BUSSEY MS BANDS: Ensembles

BUSSEY ENSEMBLES
Beginning Band This class is open to anyone who has limited or no experience playing an instrument. Students must rent or purchase an instrument as well as a book, mouthpiece and proper accessories. The band director will aid in instrument selection.

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BANDS (By Audition): *Band Placement can change at any time based on director recommendations.

Symphonic Band The Symphonic Band is comprised of students with intermediate skills that are working towards promotion into the Honors Band. This group may represent Bussey Middle School at UIL sanctioned events. These students are strongly urged to audition for the All-District Honor Band and to participate in solo and ensemble contest in the spring. A black concert uniform and band polo shirt are required. Students will need to maintain passing grades (in all classes), as well as demonstrate musical progress and proper discipline.

Honors Band The Honors Band is the premiere band at Bussey Middle School. It is comprised of the most skilled and well-behaved students in the band program. This group will represent Bussey Middle School at all UIL sanctioned events. The students of this ensemble are REQUIRED to audition for the All-District Honor Band and participate in solo and ensemble contest in the spring. A black concert uniform and band polo shirt are required. Students will need to maintain passing grades (in all classes), as well as demonstrate musical progress and proper discipline.

BAND CURRICULUM
Sectionals All students enrolled in Honors Band and Symphonic Band are required to attend sectionals once a week. A schedule will be determined during the first week of school. Sectionals occur before or after school. It is during these sectionals in which students receive instruction specifically relevant to their instrument and/or part in the band music. Students will receive grades for attendance and weekly playing assignments for sectionals.

Summer Instruction There are many nationally known summer institutes for instrumental instruction. There are also regional summer music camps at local universities. Students are encouraged to be involved in music activities over the summer. Band camp information will be posted in the band area. Summer band camp applications will be available from the directors. There will be a special Bussey Summer Band Camp each year two weeks before school starts for one week which will help students get back in shape for the start of the new school year. This camp is Mandatory for all Symphonic and Honors Band students.

Private Lessons/Music Enrichment As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument are the best way to improve performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from individual attention as opposed to being one in a class of more than fifty. A recent survey of students in the High School All-State Band revealed that approximately 80% of the students in band study privately. Students are generally more inclined to practice diligently for a weekly music assignment, and this discipline increases the students' enjoyment with the instrument. The band director will be more than happy to assist in the selection of a music enrichment teacher (MET).

All-District Band Members of the band program are eligible to audition for the All-District bands. Students in the Honors Band are required to audition. Auditions are held in November at Hudson Middle School. The All-District Band clinic/concert is held at North Garland High School in January.