Kamiakin Jr. High's Band Program

Enjoying and learning in music progresses far past the elementary level. In junior high, high school and beyond, you have the wonderful opportunity to continue in band. One terrific advantage of junior high band is that it's held DURING your school day instead of before school!  Here are some descriptions of the opportunities available to you in the future.

Kamiakin Junior High Bands!

All bands at Kamiakin stress the development of technical performance ability, sight reading skills, and attainment of overall musical knowledge through daily rehearsals and sectional work. Each band performs a wide variety of literature from the classics to current literature at quarterly concerts as well as at festivals and contests. Students will also have the chance to work on solo and small ensemble music which is a terrific way to enhance creative self-expression and musical independence. At Kamiakin, we’re fortunate to have professional musicians frequently help students during class and in small groups outside rehearsal.

Concert Band (7th): Concert Band is a fantastic way to make friends and music as you enter into your junior high school experience and is open to all 7th grade students who have successfully completed 6th grade band at any school. The emphasis of the class is on growing together as a well-balanced band, musical excellence, and individual achievement.  Concert Band has been held during 5th period at Kamiakin for many years so it's EASY to fit into your school day! 

Symphonic Band (8th): Symphonic Band is open to all 8th grade students who have successfully completed Kamiakin’s Concert Band or any other school’s 7th grade band. The emphasis of this class is on group excellence and individual achievement. Our Symphonic Band meets during 2nd period so those in advanced classes can easily fit it into their school day! 

Wind Ensemble (9th): Wind Ensemble is open to all 9th grade students who have successfully completed Symphonic Band or any other school's 8th grade band. Wind Ensemble is a collection of the most advanced instrumentalists at Kamiakin Jr. High. The emphasis of the class is on group and individual excellence. As Kamiakin's most advanced performance group, our Wind Ensemble travels to represent our school and community and is considered one of our region's top ensembles.  Kamiakin's Wind Ensemble meets during 4th period and easily fits into every student's schedule!

Jazz Ensemble (7th, 8th, 9th):   In Jazz Ensemble, the emphasis is on learning the big band styles of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and others. Outside listening to our region's jazz radio station, KPLU (88.5 FM) and other sources is expected. Jazz Ensemble meets during “zero” period in Kamiakin’s band room so it never conflicts with after-school sports or activities!  Jazz Ensemble members must audition before they can join this elite performance group.  Kamiakin's award-winning Jazz Ensemble is our most mobile group and is used quite often at community events and local venues throughout the year. 

Band at Juanita High School

 Once you graduate from Kamiakin there are several band courses offered at Juanita High School for you to continue your band experience. Students are taught by Mariko Lane (mlane@lwsd.org), the Director of Bands at Juanita.

JHS Concert Band consists primarily of sophomores and is your welcome into the Juanita Rebel Bands! It is designed to prepare you for admission into Symphonic Band. Emphasis is placed on tonal production, improving technical facility, and gaining knowledge of the rudiments of music. Music ranges from pep band to concert literature of moderate difficulty. Four concerts are given at school each year, plus the band also performs at a school assembly, the Northlake Band II Contest and does a junior high tour in the spring. This group is open to any student with previous experience on a standard wind, brass, or percussion instrument. Members of this group are eligible to audition for Jazz Ensemble. Students are expected to maintain a practice schedule outside of class.

JHS Symphonic Band is a select group of musicians, usually juniors and seniors. Emphasis is placed on skill development and musical awareness. Music literature ranges from pep band to concert literature, with various times and styles represented. Medium difficult to advanced literature is performed. There are 4 concerts given at school each year, plus the group performs at assemblies, the Central Washington University Invitation Wind Ensemble Festival, and Northlake Band I Contest. We are hoping to do a tour next spring. Members of this group are eligible to audition for Jazz Ensemble. Students are expected to maintain an active practice schedule outside of class.

Auditions for the JHS Jazz Ensemble are held in the fall each year. Students enrolled in either Concert Band or Symphonic Band may audition for Jazz Ensemble. This select group focuses on the performance of jazz of all styles and time periods. The Jazz Ensemble class meets before school, so punctuality and a good alarm clock are imperative! You can expect to play at a number of evening and/or weekend performances, including festivals, contests, concerts, and dances. Students are expected to maintain an active practice and listening schedule outside of class.

Beyond

 Playing an instrument can be a life long source of fun and enjoyment. Once you get out of high school you don't have to stop being a musician. You can choose to continue your education in college, learning more advanced techniques from some of the greatest musicians in the world. The opportunities are limitless. There are many chances for you to play in the real world as well. Orchestras and symphonies like our very own Seattle Symphony give you the chance to play professionally and in front of large audiences. Or you can start your very own band, join a jazz ensemble, and play music right in your own home. Playing and enjoying music stretches far past high school and can be used and enjoyed for the rest of your life.