Sixth Grade Beginning Band
Instrumental music at North Rockford begins in the sixth grade. In the sixth grade the band students meet in two full band instrument groups based on their magnet. During this beginning instrumental experience the students work on the fundamentals of playing the instrument and they also work toward a better understanding of the basics of music. There are two performances during the year, one before the holiday break in December and another in the spring. The students in the sixth grade also take part in the Sixth Grade Solo Festival after January.
Concert & Symphonic Bands
North Rockford Middle School also has a Concert Band for seventh grade students and a Symphonic Band for eighth grade students. Both the Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform local concerts, attend District and State Band Festivals and students have the opportunity to participate in small ensembles or as soloists. Each year the Concert Band performs at a home Whitecaps baseball game and the Symphonic Band travels to Chicago in May to take part in their annual Chicago trip.
The North Rockford Middle School Bands have a long history of excellence. The Symphonic Band was selected in 2005, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2020 to perform at the Michigan Music Conference (MMC). The bands at NRMS have consistently received Superior ratings at District and State Band Festivals.
It is my hope that the North Rockford Instrumental Music Program will continue to grow in quality and quantity and in this way provide an even better musical education for those students who take part.
Cullen M. McCarthy
Director of Bands
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