West Cary Middle School Band

Under the direction of Mrs. Amber Grissom Maxwell​

​Beginning Band is a year-long course. Emphasis is on learning basic musical skills as students learn to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instruments. Band classes work on a variety of musical styles and prepare some for performance. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances. Students may choose from flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone. 

Please click here for more information about Beginning Band and getting an instrument.

Students that would like to play percussion (drums) will need to start on one of the above instruments and then try out for percussion in December/January. I look not only for musical ability, but also maturity and ability to master multiple techniques and soloing.  Percussion includes drums and mallet instruments. You have to learn both.To try out for percussion, you must start on Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, or Trombone.

INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFORMATION

Prior musical knowledge is not required.

Students are asked to provide their own instrument. If that is not possible, please contact the teacher and we will work with you. We have some instruments that we can loan to students.

Beginning Parent/Student Meeting - TBA

Students will not need instruments until Fall 2026.

Students will need to purchase their instruments, book: Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Book 1, and other instrument accessories. Most can be purchased at Parent/Student Meeting. Please, see the link above for more information.

7th and 8th grade Band

Both are year-long courses that is available for 7th and 8th grades students with previous band experience. This class is a continuation of the skills taught in Beginning Band with further development of tone production, breath support, and music reading. Students are introduced to performance skills and techniques. Students are encouraged to perform as individuals and as members of an ensemble. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances. 

Students are expected to provide their own instrument.  However, some instruments, especially the larger ones (such as tuba, bari sax, etc.) may be borrowed from the school.

Students are expected to purchase their own books: Hal Leonard's Essential Elements Book 2, which will be used their entire time in Concert Band.  

All members are asked to purchase a West Cary Band polo shirt, which will be worn for formal performances, and have the option of purchasing a West Cary Fine Arts t-shirts and sweatshirt that are worn for more information performances. Purchase shirts here.