Welcome to the Band Program at Seminole Middle School, Seminole, FL

With this school year coming to a close we are looking ahead to next year. The band program under Mr.Guess is growing even bigger next year and we will need all the help we can get from our volunteers!! Please look over the positions available -the time of year you will be needed is at the end of the descriptions. If you think you might be able to offer your help in any of these areas, or you have any questions please contact either:
Katherine Durst kdurst924@earthlink.net or Mr.Guess GuessC@pcsb.org

Travel Coordinator: Gives assistance to Mr.Guess in planning the Spring Trip for the band. Will work on hotels, activities outside performances and pricings for the trip. Will also help arranging transportation for Spring Trip plus local competitions if necessary. (Spring mainly but possibly a Fall date for competition)

Tag Day Coordinator: Arranges dates and locations for Tag Days. Puts up sign-up sheets in bandroom and verifies adult chaperones available. Arranges for money pick-up after each shift and delivers money and totals to bandroom. (Spring)

Concert Coordinator: Works with Volunteer person to cover all areas. Works on program. Arranges for pick-up of tickets from middle school office, collects cash box and remaining tickets and gets to middle school the next day. (two concerts: Winter and Spring)

Uniforms: Helps with measuring and ordering uniforms for concert attire in the beginning of the year and helps during performances. (Fall and concert-time)

Office Assistant: This is a Big job that needs a firm commitment to help on a day to day basis. May include handling money and data entry. Will help a lot in the beginning of the year with rental contracts and band contracts. Will also help with getting information to parents. (Year)

Treasurer: This can be included with Office Assistant – must be willing to be a check signer on the Booster account and help with deposits, writing of checks, fundraising accounts and entry into Quickbooks. (Year)

Guard Mom: Will help during indoor guard season (Nov-March) will work with Mr.Guess and Guard instructors. Will help with keeping accounts, working with volunteer coordinator and arranging guard activities.

Thank you for your willingness to help the SMS band program!!

Performing Ensembles at SMS

Symphonic Band (Band 3): This is the highest level of band offered at Seminole Middle. Students are placed in this ensemble by audition and director approval only. Auditions are held in the spring for the following school year. Students in this ensemble are expected to be very serious musicians focused on performing at a very high level and exploring their musicality to the fullest extent. Students will explore music theory, solo literature, and Grade 3 & 4 band literature. This ensemble attends Solo & Ensemble, District Music Performance Assessment, and National Band competitions. The ensemble usually takes an overnight competition trip in the spring where attendance is crucial. Concert attire for the gentlemen consists of a black suit OR a black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black dress tie, black socks and black dress shoes. The ladies in the Symphonic Band are required to wear a full length black dress, which is purchased through us, and black dress shoes. Click here for the Symphonic Band uniform letter and order form.

Concert Band (Band 2): This is the intermediate level of band offered at Seminole Middle. Students move into the Concert Band after a year of training in the Cadet Band program. Students in this ensemble will explore music theory, solo literature, and Grade 2 & 3 band literature. Students will be challenged to improve their musical abilities while developing a love for music and its importance to society. Concert Band attire for the gentlemen consists of a black suit OR a black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black dress tie, black socks and black dress shoes. The ladies in the Concert Band are required to wear a full length black dress, which is purchased through us, and black dress shoes. Click here for the Concert Band uniform letter and order form.

Cadet Band (Band 1): This band class is offered to those students with little or no previous experience in band. The curriculum includes the history of instruments, music literature, music theory, ear training, and solo & ensemble performance. Students will perform in three major performances throughout the school year. Students will learn the fundamentals of instrumental performance and the importance of music in their lives. Concert attire consists of black dress pants, black socks and black dress shoes, and an SMS Music Department polo shirt to be purchased through the band department. Click here for the Cadet Band uniform letter.

Jazz Band: The jazz ensemble is made up of a traditional jazz instrumentation consisting of Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, and a full rhythm section. This ensemble will perform all types of musical styles, study famous figures in Jazz, and develop improvisation skills. The uniform is Black and White for formal performances and the traditional “bowling shirt” for more casual performances.

Color Guard: This is an audition-only ensemble that provides performance opportunities in Flag, Rifle, Sabre & Dance. The group is extracurricular and holds regular rehearsals after school on Wednesdays and Fridays. Auditions are held in early September and the competition season begins in late January, continuing through early April. Previous dance, gymnastics, or baton experience is helpful but not required.

Program Activity List and General Information: Click here!

2008 - 2009 Band Calendar: Click here!

All-County Audition sound files: Click here!