Introduction to the Yorktown Middle School Band Program

effective 2003-2004 school year

The Band program at Yorktown Middle School consists of several groups. Students can begin band in sixth grade. In the seventh grade, students can take Beginning Band or continue from the sixth grade by being in the Intermediate Band. Concert Band is for third year and select second year students. A Stage Band meets once a week after school and is open by audition to any Intermediate and Concert Band students.

The Beginning Sixth Grade Band, Beginning Seventh/Eighth Grade Band, Intermediate Band and Concert Band perform their first concert in December. In March, the Concert Band participates in the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored Band Festival.

All band students are required to prepare a solo. Those students wishing to earn Band Points and be eligible for a State Medal may participate in the VBODA sponsored Solo and Ensemble Festival in April. Students not wishing to participate in this event will play their solo for class. Intermediate and Concert Band students receiving an "A" for the first grading period, may also choose to do an ensemble in order to earn additional Band Points and State Medals.

In May, the Stage Band participates in the VBODA sponsored Stage Band Festival.

All groups perform in the Spring Awards Concert the first Tuesday in June. Many individual awards such as the John Philip Sousa Award, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and Outstanding Concert Bandsman Award are presented. Each group votes on one or two Outstanding Band students and those plaques are presented at the concert. In addition, students throughout the year earn points toward Band Awards and these are presented the day of the concert (so they may wear them on their band uniform).