RMS Bands
Mr. George Parker--Director of Bands
Jazz Bands
Yes, even 6th graders interested in the jazz program can audition for one of two jazz bands at Russell--Jazz 1 and Jazz 2. Auditions are held in the fall, starting the 2nd week of school. Jazz band is open to sax, trombone, euphonium/baritone, trumpet, piano, electric guitar, bass, mallet, and drum set players. Players interested in switching from flute or clarinet to tenor sax, for example, can easily switch over. Our jazz bands meet before school hours from 7-7:35 a.m. two times a week. We play a variety of styles from swing, to rock, to Latin. We go to the UNO Great Plains Jazz Festival, the NSBA Jazz Festival, and the Bellevue East Jazz Festival.
6th Grade Concert Band
Sixth Grade Concert Band is a continuation of the Fifth Grade band program. Students in the Sixth Grade Band perform two concerts--one in December and one in April. We learn together, grow together, and make music together. If you love instrumental music, come join us! Sixth grade concert band is open to all instruments except piano and kazoo!
Extra-Curricular Events
Even though honor bands are limited to 7th and 8th grade band students, sixth graders can participate in the MPS Solo & Ensemble Festival at the end of April. Many 6th grade students are involved in Jazz 2, and a select few even make Jazz 1! Each year brings new opportunities for students to get involved.
Pictured are several students from 7th and 8th grade at the MWHS Pep Band Night.
Meet the Director
Mr. Parker is in his thirteenth year of teaching band at Russell Middle School. He also directs the elementary band programs at Ackerman and Willowdale Elementary. He is married to his wife, Anne, also a music educator, and has two wonderful boys, Thomas, a sophmore @ UNO, and Graham, a junior at Omaha Christian Academy. In his spare time, Mr. Parker likes to drum, mountain bike, fish, and do activities with his family.
