Bands at Herndon Middle School

Below are the descriptions of each of the bands currently offered at HMS. Click here for a printable version.

Training Band (beginning level)

This course is open to all students and no previous musical experience is necessary. The instructor will provide guidance to the students in the selection of a brass or woodwind instrument (no instruction on percussion is offered at the beginning level). Students will perform from technique books, as well as from concert band music selections, and will present at least two performances during the year at HMS.

Percussion Ensemble (intermediate level)

This class is designed for 7th grade percussion students. Snare drum, bass drum, timpani and bells will be the main emphasis in this class. Students will also be introduced to various rhythm instruments. There will be limited performance opportunities. Students in this class are required to have a bell kit in class daily. Students must have at least 1 year of formal band percussion experience. This is NOT a beginning class!

Cadet Band (intermediate level)

Cadet Band is an intermediate level ensemble comprised primarily of students in the 7 th grade. These students usually have one or two years of playing experience. This band performs concert literature at the VBODA grade 2 level. This class is designed to promote the continued development of music fundamentals and to balance instrumentation. Performances will occur twice during the year at Herndon MS.

Concert Band (intermediate level)

Concert Band is an intermediate level ensemble comprised of students in the 7 th and 8 th grades. Students in this class generally have developed technique well beyond the average elementary student by the beginning of the year. This band performs concert literature at the VBODA grade 3 level. This is a full band and is the second major performing group here at HMS. Students in this group are required to attend after-school rehearsals several times per year. Concert Band performs at all HMS concerts, at festival, and on the spring trip.

Symphonic Band (advanced level)

The Symphonic Band is the premiere performance ensemble in the Herndon Middle band program. Historically, more than 75% of the members in this band have studied privately for more than a year and have attended summer music camps and clinics. This class is almost exclusively made up of eighth grade students, but five to ten seventh grade students are usually selected for this ensemble. Placement in this band is strictly by audition! Students will be expected to be able to play very advanced music (VBODA grade 4 & 5 level) and perform frequently throughout the year. Students in this group are required to attend after-school rehearsals several times per year. First chair players are required to audition for All-District Band. Symphonic Band performs at all HMS concerts, at festival, the Pyramid Concert, and on the spring trip.