About SJCCA Band
The SJCCA Band department is new to R.J. Murray MS this year. Although we have been an established band program for many years, we now are on track to follow the SJCCA Band program at St. Augustine High School. Under the direction of Ms. Kromhout, our Concert Band has grown and has received awards of excellence at MPA, and our Jazz Band performs around the county at multiple local community events and festivals.
Band is a performance-based instrumental class at Murray MS. The band program is designed to allow the students an opportunity to play a vast array of different styles of music at varying difficulties. Students also learn music theory and develop aural skills necessary to becoming proficient on their instrument and playing with ensembles. The content is meant to challenge the students’ skill levels and promote the development of musicianship.
“One Team, No Limits!” Band is the best example of student’s individual parts coming together to create something amazing! We are all part of the same team, working toward the goal of becoming better musicians. Every student matters! As the saying goes “you are only as great as your weakest link” so here in the Murray Band Program we push everyone up to be the best they can be!
Even if our students do not continue in the path of musicianship, our goal is to establish positive life skills that they will be able to apply to any path they may walk. Learning an instrument and being part of band grows confidence, resilience, motivation, and not to mention the lifelong friends and memories they will cherish for years to come.
SJCCA Band Auditions Information
Auditions for the 2024-2025 school year will be held in January 2024. Here is an outline of the audition process for the upcoming year.
Beginning Band – 9:00-12PM
Auditions will be held individually in the order of arrival. Since students who are entering into band for the first time do not already know how to play an instrument, auditions will consist of rhythmic and aural tests. Students will also have a short-written Music Theory review to gauge what knowledge they learned in elementary school. Ms. Kromhout is not looking for perfection but instead will be gauging potential for musical success.
During the rhythmic portion of the audition students will listen and repeat rhythms back to Ms. Kromhout both verbally and using body percussion. Students may also be asked to read simple quarter, eighth note patterns in 4/4 and perform them. Students should focus on maintaining a steady beat while performing these rhythms.
During the aural portion of the audition students will be asked to listen to different pitches and identify the direction of the notes (Was the first pitch higher or lower than the second? Did the melody line go up, down, or stay the same).
Concert Band – 12:00-2PM (scheduled on a need basis)
If your student has already had at least 1 year of Band instrument experience prior to coming to Murray Middle School, they may be eligible to join our Concert Band. These instruments are,
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Basson, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba. Percussion students will need to show proficiency on reading music for mallet instruments, snare drum, and bass drum to be considered for Concert Band.
Auditions will need to be scheduled with Ms. Kromhout. Students should prepare 3 major scales – All State Pattern – and bring in one piece of music to play (this can be a solo, etude, or a piece they have played prior with another band). Students will also be asked to sight read a short excerpt to show proficiency on their instruments.
Jazz Band – 12:00-2pm (scheduled on a need basis)
If your student has already had at least 1 year of instrumental experience prior to coming to Murray Middle School, they may be eligible to join our Jazz Band. These instruments include,
Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Drum Kit, Guitar, Bass (upright or electric)
Auditions will need to be scheduled with Ms. Kromhout. Students may be “called back” to sit in with our jazz band at a separate time/date before being selected. Here are the requirements.
Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet – Students will need to prepare 3 major scales – All State Pattern – and bring in one piece of music to play (this can be a solo, etude, or a piece they have played prior with another band). Students will also be asked to sight read a short excerpt to show proficiency on their instruments. **Students may choose to show improvisation skills over a 12 bars Bb blues – this is not required but will provide an edge up when determining chairs and who gets to take solos**
Piano – Students should prepare a piece of music that uses both hands. Students will be asked to sight read a piece of jazz music in at least the left hand that contains chords. IF possible, an understanding and proficiency of reading basic lead sheet is desired. **Students may choose to show improvisation skills over a 12 bars Bb blues – this is not required but will provide an edge up when determining chairs and who gets to take solos**
Guitar/Bass – Students should prepare one piece of music to play (this can be a solo, etude, or a piece they have played prior with another band). Students will also be asked to sight read a short excerpt to show proficiency on their instruments. Students should have a basic understanding of lead sheet/tabs and may be asked to sight read using this format. **Students may choose to show improvisation skills over a 12 bars Bb blues – this is not required but will provide an edge up when determining chairs and who gets to take solos**
Drum-Kit – Students must be proficient at reading music to be considered. Students will be asked to play different styles of jazz music, including Swing, Latin, Waltz, Rock, and Funk at various tempos. Students will be asked to improvise fills and set ups. Students should also understand how to play at various dynamic markings.