Beginner Band

Beginning band class at Bradley Middle School consists of a group of students divided by instrument classification. Some classes will be grouped according to the type of instrument, i.e. low brass; other classes will be “like” instruments, i.e. clarinet class or French horn class, etc. All students in these classes have been or will be tested to determine which instrument they will play. Instruments will be assigned primarily according to the abilities of the student and then the needs of the band program.

This course will cover basic fundamentals of tone production and note reading. This is an all-year class. These classes are combined at various times through the year to prepare for concerts. There will be graded weekly full band rehearsals for one hour every Thursday. Students who have transportation problems with rehearsals or concerts should discuss the problem with their parents and band directors early so that a solution can be found. Beginning band students will also have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble contest held at Bradley Middle School in the spring.

Concert Band

Prerequisites for the Concert Band at Bradley Middle School include Beginning Band and teacher recommendation. This course is designed for students who have completed one or more years of study on their band instruments. Members of this organization will perform at concerts and will spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. There is a $30.00 maintenance fee for students using school owned instruments.

Students are expected to be performing at grade level on their instruments. They should be striving to maintain excellent team-oriented discipline. Solo and group contests provide opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators outside the District and are highly encouraged. Students may be required to attend extra practices as we get closer to concerts or competition. This is an all-year class. Opportunities will exist for students to be moved to Symphonic Band if their performance, academic standing, and discipline are on a level justifying advancement.

Symphonic Band

Prerequisites for the Symphonic Band at Bradley Middle School include Beginning Band and teacher recommendation. This course is designed for students who have completed one or more years of study on their band instruments. Members of this organization will perform at UIL competitions and concerts and will spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. There is a $30.00 maintenance fee for students using school owned instruments.

Students are expected to be performing at grade level on their instruments. They should be striving to maintain excellent team-oriented discipline. Solo and group contests and Region Band competition provide opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators outside the District and are highly encouraged. Students may be required to attend extra practices as we get closer to concerts or competition. This is an all-year class. Opportunities will exist for students to be moved to Honor Band if their performance, academic standing, and discipline are on a level justifying advancement.

There will be mandatory before and/or after school sectionals and rehearsals each week. 

Honor Band

Prerequisites for Honor Band at Bradley Middle School include Student Audition and Teacher Recommendation. This is the advanced band at Bradley Middle School that consists of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instruments. Members of this organization will perform at UIL competitions, contests, and concerts and should be prepared to dedicate time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. Every other year, the top band will participate in state Honor Band recordings and may require additional mandatory practices and performances to be competitive. There is a $30.00 maintenance fee for students using school owned instruments.

Students’ selection to this class will be greatly influenced by students’ past record of personal discipline, dedication, sense of commitment, level of performance, academic standing, and their abilities to function as members of a team. Attendance and participation are required at all concerts, solo and group contests and Region Band contest. Contests are extremely important and provide competitive opportunities for students to receive constructive criticism from adjudicators outside the District. This is an all-year class. Students are expected to come once a week to either a before school or after school rehearsal. Students not complying with the class requirements or not maintaining performance standards or discipline levels commensurate with an honors class will be moved down to Symphonic Band at the earliest opportunity.

There will be mandatory before and/or after school sectionals and rehearsals each week. 

Jazz Band 

There are five jazz bands in the band program: Jazz Ensemble, Studio Jazz Band, Jazz Lab, Jazz Combo, and Beginner Jazz Band. All Jazz groups are advanced enriching courses that explore those styles of music not normally associated with concert bands. Students will trace the jazz influence on all forms of music, especially the music of the “Big Band Era”. Special emphasis will be placed on scales, chords, blues progressions and other music theory as related to composition and improvisation. Students are placed in jazz bands in May of the previous school year and can move between the bands based on work ethic, practice habits, ability, and the needs of the ensembles.