Instrumental Music

Welcome Back!

Mr. Miller would like to welcome back all of his students in grades 6-8 back from your summer vacation and wish you all a successful school year. The purpose of this website is to help keep students and parents informed about important information that pertains to the instrumental music program at M.M.S. All students will receive a hard copy of our class syllabus during the first week of school. The syllabus contains information about schedules, grading policy, concert attire and behavior and a calendar of programs that will take place this year. The calendar will be updated throughout the year as needed on this website. Parents should feel free to contact me anytime at dmiller@msad35.net or at 439-1399 ext. 409 if you have any questions or concerns. Email is the best way to get a quick response to your concerns.

  2009-2010 Calendar

  • September 2, 2009 - Rehearsals begin, all students should have instruments at school for class.
  • September 14, 2009 - Annual Fundraising Drive begins. Optional student participation.
  • September 21, 2009 - Annual Fundraising Drive ends.
  • October/November - nominations due for grade 7 or 8 students interested in being selected to perform in the York County Junior High School Music Festival in February. Interested students see Mr. Miller.
  • Tuesday November 6, 2009 - Veterans Day Assembly/Performance (in school assembly)
  • Tuesday December 15, 2009 - Holiday Concert at Marshwood High School at 7:00 p.m. The snow date for this concert is Tuesday December 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday February 5th and Saturday February 6th - York County Junior H.S. Music Festival at Kennebunk (selected grade 7&8 students only)
  • March - Jazz Band begins on Thursdays after school
  • Tuesday March 16, 2010 - M.S.A.D. District Band Festival at Marshwood H.S. at 7:00 p.m. All M.M.S. bands perform at this concert.
  • Wednesday April 8th or Thursday April 9th - Grade 7/8 Band performs at Scarborough Concert Band Festival (tentative).
  • Tuesday June 8, 2010 - Spring Concert at Marshwood High School at 7:00 p.m.

This calendar will be updated throughout the year so it is best to check it occasionally.

Grade 7 and 8 Bands

The Grade 7/8 Bands are currently working on six pieces. Armed Forces on Parade by Andrew Balent is a medley of songs from each branch of the military. Included in the melody is Semper Paratus (Coast Guard), Anchors Away (Navy), Marines Hymn (Marines), Caisson Song (Army) and the U.S. Air Force Song. This piece was performed on Friday November 6th at our schools Veterans Day assembly. The two bands are also currently working on Festivo by Vaclav Nelhybel which is a piece that features our percussion section. We are also preparing Viva La Vida made popular by the band Cold Play and Angel Song, Polar Express and A Suite of Holiday Carols for the December concert.

The Grade 6 Band is currently working on seven pieces which they will perform at our December Holiday Concert on December 15th. The peices are; Fire and Fury by David Shaffer, Cimarron by Larry Clark, Ancient Castle by James Curnow,Dueling Dragons, Drummer's Christmas Carol, and Siberian Sleigh Ride all by Robert W. Smith and A Suite of Holiday Carols.

Marshwood H.S. Marching Band Competition

On Saturday October 31st ten Marshwood Middle School 7th and 8th grade band members helped perform the National Anthem at the Marshwood H.S. Marching Band Competition. Thank you to those who volunteered their time that afternoon and congratulations to Josh Gagnon, Emma Barker and Jordon Penney who marched with the high school marching band throughout the entire season.

York County Junior H.S. Music Festival

Congratulations to the following 7th and 8th grade band students who were nominated by Mr. Miller and then selected to participate in this years York County J.H.S. Music Festival which will be held on February 5th and 6th at Kennebunk Middle School. The students are; Andrew Blunt (7) Baritone Horn, