8th Grade

** Please see the below PDFs and read below for details about your upcoming auditions. This information WILL TAKE THE PLACE of all audition information previously communicated. It's a lot of info--please take your time and read everything!

A few items of note:
** All auditions will be done via video upload(s). Details will be announced later this week about where and how.

** All audition videos are due Friday, April 3 at 5:00 PM. The information contained in the below PDF's is to let students know what to prepare.

** 8th graders DO NOT HAVE to audition unless they want to be considered for Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. Please understand that most 8th graders begin their Kell careers in the Concert Band--auditioning for one of the higher bands is NOT required. Any 8th grader not uploading an audition video will automatically be placed in the Concert Band class.

Frequently asked questions:
** What if I don't have my instrument? Email David Roth (Kell Band Director) at rothdr@gmail.com to figure out the appropriate steps. If buzzing on your mouthpiece is an option, that's a great start. If temporarily renting an instrument while we're away from school is possible, that's another great option. We will work with your needs to figure out the best course of action going forward.

** I'm an 8th grader. Do I have to audition to be in band? NO! Most 8th graders audition into Concert Band based on skills mastery, and any 8th graders who don't submit audition videos will automatically be placed in Concert Band. No stress! If you'd like to be considered for one of the top 2 bands (Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, which are mostly comprised of upperclassmen) then yes, you would need to complete audition videos.

** You keep saying "Audition Videos." Are there more than one? Yes, for brass and woodwind players. Brass and woodwinds will upload 2 separate videos: one for scales, and one for the prepared etude. Details about how and where to upload these videos will come in a separate announcement. Percussionists only have to upload one video (snare etude).

** When are these videos due? Due date for all videos is Friday, April 3 at 5:00 PM.

** What if I still have questions? First read the information in this announcement and in the below PDF's. If you still have questions, email David Roth (Kell Band Director) at rothdr@gmail.com and we'll try to figure it out together.

Kell Audition Info Sheet REVISED

Kell Percussion Info Sheet REVISED

Kell Percussion Snare Etude REVISED

Kell Woodwind/Brass Etude REVISED

- 2019-20 Band Handbook
- Data Sheet (last page of Handbook)
- Year at a glance calendar
- 7th and 8th Grade Supply List
- Honor Band Permission Form
- All-State Permission Form

Concert Dates:
March 12 - 7th and 8th Grade Bands Pre-LGPE Concert (6:30PM/7:30PM @ McCleskey)
March 24 - 8th Grade Symphonic Band LGPE (7:15PM @ South Cobb)
April 23 - Night of Jazz (6:00PM @ Kell)
April 28 - Chamber Ensemble Concert (7:00PM @ McCleskey)
April 30 - 8th Grade Bands Spring Concert (7:00PM @ Kell)
May 2 - Night of Percussion (6:00PM @ Kell)

Other Important Dates:
January 21 - Candle Fundraiser Begins
January 31-February 1 - 7th and 8th Grade Symphonic Bands Symphonic Band Camp (McCleskey)
February 7-8 - District 12 Middle School Honor Band (Lovinggood)
April 21 - 8th Grade Bands Dollywood Rehearsal (4:15PM @ McCleskey)
April 21 - MANDATORY Dollywood Parent Meeting (6:00PM @ McCleskey)
May 7-8 - 8th Grade Music Festival Trip (Pigeon Forge, TN)

Extra Opportunities:
All-State Band, Honor Band, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble/Drum Line, Jazz Band, Recorder Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, UGA MidFest Honor Band

Welcome to the 8th grade band page.
Here are some links and downloads you may find useful.

McCleskey Middle School Bands

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