About the Band Program

We have so many opportunities for student learning in the HMS Band Program. Check out what we offer here!

*Click the title of each group to view the full course/club syllabus.

Scroll down for FAQ's.

Concert Band

Curricular, by grade level - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade

The HMS Concert Bands are curricular instrumental ensembles open to all students who have an interest in musical study on a wind or percussion instrument. The course is an opportunity to develop technical and interpretational music skill sets through instrumental performance, to explore the connections between music and other areas of study, and to instill a lifelong appreciation for music. Students will examine a variety of music, including but not limited to marches, overtures, programmatic music, adaptations of choral and orchestral literature, folk music of different nations, and music from film and theater. Music theory, literacy will be incorporated into daily class activities to accelerate individuals’ musical skill-building and independence. Students will attend one small-group lesson per week, and will meet daily as a full band.

Marching Band

Co-Curricular - 7th and 8th Grade

Marching Band is a fall-semester extension of the concert band for 7th and 8th grade students. Anybody in marching band is required to attend all of the marching band events in the HMS Music Calendar labeled ‘Marching Band’. Marching Band music is rehearsed during 1st Quarter during 7th and 8th grade band classes, and outdoor marching practice is held on Fridays with CRMS students. The Marching Band appears at the Homecoming Parade, Cortland Parade, and Pumpkin Parade.

Jazz Ensemble

Extracurricular - 7th and 8th Grade (open to 6th grade by audition)

Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular ensemble dedicated to studying and performing America’s greatest art form. The group will perform at HMS band concerts, district events, organizational contests (enrollment permitting), and other community events. In addition to studying essential traditions of jazz that developed between 1920 and 1970, we will also perform a variety of genres that rooted from jazz itself, like latin, rock, fusion and funk music. Students will learn how to perform in the historically correct style, become acquainted with the social historical contexts of jazz, and actively develop musical improvisation skills. Students will also use historically-renowned recordings of jazz giants - both solo artists and groups - as a working model for developing their own style and fluency. Basic music theory will be incorporated into rehearsals to aid improvisational skills and master harmonic literacy.

Secondary Instrument Lab

Extracurricular - by Application - On hold due to COVID-19

Secondary Instrument Lab (SIL) is offered in the spring semester, and is designed to provide a fun, informal experience for learning additional instruments, using a peer-to-peer learning environment. Students will use an abridged edition of our curricular method books as their primary learning material, as well as individual technical studies, current full-band repertoire, or any other performance/study material they find that they are interested in. Students can apply in December to either learn a secondary instrument or become a peer coach to assist other students on their primary instrument. Students must be on track with their grade level band's curricular benchmarks to participate. All instruments and learning materials are provided to students by the HMS band program, and there is no cost to participate.

CRMS/HMS Summer Band

2-week program held during the summer months

Summer Band is a 2-week annual day camp for all beginning and returning band students in DeKalb. The camp runs M-F, 9am-12pm. 6th Grade Band students will begin learning the fundamentals of their instrument, and how to operate as part of a musical ensemble. 7th and 8th graders will receive master class instruction and prepare 4-5 pieces for performance at the end of camp. Elective offerings at summer band include jazz band and ILMEA audition prep. Staff includes the DeKalb middle school band directors, as well as guest teachers from the music educator community. Cost of attendance is $70/student, and includes a summer band T-shirt. Scholarships are available to students in need.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do the HMS Bands meet?

Concert Band is a daily class that meets during the school day.
- 6th Grade meets during 7th period, 7th grade meets during 8th period, and 8th grade meets during 9th period.
Students will also be scheduled for a small-group lesson once a week during the school day.
Co-curricular/Extracurricular groups meet after school.

What instruments can I play in band?

We offer instruction in woodwinds (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon), brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba), and percussion (snare, mallets, etc.). Opportunities to play bowed string instruments are offered by the HMS Orchestra Program.

Do I have to already play an instrument to be in band?

When you sign up for band as a 6th grader, we teach you from DAY ONE! No prior knowledge is required - though it will definitely give you an advantage if you have taken music lessons in the past.

How do I get an instrument?

We recommend that families rent a student-level instrument from an authorized instrument dealer. This is the most cost-effective way to provide your student a reliable, high-quality instrument for their music education when they are in the beginner and intermediate stages.
- All rentals at HMS go through PM Music Center in Aurora.
We recommend against purchasing instruments from Amazon, Wal-Mart, or any other source that is not an authorized instrument dealer.
If your family already owns the instrument, we recommend having it serviced by an instrument repair technician prior to beginning instruction.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes! There are scholarships for school-provided instruments and materials for families who cannot rent instruments, as well as tuition for summer band. Additionally, there are fundraising opportunities for music department-sponsored field trips. Please contact us directly if your student could benefit from financial assistance.

Can I be in band while participating in sports or other clubs?

Yes! We have athletes, dancers, gamers, artists and thespians in our band program. Because curricular band meets during the day, we do not interfere with athletic offerings at HMS.
If you wish to participate in extracurricular music and after-school sports or clubs, your music teacher and coach will work together to ensure you receive a high-quality experience in both programs.

Can I be in band and choir at the same time?

Band students may apply to be co-enrolled in band and choir in their second year of instruction.
Students must continue to meet or exceed curricular benchmarks for band to be considered for co-enrollment in choir, and is approved at the discretion of the band directors.

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