The TMS Bands consist of over 300 students under the direction of Melissa Ellenberger and Madison Joy. Each grade-level band is a year-long class split between two periods that meet daily. We offer two jazz bands that meet twice a week before school, along with Band After School Help (BASH). The Timberview Band program strives to help each student reach their full musical potential while having a fun and memorable experience.
Band Classes
6th Grade
6th Band: All 6th-grade students may choose to sign up for beginning band. No prior musical experience is necessary. This group covers all aspects of music, including basic music notation, tone production, and the care and maintenance of instruments. Students will study and perform various styles of music throughout the year. Two evening performances are required as part of the grade.
6th Jazz Band: Instrumentation is limited to traditional big band instruments (piano, electric bass, guitar, drum, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone). The band size is small. This class starts with basic jazz styles and concepts and rapidly advances to an advanced level. Students must show a high level of proficiency on their instrument. Jazz band requires significant dedication due to rehearsals starting at 6:40 a.m. twice a week. An audition is required.
7th Grade
7th Concert Band: Seventh-grade students with one or more years of playing experience may sign up. The curriculum develops performance skills, articulation, technique, breathing, timing and phrasing, and ensemble balance and blend. Students study a variety of musical styles. Several evening performances are required as part of the course.
7th Jazz Band: Instrumentation is limited to traditional big band instruments (piano, electric bass, guitar, drum, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone). The band size is small. This class begins with basic jazz styles and concepts and rapidly advances to an advanced level. Students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency. Rehearsals start at 6:40 a.m. twice a week and require significant dedication. An audition is required.
8th Grade
8th Band: This band continues to develop skills from seventh grade or equivalent experience. Focus is on refining music reading and performance skills and developing a broader understanding of music as an art and science. Several evening performances are required as part of the grade.
8th Jazz Band: Instrumentation is limited to traditional big band instruments (piano, electric bass, guitar, drum, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone). The band size is small. The class starts with basic jazz styles and concepts and rapidly advances to an advanced level. Students must show a high level of proficiency. Rehearsals start at 6:40 a.m. twice a week and require significant dedication. An audition is required.
