To incoming instrumental music students and parents,

 

 

Thank you for your interest in continuing your musical experience during middle school. There are many exciting changes you will encounter regarding the band program at Adams. First, the band and guitar class is a regular class that meets every day, not a Pull-out class. This means that the students learn at a much faster pace than in elementary school, and are capable of becoming quite proficient at playing an instrument in only a few short years. We offer four band classes at Adams: Advanced Band, Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Beginning Band. We also offer a beginning guitar class.  Seating is limited in the guitar class and students should own their own guitar before signing up.  All effort is made to accommodate students, however scheduling conflicts may result in a student being placed in a band class that is slightly too difficult or too easy. Students who have had this happen to them say for the most part that they still have a rewarding band experience.

 

 

The level of musical proficiency at the middle school level allows us to perform at many exciting events. At the same time preparing these young musicians for the fun and exciting challenges they will face in the high school band. Some recent performance highlights for Adams include: the Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Knott’s Berry Farm Festival, Music in the Parks Festival at Magic Mountain and Disneyland, Adams M.S. rededication ceremony, Galleria Mall performance, Artesia Blvd. Street Improvement Project ceremony, and of course all of the district and school concerts.

 

 

I would like to conclude by encouraging you to reach out to your friends and neighbors to spread the word about instrumental music at Adams. Not only does band offer some fun experiences and rewarding performance opportunities, but many studies have shown that playing an instrument helps students to perform better in mathematics and language arts. Also the teamwork skills involved with being part of a team can only be learned through participating in activities such as music and sports. By asking a friend to join band with you, you not only have the joy of sharing a fun class with them, but may be helping them to become a much better student and citizen. No prior music skills are necessary.

 

 

Please contact me with any questions. I check email and voicemail regularly.

 

For specific questions about our program at Adams, email Mr. Buchen. or call 798-8636 x241.