LINDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

 

     It is the objective of the middle school band program to provide the students with a comprehensive education in instrumental music.  All of the basic, as well as many advanced aspects of playing a musical instrument will be included.  A variety of musical material will be offered at each grade level to challenge and motivate all students in terms of their innate and/or achieved level of knowledge and skill.

 

     The skills learned while being a part of the school band program will serve the students beyond the classroom, and even beyond graduation.  The skill of self-discipline, individual responsibility, cooperative work within a group, and enhanced creativity will help the student become not only a good musician, but also a well rounded individual.  The technical fundamentals for a student’s particular instrument are also learned, so the student will find enjoyment through performance.

 

     The band calendar which is included is full of activities for the students.  All band students perform four evening concerts throughout the year as well as at school assemblies.  The seventh and eighth grade bands participate in district band festival which is held the first Saturday in March each year.  Seventh and eighth grade band students also have the choice to participate in solo and ensemble festival held the first Saturday in December.  All band students enjoy three great parties during the school year which includes food, drinks, basketball, volleyball, and a DJ dance.  Band is considered a year long class.  Drops can only be made at the semester break.

 

      Six band classes are offered each day at Linden Middle School:

                   Sixth Grade Woodwind Class

                   Sixth Grade Brass/Percussion Class

                   Seventh Grade Woodwind Class

                   Seventh Grade Brass/Percussion Class

                   Eighth Grade Woodwind Class

                   Eighth Grade Brass/Percussion Class

 

     There are many benefits to participating in band as listed above other than the joy and excitement it brings to play an instrument.  Research continues to prove that students who participate in band and music classes score higher on standardized tests especially in the verbal and math areas than non-music students.

 

Please note:  All band concerts are held in the middle school (LMS) cafeteria.  All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.  Students need to report to the concert at 6:30 p.m. for attendance and warm up.  All performances/concerts count as 20% of a student’s grade. 

Please note:  There is more than one date available for District Band Festival and State Band Festival.  As soon as I know the actual date I will send a note home.