IMS BAND What to Expect
Islander Middle School provides a remarkable music experience to students and prepares them to participate in the exciting Mercer Island High School Band program.
What to Expect
Mid-October – All Island Band Night is truly a night to be remembered: It’s the 5th grade band’s debut at a Mercer Island High School Football game! The program starts with the 5th grader’s traditional rendition of “Hot Crossed Buns,” includes performances by the 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands, and concludes with a spectacular performance by the Mercer Island High School Band. With over 700 musicians on the field, it’s something parents look forward to year-after-year.
Early November – 7th-grade band students will perform at the Seventh Grade Band Concert.
Late November/Early December – 8th-grade students perform at the Winterfest Concert at Seattle Center and at the IMS Winter Music Assembly. All IMS students perform at the IMS Winter Concert.
Early February – Younger IMS band students show off their developing skills at the Sixth and Seventh grade Band Concert.
Mid-February – Motivated students may be selected to play in the WMEA Jr. All State Honor Band Concert.
Early March – 8th-grade students perform at the Eastshore Region Solo and Ensemble Festival. Motivated 6th and 7th-grade students may also choose to prepare and perform at this exciting event
End of March – 7th and 8th-grade students perform at Fine Arts Showcase at Mercer Island High School.
End of April – 8th-grade band students perform at the Eastshore Band Festival.
Mid-May – 8th-grade band students demonstrate instruments to incoming 5th-grade students during the elementary music tour. 8th-grade band students participate in a mini-band camp to prepare for the marching season at MIHS next year.
Early June – The year concludes with the Spring Band Blast concert which showcases the 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Concert Bands.
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For current information on dates, check out our Calendar.
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Class Configuration and Focus
In sixth grade, students focus on expanding their musical technique.
The seventh grade band meets every day, and meets in much larger groups, including two equal concert bands, woodwinds, brass and percussion subgroups as well as individual sectionals. Seventh grade band continues to emphasize structured skill development, but has a greater emphasis on group performance of band literature.
The eighth grade band is the culmination band experience for students at IMS, and springboard to the stellar high school band program. Class structure is similar to the seventh grade band, however curriculum shifts to include a greater emphasis on performance band works, and less on technique books.
Interested seventh and eighth grade students also have the opportunity to play in the IMS Jazz Bands.
Grading and Participation
All IMS Band students have periodic graded playing tests, as well as required practice records, provided in class. Participation at all concerts is required, and a significantly weighted and important part of each student’s grade. In addition, enrichment opportunities for small ensemble playing are available for motivated students.
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IMS Instrument Clubs
Instrument clubs are available after school. These are a great way for your band students to get more practice on their instrument while having fun! Thank you to MISBB for making these happen!