The Concert Band performs at both the winter and spring concerts. There is no audition for this ensemble; students who would like to play in the Concert Band should attend the September sign-up meeting. While most 7th grade students will begin in the Concert Band, through practice and hard work, they may be selected for the Wind Ensemble during the school year. The Concert Band rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday during the Resource/Activity (R/A) period.

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is designed for students with advanced performance abilities. In addition to apperances at both the winter and spring concerts, members of the Wind Ensemble (with superior rehearsal and concert attendance) have the oppurtunity to compete in Kutztown University's "Music in the Parks" Festival. Auditions are held each October. While 7th graders with previous experience in the CR District Elementary Band are automatically placed in the Wind Ensemble, they must still audition for seat placement. Auditionees must play a warm-up piece, a solo piece, selected scales, and sight read a passage of music. The Wind Ensemble rehearses every Monday and Friday during R/A period.

The Developing Jazz Band (Jam Band) will begin in January and is open to any "jazz band instrument" (sax, trombone, trumpet, guitar, electric bass, piano, percussion) player who wishes to learn improvisation. However, due to popular interest, priority for membership is given to 7th grade Wind Ensemble members. Additionally this group learns swing, funk, and rock music styles. The Developing Jazz Band has performed at the Jazz Night Festival and during school assemblies.

Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is a select ensemble that competes in several events throughout the school year. Performances include the Jazz at the Rock, Jazz Night, and the Kutztown/Dorney Park Festival. An information meeting is held each September to distribute audition materials; auditions are generally arranged at the same time as those for the Wind Ensemble. The Jazz Band rehearses every Wednesday morning, before school, from 7:30am until 8:45am.

Drumline

The mallet program is newest ensemble at NMS! We have a lot of FUN playing xylophone, bells, chimes, marimba, glockenspiel. Students rehearse on Fridays at 9am in the Band room and work with the drumline to learn an indoor marching percussion show in the Spring.