Beginning Band

Beginning Band is the first level of band at Hastings Middle School. Students meet every other day for 54 minutes. The rehearsals focus on the first steps to playing an instrument including playing position, ear training, tone production, music reading, musicianship, self-discipline, positive contribution and team work. Students are not expected to have any prior background in instrumental music. Band students will be expected to practice at least 3x per week for 20 minutes each time, for a total of 60 minutes per week. Our top students will practice 2-3 hours per week.

The band performs three concerts per year. In addition to concert performances, students will work in like-instrument groups (woodwinds, brass and percussion) to improve their individual instrument skills.

6th Grade Band

6th Grade Band is the second level of bands at Hastings Middle School. Students meet every other day for 54 minutes. The rehearsals focus on continued development of both individual and ensemble performance skills. These include instrument playing position, ear training, tone production, music reading, musicianship, self-discipline, positive contribution and team work. A wide variety of music is offered so students continue their musical growth. Band students will be expected to practice at least 3x per week for 20 minutes each time, for a total of 60 minutes per week. Our top students will practice 2-3 hours per week.

The band performs three concerts per year. In addition to concert performances, students receive individual or small group lessons throughout the year. Lessons are offered before or after school, during advisory time or pull out of other classes on a rotation. Students are expected to attend 4 lessons per semester for a yearly total of 8 lessons.

7th Grade Band

7th Grade Band is the third level of bands at Hastings Middle School. Students meet every other day for 54 minutes. The rehearsals focus on continued development of both individual and ensemble performance skills. These include instrument playing position, ear training, tone production, music reading, musicianship, self-discipline, positive contribution and team work. A wide variety of music is offered so students continue their musical growth.

The band performs three concerts per year and usually attends a band festival. In addition to concert performances, students receive individual or small group lessons throughout the year. Lessons are offered before or after school, during advisory time or pull out of other classes on a rotation. Students are expected to attend 4 lessons per semester for a yearly total of 8 lessons.

8th Grade Band

8th Grade Band is the top level band at Hastings Middle School. Students meet every other day for 54 minutes. The rehearsals focus on continued development of both individual and ensemble performance skills addressed in 7th grade band. Band students will be encouraged and expected to strive for higher levels of mastery of these music skills. A wide variety of music is offered so students continue their musical growth.

The band performs three concerts per year and usually attends a band festival. In addition to concert performances, students receive individual or small group lessons throughout the year. Lessons are offered before or after school, during advisory time or pull out of other classes on a rotation. Students are expected to attend 4 lessons per semester for a yearly total of 8 lessons.