FAQs

Band meets during activity period, from 2:10-2:45. In the fall, the 7th grade band meets on days 4 and 5, and the 8th grade band meets on days 2 and 3, with the combined band (grades 7 and 8) meeting together on day 6. Following our fall evaluations, students are split into two performing groups, the wind ensemble and the symphonic band, which meet on separate days. Symphonic band meets on days 4 & 5, while the wind ensemble meets on days 2 & 3, again with the combined bands meeting on day 6.

The band program at CYMS is very involved and offers students MANY opportunities to explore and expand their musical potential. All students are expected to participate in marching band in the fall.

The marching band performs in our annual band day celebration with the CYHS band and the elementary bands, as well as performs in 1 or 2 local parades.

There are 2 concert bands -- the symphonic band and the wind ensemble -- which perform at Christmas and the spring, and other times as needed throughout the school year.

We have a brass ensemble during the winter holidays, aptly titled Christmas Brass, and a small ensemble program which is active following the winter holidays with a recital in mid-March.

There is a jazz program, which features a traditional big band, as well as a club setting for jazz improvisation and combo playing.

Lastly, we offer a traditional fife and drum corps, playing music from the American Revolution and portraying a typical corps found in the 18th century.

The CYMS band performs at the district's annual band day celebration, which is a pre-game performance at one of the home varsity football games alongside the CYHS Marching Band, and students from the elementary bands.

Additionally, the band performs in 2 parades each fall. The band does a holiday concert in December, a March concert with the CYHS Bands and 6th grade bands from NHE & SSE, and a spring concert in May. There are other performance opportunities which occur in the various other ensembles as part of the band program. A student's time commitment is dependent upon how involved that student wants to be. The extra-curricular ensembles - fife and drum corps, jazz band, small ensembles - all meet after school from 3-4, but the concert bands meet during the school day. There are occasional after school rehearsals for the concert bands, but those are usually in the last few weeks before a performance. Some students choose to be in many after school ensembles, while others choose to only do the ensembles which meet during the school day.

There are LOTS of opportunities to be involved as a parent in the CYMS band programs. First, be sure that your CYSD Clearances are up to date and current. You can find information regarding clearances on the district homepage. Then, fill out the parent volunteer form found under the "Handbook, policies, and forms" tab on the left column of this page.

Volunteers are always needed for chaperoning events, helping with food and drinks at parties, helping to distribute uniforms in the summer, sewing and alterations, towing the trailer, the list goes on and on... The great success of the CYMS Band depends on you as a parent. Education in general, and music education specifically is truly a partnership. Please be a willing partner!!!