Band Concert Dates for 07-08
October 22...26 - Fall Break
November 9 - 8th Grade Band Veteran's Day Assembly, Per 1
December 6 - 7th/8th Band & Orchestra Assemblies, Periods 1 & 2, Lux MPR
December 6 - 7th/8th Band & Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Lux MPR
December 13 - Orchestra/D'Lux Concert, 7pm, Lux MPR
December 14 - Orchestra/D'Lux Assemblies Periods 1 & 2, Lux MPR
January 7 - 8th Grade Band @ East HS, 7pm
January 22 - 8th Grade All-City Band & Orchestra Rehearsal, 8:30-3:00
January 22 - 8th Grade All-City Band & Orchestra Concert, 7pm
March 4 - Solo/Ens Festival, 6-9pm, Scott MS
March 24...28 - Spring Break
April 29 - 8th Grade Band/Orchestra Contest Assembly, Per 1 & 2, Lux MPR
May 1 - 8th Grade Orch Contest, Lefler MS, Time TBA
May 6 - 6th/7th/8th Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Lux MPR
May 8 - 8th Grade Concert Band Contest, Dawes, Times: Arrive 7:10, Warmup 7:40, Play 8:00, Dismissed 8:20
May 14 - 6th/7th/8th Choirs Concert, 7pm, Lux MPR
May 14 - 6th/7th/8th Choirs Assembly, Periods 1 & 2, Lux MPR
May 15 - 6th/7th/8th 'POPS & Picnics' Band Concert, 6p, Lux MPR
Summer 2008 Music Camps for 7th & 8th Grade
Click below.
Lincoln Public Schools Middle Level Band & Jazz Band Camp 2008
UNL Middle School Summer Band Camp 2008
Nebraska Jazz Camp 2008
Nebraska Clarinet Camp Information2008
Northwest Missouri State Middle Level Music Camp 2008
Rocky Ridge Music Center Information 2008

7th/8th Grade Band Course Description:
7th and 8th grade bands are similarly organized. Each grade has two classes that meet every day in two mixed instrument sections based upon team alignment and exploratory availabilities. In both classes, students are regularly held individually accountable, via playing tests, for continuous progress through a prescribed technical course of study including music reading (method book), specific instrument knowledge and skills (expanded scales, ranges, rolls and rudiments in warmup drill and tone control and production). Musical literature of varying styles and from a variety of historical periods will be experienced in small ensemble and full band settings. Performance opportunities will include fall and spring concerts and occasional assemblies, which are required as extensions of the class experience, and a non-required solo/ensemble festival that occurs during second semester. Students can also request to be nominated for participation in local, regional and state-wide junior high honor bands.
Welcome back to Lux Middle School Instrumental Music!
Open House Handout for 7th/8th Grade
Band Teaching Team:
Mr. Thaden, 6/7/8 Band & Jazz Bands
Ms. Harlan, 6/8 Band & Jazz Bands
Personal perspective:
In all the years we have been associated with band and orchestra students and their parents, we have NEVER heard long-term regrets expressed over continued study of a musical instrument or participation in music groups and activities associated with playing an instrument. Conversely, the only regrets that we DO hear expressed are along the line of, If Id only kept up during middle school and high school.... Just something to think about!
Whats different this year?
For our returning 8th graders, most of this information will be a repeat. For our 7th graders, we wanted to let you know some of the main changes you will be encountering this year.
7th and 8th grade bands meet as classes every day. Students are assigned to sections based on grade and other scheduling factors. Band teachers this year are Mr. Thaden (6th, 7th & 8th) and Ms. Harlan (6th & 8th).
Each student will have a lockable site for instrument storage while at school. Some cabinets will be individual, however, due to the number of instrumentalists, some storage areas need to be shared.
Jazz band is an experience offered for students in 7th & 8th grade. This is offered as a full class experience that also allows students to apply their skills on piano, bass and guitar. Generally, one day per week will be devoted to Jazz Band work during band class. Jazz Band selections will be presented at our various assemblies and concerts. If schedule allows, an 8th grade Contest Jazz Band will plan for a day-long performance tour at some point in the spring as well as a performance at the LPS middle school jazz band contest.
Opportunities for solo and small ensemble performance is targeted during the middle part of our year culminating with the All-City Solo/Ensemble Festival usually held in March.
