Students at Morton Middle School may start on a band instrument in the 6^th grade. The beginning band class meets every day and is taught by Jason Gibson.  Students may also take this class if they feel they need a repeat their beginning year.  The beginning band will participate in three concerts a year.

Sixth Grade Percussion Class

All 6th grade percussionists take this class.  It is designed for beginners and students who have played for one year.  The percussion class meets every day and is taught by Todd Chamberlain.  The main focus of the class is on snare and mallets.  However, students will also learn to play a wide variety of percussion instruments (such as timpani, triangle, etc.).  Percussionists will perform with the sixth grade class at all concerts. Students must have a keyboard instrument at home for practice.

The 6^th grade band meets every day and is taught by Todd Chamberlain and Jeff Bayerle. The band will work daily on scales, method books, and concert music.   The core content includes preparation of concert music for performance, solo and ensemble performance and the skills necessary for entrance into the seventh grade band. Evaluation will be weekly through playing and written exams. The 6^th grade band will participate in three concerts a year.

The 7^th grade band meets every day. The band will work daily on scales, method books, and concert music. This class is taught by Todd Chamberlain and Jason Gibson.  The core content includes preparation of concert music for performance, solo and ensemble performance and the skills necessary for entrance into the eighth grade band. Evaluation will be weekly through playing and written exams. The 7^th grade band will participate in three concerts a year..

The Advanced band meets every day and is taught by Todd Chamberlain, Dr. Terry Magee and Brian Lewellen. This is the advanced band which is made up of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instrument The band will work daily on scales, method books, and concert music. The core content includes preparation of concert music for performance, solo and ensemble performance and the skills necessary for entrance into high school. Evaluation will be weekly through playing and written exams. The Advanced band will participate in at least three concerts a year..

The 8^th grade Jazz Band meets every day and is taught by Todd Chamberlain. This is a group of students interested in studying and performing jazz. The band will work daily on scales, method books, and concert music. The Jazz band will have many performing opportunities throughout the year.