This group is for saxophones, trombones or baritones, trumpets, and rhythm section (drum set, guitar, bass guitar, and piano). Membership is by audition and the group practices Tuesday and Friday mornings at 7am. Jazz Band members can be 6th, 7th, or 8th graders.
Solo & Ensemble Festival is based on a very structured set of guidelines and procedures set by the Wisconsin State Music Association. Each year, Grade 7 and 8 students at GMS are given the opportunity to participate in the festival. Please see the GMS Band Manual for more information.
Each year, GMS band members have an opportunity to participate in field trips. These trips are co-curricular and are affected by Honor Levels and the Ineligible List. At the end of the year, 5th and 6th graders take a fun trip to nearby amusements such as FUNSET Boulevard and Wild Air. 7th and 8th graders travel in Wisconsin and the Chicago area to see concerts and Broadway shows such as BLAST!, Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, and the Dallas Brass.
If a student needs a little extra help or is very advanced and needs more of a challenge, the directors may recommend that the student take private lessons with a specialist. Parents who are interested in obtaining private lessons are always welcome to ask a director for a private teacher recommendation.