Basics of Reading Music, Ensemble Performance - Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15am

This class serves to prepare students for band by teaching basic notes and rhythms in an ensemble setting. Students will be using handbells, Boomwhackers, and recorders to help develop the timing and coordination needed for them to succeed in band. They will perform in the Christmas Concert and in a performance before Spring Break. Classes begin August 26 and will go until March 10 (Spring Break).

Beginning Band - Tuesdays, 2:20-3:20pm

This group is for students 6th grade and up with no prior band experience. Instrument options are flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Contact Mr. Neely to get matched with an instrument that fits your aptitude and interest! If you are under 6th grade, you must take the music-reading/recorder class and / or show your ability to read music before taking Beginning Band.

We primarily focus on good basics in Beginning Band: correct posture/maintenance, basic fingerings, and good tone production.

This group will play in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and students have the opportunity to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival in the spring.

Concert 2 Band - Tuesdays, 1:00-2:10pm

This is for students who have completed Beginning Band. Focus is on continued technique formation and good tone production and articulation, with increased development of independent playing. 

This group will play in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and students have the opportunity to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival in the Spring.

Concert 1 Band - Tuesdays, 11:40am-12:50pm

This next level is for students who have mastered all the concepts from Accent on Achievement Book 1.  Focus is on continued technique formation and good tone production, including tuning and balance.  Students will learn various sixteenth note rhythms and work on major scale patterns.  At the end of each semester, Concert 1 Band students may audition for placement into the Symphonic Band.  

This group will play in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and students have the opportunity to audition for All-State / Honor Band, and also to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival in the Spring.

Symphonic Band - Tuesdays, 9:00-10:20am

This band is for more proficient students with at least 2 years experience. Audition is required. This ensemble will focus on the finer points of musicianship, performance, and quality concert band literature. Students from this band will be prepared to audition for district level events, and we will often perform at the district MPA festival.

This group will play in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and students have the opportunity to audition for All-State / Honor Band, and also to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival in the Spring.

Jazz Band - Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am

All students with at least 2 years band experience who are currently enrolled in band are welcome to attend this band to explore improvisation and several jazz genres. All instruments, not just traditional "jazz instruments," may come!

The music is tough, but rewarding, and we have a great time!