RCMS Band Courses

The 6th grade concert band meets daily from 12:45-1:20PM during the school day and is a graded course. This course is designed to give students a strong foundation in musical knowledge and performance. Continuing with the concepts learned in 5th grade band, we will begin to advance our instrumental skills through musical scales, tuning, and technique. Students will continue learning how to play new notes on their instruments, as well as begin to master the fundamentals. Students will also learn the components of the concert band and begin to play concert band literature from sheet music. We will continue to use the Essential Elements Book 1 to enhance our skills. Students are graded on attendance, participation, instrumental playing, and concert performance. The 6th grade band will typically have 4 performances throughout the year.

The 7th/8th grade symphonic band meets daily from 2:05-2:51PM during the school day and is a graded course. Students in the 7th/8th grade band will begin to master technique of their instrument. Students will learn the fundamentals of balance, blend, and pitch with the concert band ensemble. With the continued study of scales, we will also use concert band chorales to enhance our concert band sound. Students will study and play more advanced literature, as well as perform at the IESA Organizational Contest. Each student will be graded on attendance, instrumental playing, participation, and concert performance. The 7th/8th grade band will typically have four performances throughout the year.

The RCMS jazz ensemble is an extracurricular ensemble that meets twice a week from 7:00-7:40AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. During this course, students will learn the fundamentals of jazz styles and performance. We will begin to learn the basics of jazz improvisation, as well as the components of the jazz ensemble. Students of all grade levels may perform with the jazz ensemble. The jazz ensemble will perform throughout the year along with the concert bands, as well as at various jazz festivals throughout the state. Attendance and participation are crucial to the development of the jazz style and the ensemble.

The RCMS Panther Marching Band is made up of all 7th/8th grade band members, as well as 6th grade band members looking for an extra challenge. The marching band will participate in various parade competitions, as well as the RCHS Homecoming Parade, the Braidwood Tree Lighting Parade and the Memorial Day Ceremony. Students are graded on attendance, participation, and concert performance. All 7th/8th grade band students are required to participate. It is optional for 6th grade band students.

For students looking for an extra musical challenge. Generally meets after school to prepare for the March festival. Any student is welcome to participate. Information will be given out to students before Winter Break.

For students looking for an extra musical challenge. Students will audition for a spot in the District 1 IMEA Concert Band or Jazz Band. These performing groups are made up of the best student musicians in the suburbs. Auditions take place in October and the festivals are in November. Audition repertoire consists of the Jr. High IMEA Scales, as well as etudes. ALL students are encouraged to tryout for the District 1 IMEA festivals!