Columbia Central Middle School Bands
Starting in middle school, students are taught the fundamentals of musicality including tone, rhythms, how to read music, and how to play their respective instruments. Students encouraged to practice regularly at home in order to better perform during class concerts. Such self-discipline is invaluable not only to each student growth as a musician, but also to his or her continued development as a student and citizen. To show their parent’s what they have learned, students take part in multiple performances each academic year.
Solo & Ensemble Festival, an annual event held by Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA), is also a large part of the middle school music curriculum. After a much preparation, students play a set number of pieces before a panel of judges. These judges then award the band a score, between one and four, for each piece. With limited preparation, the students must play a two pieces of music they have never encountered before. They are then awarded a score based on their ability to play the music. A final score is then averaged from the four previous scores. If a band receives a one at district festival, then it may choose to perform at State Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Along with concert season, students at the middle school level participate in a few parade style marching events. These include Memorial Day, Homecoming, and a few others. To prepare for these events, students are taught how to properly march while playing music. This not only gives band students a chance to be more physically active during class, but also provides students with lessons crucial to their high school experience.
Throughout their child’s middle school music career parents are always welcome to help with events.