Band

Middle school band students perform for a large crowd
Middle school band plays for the crowd

Students can begin their instrumental music journey in 5th grade on a wide variety of band instruments with Mr. Sandersfeld. Through weekly lessons and before-school ensemble rehearsals 5th graders are given a fun and rewarding introduction to playing in band. The 5th grade band performs two concerts through the year in the district. Additionally, select students are given the opportunity to perform at Elementary Honor Band in the spring.

In 6th grade our young musicians continue their instrumental music education by developing their technique and musicianship in weekly lesson with Ms. DiGiorgio. They rehearse as an ensemble Tuesdays, Thursdays, and alternating Fridays during school. The ensemble performs at 3 concerts through the school year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble in January, hosted at Mid-Prairie, and select students are invited to Elementary Honor Band in the spring.

7th and 8th grade students rehearse as a combined grade level band every Monday, Wednesday, and alternating Fridays, and continue weekly private lessons with Ms. DiGiorgio. 7/8 band students have more opportunities than ever before to learn, participate, and grow as young musicians. At the beginning of the year students learn marching band basics as they prepare for their performance at Fall Festival and a combined half time stand-and-jam performance with the high school marching band. The ensemble performs 3 in-district concerts during the school year and participates annually in Large Group Contest, where they have consistently earned “I-Superior” ratings. In addition to having the opportunity to perform at Solo and Ensemble, students have the option to audition for the South East Iowa Bandmasters Association Honor Band and select students perform at Conference Honor Band in Mt. Pleasant.