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The Midwood Band program features a variety of ensembles for students with different experience levels that meet daily in B15. The band room recently underwent a significant and lengthy renovation that included new floors, shelving, acoustic paneling, and instrument storage. Students of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to take band and the various levels of bands are outlined below.
Instruments in Band
The standard band instruments include: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (alto/tenor/bari), Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, Bass, and Percussion
We are lucky to be able to provide all woodwind and brass-playing band students with their own individual sanitized instrument for the duration of their time in band (at no cost to students/families). This includes all necessary supplemental equipment and supplies (reeds, oils, lubricants, cleaning/maintenance supplies, etc.)
The above image shows the current band courses offered with the course codes in parentheses. All band classes except Music Appreciation Band (UAS11QB) require a specific Midwood music teacher recommendation.
Students interested in playing in a Midwood band are encouraged to contact a Midwood music teacher and talk to their guidance counselor about their options for band classes.
Midwood Music Teachers: Mrs. Duffy, Mr. Hayen and Mr. Jordan
The standard band course sequence for students who start in band without any previous experience is as follows:
Music Appreciation Band (UAS11QB) fall term ➔ Beginner Band (UWS11) spring term ➔ Symphonic Band (UJS11) fall and spring terms ➔ Wind Ensemble (UDS11) fall and spring terms
Band Course Descriptions
Music Appreciation Band (UAS11QB)
No prerequisites or teacher recommendation required
Brand new band students only (single term course)
Multiple sections between periods 3-9 in fall and spring terms (but fall term strongly encouraged)
Music Appreciation Band is an introduction to band class designed for students with no prior experience on a band instrument. Students are guided to select a band instrument, learn fundamental music literacy/playing skills, and work together to play full band arrangements by the end of the course. With this solid foundation, most students who successfully complete this course go on to Beginner Band in the spring term.
*PROGRAMMING NOTES:
Since this class is for students who have never played in a band, students with any previous experience on a band instrument are encouraged to contact a band director to see if another band is a better fit.
While this course also is offered in the spring, it is strongly encouraged that students start in the fall term to ensure they can continue into Beginner Band in the spring (Beginner Band is currently only offered in the spring term). Some select students from spring term Music Appreciation Band may be recommended for Symphonic Band the following fall (but this is a big leap in difficulty level)
Beginner Band (UWS11) [Spring Term Only]
Music teacher recommendation required
Second term band class for students with one term of band experience (or students with very limited middle school band experience)
Multiple sections between periods 3-9 in the SPRING term only
Beginner Band is designed as a second term band class where students with approximately one to six months of playing experience learn to play full band arrangements. Independent parts become more complex and student work is focused on individual practice techniques and performance preparation. The various Beginner Band classes come together for a massive, combined spring concert experience.
Symphonic Band (UJS11_1)
Music teacher recommendation required
Currently 10th period only
Might be listed as "Stage Band" in fall term (still UJS11)
Symphonic Band is an intermediate level band class for students who have approximately one to three years of experience playing their instrument. Symphonic Band expands students’ musical skills in individual practice, performance, and analytic listening skills. Students will develop more advanced instrumental technique unique to their instrument and share their progress through various performance opportunities.
*PROGRAMMING NOTES:
Students who start course in the fall term stay through the spring term (unless promoted to Wind Ensemble in the spring term through teacher recommendation)
Occasionally a student who is recommended for Wind Ensemble (UDS11) may take Symphonic Band if that student truly cannot fit Wind Ensemble into their schedule. This is not ideal and is done only as a last resort. (The reverse swap is not allowed; students must be recommended specifically for Wind Ensemble to take the course).
Wind Ensemble (UDS11_1)
Music teacher recommendation required
Currently 2nd period only
Might be listed as "Concert Band" in fall term (still UDS11)
Course Welcome Letter, Syllabus, and Instrument Contract PDF
The Wind Ensemble is Midwood's most advanced band and the premiere performing ensemble at Midwood. The band is featured in significant performing opportunities including the homecoming parade, special events, pep band at athletic games, open houses, concerts, music festivals/contests (such as NYSSMA) and graduation. Wind Ensemble students take an active role in mastering advanced techniques on their instrument and develop effective practice strategies to expand technical proficiency. Repertoire includes a variety of styles with increasingly independent parts. Advanced music theory understanding is developed through hands-on application of sight-reading and music literacy activities.
*PROGRAMMING NOTES:
Students who start course in the fall term stay through the spring term (or through multiple years)
Students must be recommended specifically for Wind Ensemble (UDS11) to take the course. Occasionally a student who is recommended for Wind Ensemble (UDS11) may take Symphonic Band (UJS11) if that student truly cannot fit Wind Ensemble into their schedule. This is not ideal and is done only as a last resort.
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