Band Information & FAQ

Thank you for your interest in the Hackettstown Middle School Bands! Band is an awesome class where we learn how to play our instruments, explore a bunch of really great music, and have a good time, too. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about what band is and how band works.

If you have any questions about band, please do not hesitate to reach out via email - [email protected]

How often does band meet?

What are lessons? How often will I have one?

Lessons are small group instruction on your instruments. Lessons are grouped by grade level and instrument. Lessons are on a rotating pull-out basis from your academic classes. This means that you will be asked to miss one of your other classes once every 5-7 school days and come to a lesson. The lessons also rotate, so it will generally be 4-6 weeks until you're asked to miss the same class.

Please note - Attendance in lessons is required and is a part of your grade!

Do we have concerts? When are they? Do I have to go?

Yes we do have them. Concerts are a very important part of the Band experience! Each band will participate in 2 concerts per year - a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May. Additionally, our 7th and 8th grade students will also participate in a third concert, our annual District Band Concert in March. All dates are announced and communicated home in early September.

Concert attendance is MANDATORY! You will receive a grade for your concert attendance! Only major life events (major sickness, death in family, etc) are acceptable reasons for missing a concert. If a student does not attend a concert, an alternate assignment will be given.

Are there other music opportunities beyond concert band?

Absolutely! Each year, we have a few select groups open to 6-8th grade students called Wind Symphony and Jazz Band.

Wind Symphony

Open to all concert band instruments by audition.
Rehearses Wednesdays after school from 3-3:45pm.
Instrumentation is limited.
Wind Symphony is one of the groups that participates in our Dorney Park trip each Spring.

Jazz Band

Open to students by audition.
Rehearses Thursdays after school from 3-3:45pm.
Instrumentation is mainly saxophones, trumpets, trombones and percussion, but clarinets and flutes can jazz too! We are also looking for bass guitar players and piano players as well.
Wind Symphony is one of the groups that participates in our Dorney Park trip each Spring.

Percussion Ensemble

Open to all students, regardless of instrument.
Rehearses Tuesdays after school from 3-3:45pm.
This is an opportunity for students to continue playing their wind or brass instruments while also gaining some experience in the world of percussion.

We will discuss these options as we start the school year and more information will be coming out soon. Each of these groups will also perform at our Winter and Spring concerts, too!