Lower and Middle SchoolStudents in grade 6, 7, and 8 have music every other day with their class. They learn standard band instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Students perform in two seasonal all-school concerts each year.
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 may elect to particpate in Middle School Jazz Band, which meets Thursdays after school in room 069. They may also participate in Advanced Band or Honor Band. These groups meet twice a week during recess portion of lunch: Advanced Band on Tuesday & Thursday; Honor Band on Wednesday & Friday. All three of these extra-curricular groups (Jazz Band, Advanced Band, and Honor Band) compete annually at the NYSSMA Major Organizations festival at NYU. Last spring, NEST+m middle school students earned a gold medal in the jazz band and silver medals for both the advanced and honor band. Congratulations to all students involved. Email Pieter Voorhees |
Upper SchoolStudents in the Upper School must take at least 1 year of music courses.
Beginning Band is an introductory level course that requires no previous musical experience. Students will learn how to play a wind or percussion instrument and gain experience playing with an ensemble. Upon successfully completing this course, students may be eligible for the Wind Ensemble. Wind Ensemble is a concert band that requires at least one year of previous instrumental study, though more is encouraged. Wind Ensemble plays NYSSMA level III and IV music and participates in NYSSMA majors in June. Jazz Band is an auditioned group of jazz instruments, including clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drum set, piano, bass guitar, and guitar. Students must audition each June for entrance to the next school year's Jazz Band course. Information regarding this audition can be found on the Jazz Band page (above). Jazz Band plays NYSSMA level IV and V music and participates in NYSSMA majors in June. Modern Band is a course for students who want to have experiences in diverse musical genres. Students will perform beginning guitar, keyboard, and drums, and will perform in small "garage bands." No auditions are necessary. Jazz Combo Club The jazz combo club meets after-school in Room 120, Mr. McGorry's room. All high school students are eligible to join, but will find that having a couple of years experience on their instrument will be helpful. The club works on intermediate and advanced level jazz performance and improvisation and looks for frequent performance opportunities. In some cases, experienced middle school students are eligible to join as well. Email Mr. McGorry |
