At Wayland Middle School, we have a number of ensembles
(music groups) for band members. Some are audition groups,
some are invitational only and some are open to any student
who plays an instrument. As always, contact me if you have
any questions. muffitt@bandnotes.info
OUR PRIMARY BANDS
There are two large concert bands: one is called "concert
band" and the other is called "symphonic band". Both play
standard concert band music: band classics, marches,
musicals, orchestral transcriptions and some jazz or Latin
pieces. Students must take part in one of these two groups in order to be involved in the other bands.
CONCERT BAND is for sixth graders. Concert Band meets twice a week during flex period (A and B
days) and once a week for a small group workshop or
sectional. (Click for workshop
schedule)
(Click here for a calendar to tell you when A, B, C, etc. days are!)
SYMPHONIC BAND is for seventh and eighth graders.
Symphonic band meets twice a week during flex period (C and
E days) and once a week for a small group workshop or
sectional. (Click for workshop
schedule)
WIND ENSEMBLE is an honors group. It is open to
outstanding band members who are responsible and able to
play the parts. This is an invitational group and members
are chosen based on their work in symphonic band (or
occasionally concert band) during the fall term. In general, a wind
ensemble is a smaller group than a concert band,
with fewer people on a part; in our case our numbers vary from the standard as I try to include anyone who meets the criteria. We work on one
high school level piece and perform it at the spring
concert. Rehearsal time is variable & usually before
school. The group
meets from the end of December through the spring concert.
Although it is theoretically open to sixth, seventh and
eighth graders although sixth graders are seldom proficient enough
on their instruments to play the music. Being chosen has to
do with the difficulty of parts in any given year as well as
the ability of the student and the instrumentation needs of
the group itself. (Wind Ensemble
rehearsal schedule)
JAZZ GROUPS
We have two jazz groups at the middle school. Students must be involved in Concert Band or Symphonic Band in order to play in our jazz groups (three exceptions to that rule are: bass players must be in orchestra, guitar and piano players are not required to be in one of the band/chorus/orchestra flex groups, but preference may be given to those who are).
JAZZ BAND is an audition group and is made up of students who are highly motivated
and self-directive. Most of the jazz band members practice
daily and take private lessons. Membership is restricted to
the standard big band instrumentation (saxes, trumpets,
trombones, piano, vibes, guitar, upright bass -preferably
both upright and electric - and drum set. Drummers must be
able to read set music. Except for guitar & piano players, students must be in concert band or symphonic band (or orchestra for bass players) in order to be in jazz band. Jazz band is open to students in
grades 6, 7 & 8 (although it is rare for a 6th grader to make it) and it meets twice a week: both Tuesday after school
(2:30-3:30) and Friday before school (6:45-7:30 AM). (see schedule)
STAGE BAND is open to anyone, on any instrument
(yes, including string instruments!), who can pass the audition. Students
must be self-motivated and willing to practice and work out
the parts on their own. This group serves two functions. One
of its purposes is to introduce students to jazz. Its second
function is to provide a place for musicians who play
instruments that are not included in standard big band
arrangements, to play jazz. Except for guitar & piano players, students must be in concert band or symphonic band (or orchestra for bass players) in order to be in stage band. Stage band is open to students
in grades 6, 7 & 8, and meets once a week, either Monday
after school (2:30-3:15) or Thursday before school
(7:00-7:30 AM). Check the schedule each week.
The WMS MARCHING BAND is created by combining
concert band and symphonic band to make one HUGE marching
band. We march for the Memorial Day Parade and rehearse
during the regular flex periods instead of concert or
symphonic band. All students must take part in the marching
rehearsals even if they will not be with us for the
parade (be sure to get the make-up to earn the concert points if you can't march the parade!). Workshops during this time are
focused on marching skills and band history. (During
marching season, please check the Memorial Day Parade page
to find the marching band requirements, dress, times, etc.)
Our ORCHESTRA often adds winds and percussion for
its spring concert. Students are selected by the band director to play in the
orchestra based on ability, independence, responsibility and
interest. The orchestra concert is on a different day than
the band concert, so students must make the commitment to
another concert night and an after school rehearsal (usually the Monday before the concert). Generally there is only one person on
a part and only three or four rehearsals, so musical
competency is essential. Eighth graders have priority, but
seventh graders will be chosen if needed.
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