​Symphonic Band

Mr. Garnreiter, Conductor
Ms. Woo, Conductor

Mondays/Wednesdays 1:28 – 3:00pm,
​Fridays 1:31-2:13pm

The JAMS Symphonic Band offers instruction in beginning ensemble technique as well as individual musicianship skills. Emphasis is placed on fundamental techniques in woodwind, brass, and percussion performance practice. The Symphonic Band performs at the annual JAMS Fall and Spring Concerts. Through the generosity of the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation, weekly coaching sessions (Dream Winds) are provided for all sections of the Symphonic Band to supplement the core curriculum.

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Prerequisites:

• Enrollment by audition or discretion of directors.
• Grade level: 6 - 8

Oct. 18 - 25

It is hard to believe...but our fall concert is only one month away!  Let's continue the good, focused work we have been doing in our rehearsals!

For this coming week:​

• Check your posture, hand position, and set-up - this is very important to reinforcing good tone and intonation
• MMM Lesson 6 & 7 - look ahead to these exercises...how many can you play with confidence on your own?
• Rhythm Sheet A - can you clap each line accurately AND line up your pulse to the metronome?

REMINDER: What can YOU do to help strengthen your section or the overall group? (Metronome practice would be a good suggestion!) Remember that your ensemble benefits from 100% effort from you!

Oct. 11 - 18

We are proud of everyone for doing a fantastic job with our Yearbook group photos!  You all looked so professional, and represented JAMS in the best way.  Thank you for being so responsive and adapting to last-minute directions.

​For this coming week:​

• MMM Lesson 3 & 4 - we all know our first three notes really well! In these next lessons we'll learn three more. See how quickly you can memorize them!
• Rhythm Sheet A - we are almost done!  Keep subdividing to help maintain a steady pulse 

REMINDER:  Stay current with all of your assignments!  Do not procrastinate if you are able to complete and/or submit before the due date - especially if you are uploading a video file (Google Classroom).  The WiFi gods might not be in your favor!

Oct. 4 - 11

Thank you for your focus and hard work this week.  Remember to strive to be "always" musicians (instead of "usually") and be well-prepared for every rehearsal!

​For this coming week:​

• ​Make sure you fill your practice chart out after every time you practice. Think about what you're going to get better at before you put your instrument away.
• MMM Lesson 1 - 4 - keep building your music muscles with the exercises is these lessons. Look ahead if you are feeling confident with what's in the first four lessons!

REMINDER:  We have a school holiday next Wednesday, Oct. 9.  And, Yearbook Photo Day is next Friday, Oct. 11!  Click HERE to review what is needed for your concert uniform!

Sept. 27 - Oct. 4

We have come to the end of the first grading period - what a great start to our year!  Thank you for demonstrating your hard work, focus, and team-building skills on behalf of our ensemble!

For this coming week:

• Practice! Now that most of you are taking your instruments home try to find a little time every day to get better.
• MMM Lesson 1 - spelling and fingering and then playing will help you get more comfortable reading the notes!
•  Rhythm Sheet A - can you identify all the different types of notes and rest on the page. Being able to identify them by name will help you "speak" music.

REMINDER:  During our rehearsals, make a note to yourself if you are struggling with a specific item...write "GOTW" to represent a future "Goal of the Week!"
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