Ensembles

6th Grade Beginning Band

This is where it all begins! Beginning Band is a curricular year-long course that is open to all students entering 6th grade at ARMS. No prior musical experience is necessary. Beginning classes are offered for flute, clarinet, trumpet, euphonium, and trombone. Even more instruments are available in the second year of playing. Students will learn basic music theory and will explore how to play a musical instrument. Students will have several performance opportunities throughout the year. 6th grade is your only chance to join the ARMS Band Program. You will not be able to join in 7th or 8th grade.

7th Grade Intermediate Band

Intermediate Band is a curricular year-long course for 7th grade students who are starting their second year of band. We focus on developing our instrumental skills even further, and expand student opportunities for performance and travel. Starting in Intermediate Band, students will be able to join the ARMS Jazz and Pep Bands, audition for All-County, All-District, and All-State Honor Bands, compete in Solo & Ensemble Contest, and much more.

8th Grade Advanced Band

Advanced Band is a curricular year-long course for 8th grade band students who are starting their third year of band. We continue to develop our skills as we prepare students for high school band, and focus on developing self-discipline, confidence, teamwork, and leadership. As the top ensemble at ARMS, the standards are very high as we represent our school in contests, festivals, competitions, and auditions.

ARMS Jazz Program

Our jazz program is an extra-curricular after-school group of 7th and 8th graders, and is open to all current band students. Students have the option of being the ARMS Big Band and one of the four ARMS Jazz Combos.

The ARMS Big Band is an auditioned group consisting of two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, one bari saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, and rhythm section. The ARMS Big Band is a competitive ensemble and rehearsals are required even during track out.

The ARMS Jazz Combos are organized by track and are open to any instrument. These combos will perform at school events, elementary recruitment trips, and jazz concerts.