Beginner Band is for students who have no prior experience playing a band instrument. The beginner band is separated into many different classes so students can get individualized attention to each specific instrument. Ms. Hoisager teaches all of the woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, and saxophone) as well as horn. Mr. Harkness teaches most of the brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and tuba) and percussion.
Students in the Beginner Band will learn the skills needed to perform in the Concert, Symphonic, and Honor Bands. This course is designed to teach students the basic fundamentals of a band instrument (Brass, Woodwind and Percussion). The course covers the selection and care of instruments, correct playing position, reading music, and awareness of rhythm and pitch. Students will be placed into appropriate band classes by the band director after an interview to see what instrument is appropriate for the student’s physical skills. There is no prior study or prerequisite needed for participation in the band program. Students are expected to practice regularly (a minimum of 15 minutes a day) and will perform two to three concerts throughout the year.
CONCERT BAND | Mrs. Hoisager and Mr. Harkness
The KMS Concert Band is under the joint direction of Mrs. Crystal Hoisager and Mr. Brice Harkness. Concert Band is our sub-non-varsity ensemble. This ensemble continues to develop fundamental skills and tone quality taught in beginning band.
SYMPHONIC BAND | Mr. Harkness
The KMS Symphonic Band is under the direction of Mr. Brice Harkness. Symphonic Band is our non-varsity UIL ensemble. It is mainly comprised of highly-skilled 7th and 8th graders but, by director audition, is open to any student with at least one year of beginning band.
The Symphonic Band is designed to establish the music fundamentals and work ethic needed to join Honor Band, while continuing to develop the skills and musicianship learned in Beginning Band and Concert Band.
Members of Symphonic Band are expected to perform at the highest caliber. As a result, participation in the Concert Band requires significant dedication and practice (a minimum of at least 30 minutes a day). Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions outside of school throughout the year. In addition, students must maintain passing grades in all classes to be eligible and participate in events.
HONOR BAND| Mrs. Hoisager
Symphonic band is under the direction of Ms. Hoisager and is the top performing band ensemble at King Middle School. The band is comprised of mainly 8th grades but it open to any student who has spent a year in a beginner class.
The class is designed to develop strong musical fundamentals and work ethic. Students will be asked to concentrate their efforts on a variety of musical tasks. Tone production, articulation, breathing, intonation, technical ability, ensemble skills, and sight-reading are all elements students will be required to develop.
Students are expected to be quite serious about improving their musical skills and are therefore required to dedicate significant time to personal practice (at least 30 minutes a day). Students may be moved down to a lower concert band if they do not meet the requirements. The Symphonic Band performs at most band department concerts and competes at concert band festivals, including UIL in the Spring.