The Middle School Concert Band is a fun and exciting program. It seems to grow each and every year. I thank our returning 7th & 8th grade members for their continued enthusiasm. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to 6th graders who participated in the elementary lessons program. Congratulations on choosing to continue your instrumental music experience.
The Middle School Concert Band is also open to new members. We encourage new members and accept beginners at any point during the year. Encourage your friends to give the band a try.
The Instrumental Music Department offers the following instruments:
Flute (Piccolo)
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba
Concert Percussion
Music and Arts Centers (1-800-873-2888) is an excellent source for instrument rentals and book purchases. Instruments can be acquired from any source, but please try to avoid items from BJs, Sams Club, Sears catalog etc. Though they are cheap, they are of a very poor quality. Students can only succeed if their instrument works. If you are unable to obtain an instrument, please let me know. A few school owned instruments can be loaned if needed. Bass clarinet, all saxophones, French horn, and trombone are also provided by the district, on a first come first served basis.
Band rehearsals are a fun, yet serious activity. At the Joyce Middle School they occur during Team Time period 1 on Tuesdays/Thursday. At the Kennedy Middle School they take place during Activity Period 8 on Tuesday/Thursday. Band is a commitment. Students must attend both days, unless they are in chorus. This statute will be strictly enforced. The band cannot accomplish much as a whole if parts are missing.
There will be some changes to the lesson schedule this year. Students will continue to attend have small group lessons every week. For the most part, this will be done during students SSR’s in order to reduce instructional period interruptions.
Lastly, I look forward to a rewarding year. As always there will be the holiday and spring concerts, along with involvement in the talent shows. Of course, at the end of the year will be the traditional trip to Canobie Lake Park. There will be lots of performance opportunities and fun yet challenging music to be played.
Please contact me with any questions!!!
Danielle Jo White
Middle School Band Director
dwhite@woburnpublicschools.com