies as possible, so that we can minimize equipment sharing. Here is a link where you can see and purchase the sticks and mallets that percussionists will need: https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/hammond

Percussionists should also rent a percussion kit that includes bells and a drum pad for home practice.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation for our next instrument project, you can join the HMS Patron Program, donate to Mrs. Pretzello's Donor's Choose page, or pick an item from the HMS Band Wishlist!