6th grade band - We begin with the basic instruments in 6th grade band: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Each student is fit for an instrument at the end of their 5th grade year.
We use the Essential Elements 2000 currently and work our way through it each year.
By the end of the year, the students play sheet music and are able to be proficient in 3 Major scales: Bb, Eb and F and will have performed in 3 major concerts at the end of the year.
7th grade band - This is a continuation of the previous year. In 7th grade band the students will be able to learn and perform grades 1-2 level music, learn to sight read, play in chamber music ensembles, compose music and become proficient in 5 major scales along with starting minor and chromatic scales.
We currently use the Essential Elements 2000 - Book 2 for their technique book.
The 7th grade band participates in annual band festivals each year. The 7th grade band will have 5-7 major concerts per academic year.
8th grade band - This is a continuation of the previous year. In 8th grade band the students will be able to learn and perform grades 1-2 1/2 level music, refining their sight reading techniques, play in chamber music ensembles, compose music and become proficient in 5 major and minor scales along with basic chromatic scales and other essential techniques.
The 8th grade band participates in annual band festivals each year, participates with the high school band in various performances and will have 5 -6 major concerts per academic year.
HS ENSEMBLES
HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND - The Symphonic Band is the high school’s concert band. It functions from the end of marching band season (early November) through the rest of the school year. The Symphonic Band plays a varied repertoire of music and performs at festivals and concerts at least five times per year. Enrollment is open to all previous band members entering grades 9-12. Others may be able to join with the permission of the director.
HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND - The Grant Marching Band begins rehearsals during the summer months and prepares a new show every year. The marching band performs at all home football games, in parades, and travels to festivals and competitions each fall. Students must be a member of the Symphonic Band to be in Marching Band (except color guard).
FALL COLOR GUARD - Color guard is an intra-curricular part of the marching band that performs flag routines, dance, and adds other visual effects to the marching band show. Enrollment is open to grades 8-12 by audition only, held in late April or May for the following school year. Color Guard members must enroll in the first trimester of band.
HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND - Jazz Band is a class where students study and perform a wide variety of music encompassed by the jazz genre. This ensemble will consist of the typical jazz band instrumentation with only one person per part. This ensemble will be students who have previous jazz band experience or have auditioned into the ensemble. Students in this ensemble will be on their primary instruments. Other instruments will be at the discretion of the director. The class will meet zero hour in the band room starting at 6:45 AM, Monday through Friday.
ICE BAND - The annual Ice Band is a performing ensemble that performs a marching show on ice with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the local AHL hockey team. This band is a volunteer performing ensemble from Grant High School. There is a small fee to purchase the show shirt. The band will perform pop tunes and is a month long commitment.