Middle School Band News and Announcements

Mr. Harbison's Announcements

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Membership

The Rudd Band program is open to all students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Advanced Band is for the advanced players, usually with 2 years playing experience. Intermediate Band members have usually had 1 year playing experience. Students who have never played an instrument before will be in Beginning Band. Some students who excel and according to instrumentation, will be in Advanced band their 2nd year of playing. Band is a year-round subject.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble is an outgrowth of the band class. The Jazz Ensemble will rehearse after school. The Jazz Ensemble will represent Rudd Middle School and the band program at various functions throughout the year (performance dates will be announced as needed). If a student cannot meet the requirements set forth by the Director, he/she will not be allowed to perform with the group.

Private Instruction

Private lessons are a tremendous aid in the development of a student’s musical knowledge and improve the overall quality of the band. Some students will need private lessons just to stay on track with the band class. Private lessons are strongly encouraged and any student interested in studying privately should see the Director for recommendations. A lessons program given at the school is being developed and more information will be given out at a later date.

All State Band

The Alabama All State Band, sponsored by the Alabama Bandmasters Association, is comprised of students from middle, junior high, and senior high school bands throughout the state. Members are selected by auditions held annually in late January. Music for these auditions is selected by the State Committee and is available sometime in October. Interested students should notify the Director as soon as possible, so that extra help may be arranged. Selected students rehearse a Thursday through Saturday (in April) and present a concert for parents and directors (usually in Auburn or Tuscaloosa). All All-State band members receive a medal. This event is optional for all Advanced and Intermediate band students.

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Solo and Ensemble Festival, sponsored by the Alabama Bandmasters Association, is a chance for students to perform by themselves or in small groups. This event is held annually in early May. A professional judge will offer a critique and make suggestions on how to improve their performance. The Director has music available (or the private lesson teacher) that is suitable for this event. Interested students should notify the Director as soon as possible so that extra help may be arranged. If you make a superior rating, you receive a medal. This event is optional for all Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginning band students.

Honor Bands

Students are encouraged to go to honor bands. Honor Bands, usually sponsored by a college or music group, are comprised of students selected either by audition or by Director Recommendation. Interested students should notify the Director as soon as possible, so that extra help will be arranged. The student will be responsible for any associated fees. These events are optional for all Advanced and Intermediate band students.

Medals

We will have a list of requirements posted for those wanting to obtain a band medal for excellence. Students that meet the requirements will receive medals according to their skill level. This will not be a part of the student’s grade.

Band Boosters

Band Boosters is a group of supportive parents whose role is to support the students, the Directors, and the band program. We need all parents to be involved in the Band Booster Program. Boosters meet every 4th Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. alternating between the high school and middle school bandroom. More information will follow in the Band Booster Newsletter.