Our Bands

The University School of NSU Middle School Band Program consists of 5 different performing groups.  Please follow the links for more information about each band.

Beginning Band (updated 3/7/10)

The Beginning Band designed for any student in grades 6, 7 or 8 with little or no prior musical experience.  Students will be exposed to a wide variety of instruments, and the director will guide students toward an effective and enjoyable choice.  The only requirement is the sincere desire to learn how to properly play a musical instrument and perform in a band.  The beginning band will perform at the fall, winter and spring concerts and members are encouraged to participate in the FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival held in February.  Beginning band members are expected to acquire their own instrument, either by purchase or rent-to-own.

Symphonic Band (updated 3/7/10)

The Symphonic Band is for those students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade who have successfully completed Standard of Excellence, Book 1 (or equivalent).  This group will be required to perform at least seven major scales and two octaves of their chromatic scale.  Members of the Symphonic Band are required to perform at the fall, winter and spring concerts.  Symphonic Band members are also encouraged to participate in the FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival held in February.

Wind Ensemble (updated 3/7/10)

Wind Ensemble is designed for the student who has proven himself/herself to be one of the best musicians.  Members must show dedication to the program and show a strong desire for learning and performing music.  Wind Ensemble students will be required to participate at the annual FBA Solo and Ensemble Festival held in February as well as play twelve major scales and 2 octaves of the chromatic scale.  Members will perform at all USchool Concerts and the F.B.A. Concert Music Performance Assessment.  (Instructor approval required)

Jazz Band 1 (updated 3/7/10)

Jazz Band instruction will include; adapting performance fundamentals to jazz idioms as well as learning basic improvisation skills. After audition, students will be split into one of two groups.  Jazz Band 1 will perform at official school concerts. (Jazz Band 1 students may also audition for the All County Jazz Band.)  Jazz Band 2 will focus on learning secondary instruments in addition to jazz performance fundamentals.  Members of the Jazz Band are required to also be members of Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. 

Jazz Band 2 (updated 3/7/10)

Lab Band is course designed for students that want to learn to play a secondary instrument or want some extra practice time on their primary instrument.  This group will perform with the Symphonic Band on concerts as well as spend class time reading through new music.  This class meets every other day, alternating with Jazz Band.