Middle School Band
The Middle School Band is for grades 7 and 8 and is open to all interested students. The class meets Tuesday and Friday afternoons for 45 minutes and is ungraded. The focus is on repertoire and exercises that expand their knowledge of technique, tone, and ensemble playing. Students need to provide their own instrument (except some larger school-owned instruments); private lessons are strongly encouraged but not required. Students perform at 3 concerts in the year. Additional performance opportunities may be possible. Membership is approximately 50.
*Students who are members of this group have the opportunity to audition for and participate in the European Middle School Honor Band (grades 6-8) sponsored by AMIS (Association for the Music in International Schools).
Tuesday and Friday, 9th period
Director: Ms. Epping ()
High School Band
The High School Band includes students in grades 9 – 12 and is open to all interested students with the approval of the director. The class meets 3 hours a week and is a graded class. The ensemble focuses on preparing high-level repertoire and advanced technique. The ensemble performs three concerts per year as well as a variety of additional performance opportunities including: pit band for the musical, Fun Day/Fun Run, benefit concerts, jazz band, etc. Additionally, students have the opportunity to take this class as a Grundkurs in the 11th grade. Membership is approximately 50.
*Students who are members of this group have the opportunity to audition for and participate in the High School Honor Band (grades 9-12) sponsored by AMIS (Association for the Music in International Schools).
Monday and Wednesday, 6th period and Thursday, 10th period
Director: Ms. Epping ()
Middle School Jazz Band
The Middle School Jazz Band is open to Middle School Band students in grades 6-8. Students will learn basic jazz/swing rhythms, blues scales, and have the opportunity to try basic improvisation. Instrumentation is open to woodwinds, brass, drums, piano, bass, and guitar. This ensemble rehearses once a week and performs in three concerts per year. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for members of this ensemble but not required.
Director: Ms. Martin (samartin@jfksberlin.org)
High School Jazz Band
The High School Jazz Band is open to select instrumentalists from the High School Band. The ensemble performs advanced repertoire from a variety of styles including swing, latin, bebop, rock, etc. Instrumentation is open to woodwinds, brass, drums, piano, bass, and guitar. Jazz Band is a non-graded activity and meets once a week.
Director: Ms. Epping ()
