About the Program

5th Grade Band

The Mediapolis Instrumental Music Program begins in fifth grade. Students will choose an instrument within the first two weeks of classes. There will be an informational meeting for both parents/guardians and students where parents can learn about their options for obtaining an instrument for their student(s). This will be virtual this year so watch your email for a link. The fifth grade band rehearsals will take place in the Mediapolis band room. They will perform in two different concerts.

6th Grade Band

The 6th Grade Band rehearses every other day. They will perform 4 concerts throughout the school year. The goal of this ensemble is to start to work on ensemble skills. They will have weekly 15-minute lessons.

7th/8th Grade Band

This ensemble rehearses every other day, and they have 4 concerts every year. They also will be required to prepare a solo and perform for a judge (at the Mediapolis Junior High Solo Night). They will have weekly 15-minute lessons.

The MEPO Marching Band

The MEPO Marching Band is for high school students only. The group’s season starts with a mandatory marching band camp in late July/early August. We will have one before school rehearsal every week until marching band season is over. Additional sectional rehearsals may be added at a later time. The group performs at all home football games and we will be attending three marching band events this year along with one parade. Students enrolled in band are considered members of the group and are required to be at all rehearsals and performances.

Color Guard

Color Guard is open to high school band members. Auditions will take place in May every year. Color Guard has two summer camps to prepare them for the upcoming season: Color Guard Camp (July) and Band Camp (August). In addition, students will have extra color guard practices throughout the marching band season. Students in color guard are expected to come to weekly band lessons to work on improving their skills on their band instrument.

High School Concert Band

The High School Concert Band is the performing group that immediately follows the fall marching band season. The group performs at three concerts within the school year. In addition, the ensemble competes in various other festivals sponsored by the state. Students enrolled in band are considered members of the group and are required to be at all rehearsals and performances.

Pep Band

The Pep Band is composed of students who are members of the High School Band. 7th and 8th Grade Band Students may join us as well, but it is only required for high school students. These events will count towards the performance requirement for the 2nd semester and are required events just like any concert or marching band performance. Students who are involved in winter athletics will be excused from performances that conflict with a home or away event for their team. We will be performing at 4 basketball games this year.

Jazz Band Opportunities

The Jazz Bands are small ensembles which study and perform jazz music at concerts and in various places in the community. Middle School Jazz Band membership is open to any band member with the desire to learn about jazz and who qualify for the needs of the Jazz Band (including the specific instrumentation of a jazz band). The Mediapolis Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble open to 7th through 12th grade students. The Mediapolis Jazz Ensemble is made up of a specific number of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, drumset, vibes, piano, bass guitar, and guitar. All students who choose to be in Jazz Band are required to be at all rehearsals and performances.

Small Ensembles

Although there is not a class for small ensembles and they are not required, they are definitely encouraged. There are so many options when it comes to creating a small ensemble, AND it opens many doors to different performance settings. If you are interested in participating in a small ensemble, please discuss the options with either Mr. Greiner or Mrs. Greiner.

Page updated

Report abuse