7th Grade Concert Band

7th GRADE CONCERT BAND COURSE DESCRIPTION

The 7th Grade Band Concert Band is an intermediate-level, academic class for second-year band students. This course is designed for students that have completed our 6th Grade Beginning Band program. The 7th Grade Band students meet daily in a single, full band class. This class, students will continue building individual instrumental technique and second year music literacy with a focus on ensemble playing. The 7th Grade Concert Band will perform four concerts throughout the year including the SD 308 Junior High Fine Arts Festival; additional performances may be scheduled as events become available.  

7th Grade Band students are eligible to audition for optional, extra-curricular performance opportunities like the Thompson Jazz Band, the ILMEA District IX Honor Band, and the All-Illinois Junior Band; see Mr. Daniel to learn more.

7th Period - 12:54-1:35 PM: 7th Grade Concert Band

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

All student assignments, announcements, classroom communications, and grading occurs through our Google Classroom page. It is up to students to check our Google Classroom page regularly for new assignments information, updates about upcoming performances and events, and important resources. Please check your Google Classroom page daily.

MAKEMUSIC CLOUD
(formerly SmartMusic)

Each student will be issued an account for MakeMusic Cloud/SmartMusic, an interactive, web-based music assessment platform that gives students instant feedback while they practice at home. Students will use their school issued Chromebooks to practice and record playing assignments via MakeMusic Cloud. Students should expect 1-2 SmartMusic assignments due each week. Students can complete these assignments at home, in the Thompson practice rooms, or in person with one of the band teachers.

MakeMusic Student Login

CONCERT ATTIRE

Specific attire is required of all band members. When we all wear the same uniform, we become a true ensemble and a representative of our school.  

All Band members will wear the following at all performances:

• Black dress pants/skirt

• Black socks

• Black shoes (ALL BLACK – No other colors on the shoes)

• Music Department Polo Shirt (Purchase this at the beginning of the school year from the music department)

CONCERTS

Concerts/Performances:

• Concerts and other performances of the bands have the greatest point value of any single assignment or grade in band. 

• Concerts and other Performances are worth 50  points and have a significant impact on a student’s final grade. 

• ALL PERFORMANCES LISTED BELOW ARE REQUIRED – Any excused absence will need to be communicated and discussed with the director ahead of time (minimum of 2 weeks). 

• For students who have an excused absence and have also let the director know ahead of time, an alternate assignment will be worked out to take the place of the missed concert.

• All members of the bands are important and our success as an ensemble depends on the positive contributions and attendance of every single student.

• Required 7th Grade Concert Band performances include: 

  • Fall Band Concert, Wednesday, October 8, 2025: 6PM

  • Winter 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert, Wednesday, December 10, 2025: 6PM

  • Fine Arts Festival, Saturday, March 7, 2026: times TBA

  • Prairie State Band Festival - April 18th, 2026: 7th Band Grade Band only @ Plainfield East High School. Specific dates and time TBD

  • Spring Band Concert, Wednesday, May 13, 2025: 6PM