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Band
At Newburg Middle School, band is a performing arts class that meets every day during the school day. Below is some information about the purpose of the band, the performing opportunities available to band students, and the calendar of upcoming events. Please feel free to contact Mrs. McCord if you have any questions about the band.
Emily McCord
(502) 485-8306
emily.mccord@jefferson.kyschools.us
Tiger Pride Band Statement of Purpose
Newburg’s Tiger Pride Band serves the students, school, community, and the arts. Students better themselves in the areas of musicianship, character, and critical thinking skills through excellence in the performing arts. The band serves the school and community by providing both interesting music and outstanding student citizens. Lastly, the Tiger Pride Band serves the art of music itself as we strive to achieve distinction through proficiency in music, and to create in students a love and understanding of music that lasts far beyond their student days.
Performance Ensembles & Opportunities
Blue Band: Beginning Band, offered only at the 6th grade level. This class is for students who have not played a band instrument in the past. Students with previous music experience in piano, recorder, choir, or other instruments are welcome. The winter and spring concerts are the only requirements outside of school hours.
Gold Band: Intermediate Band, offered at the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. This class is for students who have played in a school band before. 6th graders who have very limited experience (one year or less), or who wish to play a different instrument than they did in elementary school, should ask to be in Blue Band, not Gold. The winter and spring concerts are the only requirements outside of school hours.
Symphonic Band: This is the top ensemble at Newburg, available by audition only to 7th and 8th grade students. Musicians in this band are expected to read music, to sight read, to play with characteristic tone and varied articulations, and to always be ready to work in rehearsal. Students also use SmartMusic software for home practice and assessment. This group travels to Atherton high school to compete in the Kentucky Music Educators Association Concert Festival in March. Other travel opportunities may be available depending on students’ efforts in rehearsal and fundraising. Students are required to attend the winter and spring concerts, and any additional after school rehearsals that may be scheduled before adjudicated performance events.
Pep Band: This group is available by audition to 7th and 8th grade students, and to experienced 6th graders at the director’s discretion. The Pep Band practices after school for 1-2 hours per week, and performs at 4-5 home games and other special events during the school year. Students are required to attend all practices and performances, following the concert absence/excuse policy detailed below. Students who have two or more unexcused absences will be asked to leave the group.
Solo & Ensemble: Symphonic Band students are required to play a solo or small ensemble in the Kentucky Music Educators Association small ensemble festival, usually held in February. To participate, students must sign up and pay by the deadline, usually in November, and choose their music prior to winter break. Mandatory after school practices will be held in January. Students must perform their prepared pieces for Mrs. McCord, and ensembles that are not adequately prepared will not be allowed to attend the festival.
All County Band: The All-County band is available by competitive audition to all students in Jefferson County. Students must perform scales and prepared audition pieces for judges. This is only for experienced students, and they should attend Help Day or private lessons to prepare for their auditions.
Help Day: One help day is scheduled after school almost every week, from 2:30-3:30, for students needing extra assistance or practice time. The day changes depending on school events and teacher schedules. This is not a substitute for private lessons, which are highly recommended. Students attending help day must be picked up promptly at 3:30, and will not be allowed to stay if picked up late. Students who fall behind in class may be instructed to attend help day to catch up.
