Bristow Big Band @ Jazz for a Cause, Friday November 20th 2025 Location: Hall High School
6th Grade Winter Concert: Thursday, December 11th 2025! 7:00pm
7th/8th Winter Concert: Monday, December 8th 2025! 7:00pm
🗓️ Bristow Band Calendar - 📆 CLICK HERE 📆
(Concert Dates, BBB Rehearsals & more!)
Where Can I Repair My Instrument?
The following locations are recommended for instrument repairs. All of them should be able to handle most repair needs:
Dave Natale : Email Band teacher for Phone # (West Hartford , CT)
Music and Arts : (860) 231-9562 (West Hartford , CT)
Beller's Music : (860) 649-2036 (East Hartford , CT)
JC Music : (203) 630-0234 (Meriden , CT)
Elite Woodwinds – (860) 426-1961 (Milldale , CT)
6th Grade Band is a class that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This course gives students the opportunity to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and language skills through the study of musical literacy.
Consistent practice is expected and will be assessed as part of the course grade. Students are also required to participate in all major performances, including the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and Memorial Day March, which are graded components of the class.
Prior experience on an instrument is required to participate in the 6th Grade Band. However, unique cases may be considered on an individual basis by the band director.
As part of the curriculum, students will also attend pull-out lessons on a rotating schedule. These lessons focus on individual technique , and instruemnt specifc demands.
You will need all your materials including instrument and method book by Wednesday , September 3rd. Please make sure to have all materials by this date!
Google Classroom Code: leq32kkz
Adventures in Music Book , Volume 2 , by Cliff Schoffer " - Click here to order book. Your book will be automatically delivered to the school and given to your student. If you prefer to pay with cash, please email the Band Director at jesus_cortessanchez@whps.org
Renting a Musical Instrument + (Reeds, Valve oils, Sticks etc ....) : (please reach out to stores personally via phone , in person or website --- links below are for contact info only.
Music and Arts (West Hartford, CT) - Click here
Bellers Music Store (East Hartford , CT) - Click here
JC Music (Meriden, CT) - Click Here
Bristow Middle school - EMAIL Band director
AMAZON - Recommended Online orders: Reeds , Valve Oil, Slide oil , Instrument stands ; Click here -- Instruments found here are not recommend.
Vic Forth - *Percussion only ; Online Order "Protoge Education Pack". Click here.
Ebay - Online order "Email Band director before purchasing any instrument) . Click here.
Bristow Blue Polo Shirt . - Click here
*Important: Our method book Adventures in Music volume 2 does not have a percussion version yet . Percussion students should purchase the Flute/Mallet option.
7th Grade Band is a class that meets on Mondays , Wednesdays and Thursdays. It provides the opportunity for students to build upon their ensembles skills. Focusing on intonation , articulation , dynamics , phrasing and style . Through pull out lessons students track their progress focusing on rhythmic folk song units out of the "Adventures in Music Book , Volume 2 , by Cliff Shoffer " . For the 2024-2025 school year 7th and 8th grade band will combine. Meaning we will have combined rehearsals leading up to the concert.
Materials needed -- CLICK HERE
Google Classroom Code : krbv3wo
Welcome back talented 8th graders! Please read below our welcome letter and note materials you need to start the school year
WELCOME LETTER!!!-
CLICK HERE 🎶
The 8th Grade Band is a class that meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In this class, students will focus on developing their skills in scale permutations, scale degree knowledge, rhythmic counting, solo transcription, and performing classical or jazz instrumental works. We will also continue to strengthen our ensemble skills by working on challenging band classics, providing students with a preview of the level of repertoire they can expect in high school. Additionally, students will complete the units from Adventures in Music by Mr. Schofer.
For the 2024-2025 school year, the 7th and 8th Grade Bands will combine, meaning students will participate in joint rehearsals in preparation for the concert.
Google Classroom Code : coaqd4h
Welcome back BBB!
First Rehearsal : Thursday , September 11th , 2025
(3:00-4:15pm) .
Rehearsal CALENDAR - CLICK HERE
Please download the Remind app for live updates, rehearsal cancellations, and quick contact with the Band Director. Class Name: 2025-2026 Bristow Big Band ; Class Code: @222862
The Bristow Big Band is the premier ensemble at our middle school, and participation requires an audition at the beginning of the school year. In this group, students will have the opportunity to perform a diverse range of music, including jazz, rock, Latin, and other genres. The Bristow Big Band meets Thursdays after school from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM, as well as Tuesdays before school from 7:20 AM to 8:00 AM. For more information and to access audition materials, please select "Bristow Big Band" at the top of this webpage.
Performances for 2024-2025 year include :
Select groups " Tour Day " (1/16/26)
Select group " Winter Concert " (1/22/26)
BBB at the Pops N Jazz @ Hall High School (3/13/26)
All Bands Spring Concert (5/14/26)
Celebrate West Hartford (6/6/26)
REMIND APP LOGO.pdfIs it important to have all the required materials?
Absolutely! In our band classes and ensemble rehearsals, we will be using Adventures in Music by Cliff Schoffer as the core of our curriculum. This book will help students expand their musical vocabulary, enhance their literacy, develop their technical skills, and track their progress as they master different lessons. Through this resource, we will focus on key areas like rhythm, articulation, and range—all of which are essential for preparing students for regional and high school auditions.
Additionally, having access to a quality instrument—whether through purchase or rental—will greatly support a student's growth. A well-crafted instrument leads to better tone and overall performance. Music and Arts and Elite Woodwinds offer excellent instruments, and Bristow Middle School also provides rental options, though the selection may vary in quantity and quality.
