Beginner Band:

Beginner Flute, Oboe/Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone/Baritone/Tuba, Percussion

Beginner Band Level is designed to teach students how to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. No prior music experience or knowledge is required. Students will learn to read music and perform music. Band concerts and competitions will allow students to experience live performances. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills. In most cases, students will need to furnish their instruments and be committed to an advanced band after one year of study. Students will be placed appropriately according to instrument selection and/or proficiency level.

Concert Band:

This course is designed for students who have completed one or two years of study on their band instrument but who have not yet achieved a level of excellence commensurate with being named to an advanced band. The students will continue to strive to achieve this level in hopes of being placed in an advanced band after the second year of study. Band literature is slightly more advanced and promotes increased teamwork, expression, leadership, and problem solving skills. Band concerts include music of all styles. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

Symphonic Band:

This is the advanced band that is made up of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instrument. Members of this organization will perform at UIL competitions and at concerts, and should be prepared to spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances.Band literature is more advanced and promotes increased teamwork, expression, leadership, and problem solving skills.

Honor Band:

This is the advanced band that is made up of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instrument. Members of this organization will perform at UIL competitions and at concerts, and should be prepared to spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances.Band literature is more advanced and promotes increased teamwork, expression, leadership, and problem solving skills.

Jazz Band 2:

This course is designed for intermediate or advanced level students interested in an enrichment opportunity to learn how to play jazz literature. All jazz styles and genres of music are explored and an introduction to improvisation is provided. No prior knowledge of jazz is required. Students participating in this course are concurrently enrolled in band class to ensure continued development of music fundamentals. Students wishing to learn a secondary instrument for Jazz band will be enrolled in this course. Students will experience concerts and competitions while enrolled in this ensemble.

Jazz Band 1:

This course is designed for advanced level students interested in developing a mastery level of performance techniques in jazz. All jazz styles and genres of music are explored and students develop accomplished skills in improvisation. Extensive performance opportunities and jazz festivals/competitions are available in this course. Students participating in this course are concurrently enrolled in band class to ensure continued development of music fundamentals.

1. How do I sign up for band and do I need music experience?

You do not need any prior music experience. We teach you everything

you need to know.

2. What will I learn/do in Band?

You will learn to play a cool instrument and develop skills that you can use throughout your life such as setting goals and achieving them as well as working together as a team. You will develop a love of music that will last a lifetime. When you are in an Advanced Band in 7th and 8th grade, you will get to perform at Churchill and MacArthur Games, Festivals, and in state-wide contests!

3. Who are my band directors?

Mr. Elizondo and Mr. Smith

4. When will my band class meet?

Band meets EVERY DAY for 45 minutes as one of your classes during the school day.

5. Who will be in my band class?

You will be with all of your friends that play the same instrument. For example, if you play the flute, you will be in class with the other flute players.

6. How do I choose an instrument?

Once we receive your information from the Counselor, we will send you a letter inviting you meet at Bradley MS with the band staff and try different instruments.

7. Can I participate in band AND other activities?

ABSOLUTELY! If you are in a performing arts class, you are allowed to be in two elective classes. In addition, participation in sports starts in the 7th grade and we work with the coaches to make doing both activities and positive experience.

8. Will being in band affect my grades?

Yes, FOR THE BETTER! Research has shown that students enrolled in band earn higher scores on standardized tests. This suggests that the skills learned in Band help students achieve success in other areas!