Middle School Ensembles
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7th Grade Band
Open to all 7th grade students! While many students will start learning their instrument in 6th grade, we take an approach that emphasizes solid fundamentals. This will allow a beginner to "catch up" while strengthening the musical skills and knowledge of the entire group. There are 4 required evening concerts throughout the school year. 8th Grade Band Generally a continuation and building of skills that were learned in 7th grade band, but again, students may start taking an instrument in 8th grade. Along with building on skills, we start to really emphasize musicianship and making musical choices in our playing. We also start to prepare students to transition to the high school band. Jazz Band The middle school jazz band meets outside of class (before school, FLEX, after school). There are typically three to four concerts per year. One of the highlight performances is in February for our Jazz Night at the Ike Cafe where we create a jazz club atmosphere with a delicious meal, raffle, and silent auction, which also features our high school jazz ensembles. |
High School Ensembles
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Symphonic Band
This is the only traditional concert band group at the high school level. This group plays Class A literature and has received First Division Awards for the past 21 years. This group starts rehearsing after the marching season ends and typically performs 3 concerts throughout the rest of the school year. While previous playing experience is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. The Symphonic Band is the primary group that travels every other year to destinations that have included Orlando, Boston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Dallas. |
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Marching Band
All high school band students participate in the marching band starting in the summer and culminating at the WSMA State Marching Band Championships in mid-October. The band competes in Class AA at 5-7 shows per year, plus football games, and the New Berlin 4th of July and Christmas parades. |
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Jazz Ensembles
There are two high school jazz ensembles at Eisenhower. There is the jazz combo class and the high school big band. The jazz combo meets as a class for credit. The high school big band meets outside of class (before school, FLEX, after school). Jazz bands perform three to four times per year. One of the highlight performances is in February for our Jazz Night at the Ike Cafe where we create a jazz club atmosphere with a delicious meal, raffle, and silent auction. |
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Pep Band
The Eisenhower Pep Band is a requirement of the symphonic band class, rehearsing and performing to provide support for school activities, primarily girls’ and boys’ basketball programs. The Pep Band has followed the basketball program to their state championship appearances, supported the school’s Academic Decathlon at their state championship appearances, and performs as part of many school assemblies and events. |
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Pit (Musicals) and Special Projects
There are many performance opportunities that vary from year to year. The Eisenhower Theatre Department puts on a musical every year and the instrumentation of the pit orchestra varies depending on the show. The Eisenhower Music Department enjoys collaborating on projects such as excerpts from Handel's Messiah or the 2015 performance of Christopher Tin's Emmy Award winning Calling All Dawns. |
