Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Band

 

Overview

King Middle School offers three large performing ensembles during 0 Period, before school, and two jazz bands which meet directly after school during 7th Period. Band members play the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophones, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion. All students entering the program should feel comfortable reading music. ALL 0 PERIOD MUSIC CLASSES START THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL at 8:00am. JAZZ CLASSES START THE SECOND WEEK OF SCHOOL. 

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Families do not need to purchase an instrument for their student. All instruments are available through the district-wide music program. (A donation to BUSD music is requested, but not required, for the loan of the instruments. The donation is waived for any student who needs it.)

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Programs – Zero Period

The following band programs are offered before school, during Zero Period, 7:45 to 8:30am. Students are assigned to a band by the instructors. Incoming sixth graders will be placed in Concert Band. All three bands take a musical journey through a variety of diverse music and performances, and most importantly, have a lot of fun!

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Concert Band

Concert Band meets in S-1 ("The Game Room”). It is the next step after the elementary music classes. Most students have had 1-2 years of experience on their instruments, including students who have had a lapse in their music instruction of a year or more, whether due to challenges with distance learning or family choice. One of the highlights of the Concert Band experience is a Spring field trip to a major league baseball game to play the National Anthem from the field. 

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Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band meets on the stage of the Little Theater and is the mid-level performing group. Most students are in their 3rd-4th year of study on their band instrument. This class is a continuation of Concert Band with concentration on developing musical proficiency in ensemble balance, rhythm and melodic reading, intonation, and tone development. 

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Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble meets in A1, underneath the Little Theatre. This group is made up of 8th graders and advanced 7th graders - most students are in their 4th-5th year on their band instrument. Musicians further their musical ability through extra performing opportunities, and also prepare for continuation in the ensembles at BHS.

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Programs – 7th Period

The following band programs are offered directly after school. Participation is free of charge. Both Junior Jazz and Advanced Jazz focus on the roots of jazz, focused listening, ear training, rhythm reading and most importantly, improvisation. This is a graded class and attendance is mandatory. Students must be enrolled in a 0 Period music class in order to participate in Junior or Advanced Jazz.

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Junior Jazz

Junior Jazz is the entry level class for those interested in exploring jazz. Players must attend class twice weekly after school.

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Advanced Jazz

Advanced Jazz is a continuation of Junior Jazz. Players are expected to have previous jazz experience and must attend class twice weekly after school. The ensemble also has off campus performances several times a year.