THE STORY OF DRUID HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BANDS

A Tradition of Excellence

The Druid Hills Middle School Band program has a total enrollment of approximately 230 students in grades 6, 7, and 8. From this enrollment are created 5 performing ensembles – The 6th Grade Concert Band, The 7th Grade Concert Band, The 8th Grade Symphonic Band, Dragon Jazz Ensemble, and Dragon Drummers Percussion Ensemble. The 6th Grade Band is created from two 6th grade classes. These classes are scheduled during the school day according to prior experience. These are formal classes for which students earn full academic credit. Private instruction is strongly encouraged for all students.

The 7th grade Concert Band consists of Only 7th grade students and is created by combining two grade- level Band classes. Concert Band is a formal class for which students earn academic credit. Students are placed into the individual Concert Band classes by performance audition. Chair placements within each section are determined by the most recent full band playing test. The 7th Grade Concert Band performs primarily Level 2 concert band literature.

The 8th Grade Symphonic Band consists of only 8th grade students and is created by combining two grade-level Band classes. Symphonic Band is a formal class for which students earn academic credit. Students are placed into the 2 8th grade Symphonic Band classes by performance audition. Chair placements within each section are determined by the most recent full band playing test. The 8th Grade Symphonic Band performs primarily Level 3 and 4 concert band literature.

The Dragon Jazz Ensemble is an audition only group that meets during 1st period. The ensemble is comprised of 6, 7, & 8 grade students. The Dragon Jazz Ensemble is a formal class for which students earn academic credit. The Dragon Jazz Ensemble performs primarily Level 3 Jazz band literature. 

 The Dragon Drummers Percussion Ensemble meets after school and is audition only. Students do not receive academic credit for participation in this ensemble. Chair placements within each section are determined by audition.