R. Frank Nims Middle School

Membership is open to all students who wish to extend their knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of music by learning how to play a wind or percussion instrument. Attention is focused on introductory music fundamentals, technical achievement, and acquisition of performance and rehearsal skills through exposure to a variety of literature. The beginning band classes will perform in the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May.

One or two after school rehearsals may be required, to combine classes, prior to each concert. Book needed: "Standards of Excellence" book 1.

Intermediate Band:

Membership is open to all wind students who have successfully completed a band class in the previous year. The course will be a continuation of the technical training started in the beginning class. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of skills necessary to meet high standards of music performance.

The groups will perform in the Winter Concert in December, the Concert Band Festival in March, and the Spring Concert in May. Books needed: "Standards of Excellence" Book 1 and 2.

Advanced Band:

Membership is open to any student that auditions and is chosen based on ability, interest, and experience. This class requires the director's approval. Students are acquainted with the great heritage of symphonic literature and are given the opportunity to develop high standards of musicianship. Emphasis is placed on artistic performance corresponding with the maturation level and experience of the group. Students will perform in the Winter Concert in December, the Concert Band Assessment in March, the Spring Concert in May, various feeder concerts, and on other occasions deemed appropriate. All band students will be provided with additional optional activities throughout the year.

After school sectional and full band rehearsals are required. Books needed: "Standards of Excellence" Book 2 and 3.

Percussion:

This class develops skills on a variety of percussion instruments. The Percussion class is reserved for members of the percussion section that have taken at least one full year of band and must be approved by the director. Percussion ensemble literature as well as their corresponding concert/symphonic band literature will be studied and performed in class. Performances outside of normal school hours will be part of this course's activities. The student will develop an awareness of a variety of different percussion styles. The student will be able to perform from notation basic rhythms and music literature. The student will experience performance of basic percussion works before an audience.

The student will develop a working knowledge of proper posture and technique for snare drum, timpani and mallet percussion instruments. After school rehearsals are required. Books needed: "Drum Method" by Haskell Harr.