8th graders also have the opportunity to be recommended for participation in honor performing groups. Orchestra and band members can target our All-City Instrumental Festival groups in January that perform at Pershing Auditorium. Our band members can also target the NSBA All-State 8th Grade Band in January and the Blair Junior High Honor Band later in the spring.
Finally, the newest experience for our all 8th graders is large ensemble contest in May. Orchestras, bands and jazz bands gather at one location to present a contest level program along with groups from the ten other LPS middle schools in an adjudicated setting. For many of our students this is a first taste of large ensemble competitions that will face them more frequently in high school.
Behavioral Expectations & Communications by letter via students:
Although the following items may seem very common-sensical, we wanted to list some specific behavioral expectations for students in band and orchestra that have been addressed in the past: 1) instruments are to be stored in cases in assigned locations, 2) no playing before class begins, 3) be in assigned seat at the appropriate time, 4) play only when directed to do so, 5) converse only at appropriate times and in a non-disruptive manner, 6) have your OWN materials at every class, 7) playing any instrument that is either not your own or one you have been assigned to play is not allowed and 8) abusive treatment to stands and chairs will not be tolerated.
Communications regarding behavioral issues will be handled generally by telephone contact or written notes hand-carried home by students.
Bossa Madeira (Latin)
Where Do We Go From Here (Jazz Waltz)
Spring's Awakening (Rock Ballad)
Last Dance (Slower Jazz)
Buffalo Head (Funk Rock)
My Dinner With Ronald (Swing)
Martian Square Dance (Rock)
Into The Sun (Reggae)
Jammin' With Charlie (Rock)
Uncle Milo's Side Show (Rock)
River City Blues (Swing)
Oink Joint Rumble (Swing)
Minor Attitude (Swing)
Pretty Eyes (Jazz Ballad)
The Check's In The Mail (Up Swing)
Coco Loco (Latin-Bossa)
Summer Heat (Latin-Samba)
San Juan By Night (Latin-Salsa)
Mutual Deception (Blues - Afro/Cuban)
Go Charlie, Go! (Rock)
Where You Want To Be (Rock-Funk)
Littlest One (Rock-Ballad)
Rock The House (Rock-Funk/Shuffle)
No Speed Limit Blues (Swing)
Dr. Rockenstein's Laboratory (Medium Rock)
Isn't That Special (Medium Swing)
This Little Light Of Mine (Medium Swing)
Time To Do Nuthin' (Rock Ballad)
Salt And Pepper (Medium Rock)
Fat Cat (Medium Rock)
Dirty Dozen (Funky Rock)
Gravel Roads (Medium Rock)
All The Blues That's Fit To Print (Medium Swing)
Deck The Halls (Medium Swing)
Up On The House Top (Medium Rock)
Silent Night (Jazz Waltz Ballad)
Go Tell It On The Mountain (Up-Tempo Rock)
Jingle Bells (Medium Swing)
Away In A Manger (Medium Jazz Waltz)
Funky Ol' Saint Nick (Funky Rock)
Joy To The World (Medium Swing)
What Child Is This? (Medium 5/4 Swing)
O Little Town Of Bethlehem (Jazz Ballad)
Angels We Have Heard On High (Medium Rock)
We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Up-Tempo Rock)
Blues Is My Favorite Color (Medium Swing)
Sweet Home Chicago (Swing Shuffle)
Say What? (Medium Rock)
Full Moon Blues (Slower Shuffling Blues)
Woody's Blues (Medium Swing)
Beale Street Boogie (Boogie-Woogie Swing)
St. Louie Blues (Up-Tempo Rock)
Tickle Ya' (Latin Rock)
Low Down, Slow Down Blues (Slower Swing)
Frankie & Johnny (Medium Swing/Shuffle)
It's Never Over Til The Fat Lady Swings (Up-Tempo Swing)
Low Rider (Medium Rock)
Go With The Flow (Medium Swing)
Cruisin' (Up-Tempo Swing)
Solid As A Rock (Medium Rock)
Quiet Little Town (Latin Rock)
TGIF (Medium Rock)
Detention Blues (Slow Blues)
Rock Fourth (Medium Rock)
Dynamite Drums (Funky Rock)