Doolen Middle School Bands

All students at Doolen have the opportunity to be a part of many different bands, each of which is unique and offers something different. Here is a brief description of each ensemble:

Cadet Band

This introductory class in instrumental playing is open to all sixth grade students with little or no musical background. Students will develop basic musicianship, technique, and working music theory skills. Students will work through the method book Essential Elements 2000 and perform selected band works at a beginning level.  By the end of the year, Cadet Band students will be eligible to continue on to Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble.

Concert Band

This class is open to 6th and 7th grade students with prior band (or other) musical experience as well as advanced beginners. Like Cadet Band, basic musicianship, technique and working music theory skills will be developed through the use of Essential Elements 2000, and selected full band works. The literature for this group will be selected for musicians of the beginning and intermediate playing level or higher. After a year in Concert Band, students will be prepared to meet the more advanced requirements found in Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble.

 

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is an intermediate level ensemble open to continuing 7th or 8th graders who have completed Cadet or Concert Band and possess the necessary skills and attitude. In addition, the class is also available for some Wind Ensemble students to play a second instrument with prior approval from Mr. Thompson. The literature for this group will challenging and fun to play, and will prepare the students to continue on to Wind Ensemble, high school band and beyond.

 

Jazz Band

This course is open by audition to students in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble.  While this class is not taken for credit through the school (it takes place before school two days a week), the same commitment to excellence is expected of all students and regular attendance is required.  Special techniques and rhythms as applies to the field of jazz, pop, funk, reggae, and Latin styles will be studied, discussed, and performed.  There will also be a heavy emphasis on the study of music theory and improvisation.  Private lessons are strongly recommended for Jazz Band students.  This class will meet Monday and Thursday before school from 7:45am to 8:35am.  Class will commence a few weeks into the school year, at which point Mr. Thompson will make an announcement.

 

Wind Ensemble

Selection for the Wind Ensemble, Doolen's premiere music ensemble, is by audition only. It is open to 7th and 8th grade students who demonstrate a highly advanced level of competency on their instrument and understanding for ensemble playing.  The literature for this group will be appropriate for an advanced middle school band to high school level band.  Students will have the opportunity to prepare for and participate in honor groups on a regional and statewide basis.  Wind Ensemble students are strongly encouraged to seek private study outside of school to aid in their development.  Wind Ensemble performs frequently outside of the normal school day at Doolen events, the TUSD Honor Band Festival, and other regional music events.  Attendance for these events is mandatory.  Wind Ensemble gives the advanced student an opportunity to start learning more mature and difficult music, and prepares them for music study in high school and beyond.