Performing
Ensembles at SMS
Wind Ensemble (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 Wind Ensemble are required
to wear a full length black dress, which is purchased
through us, and black dress shoes.
Symphonic Band (Band 2): This is the intermediate
level of band offered at Seminole Middle. Students move
into the Symphonic 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 black pants, white dress shirt, black dress tie, black socks and
black dress shoes (no jacket). The ladies in the Symphonic Band are
required to wear a full length black dress, which is
purchased through us, and black dress shoes.
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.
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.
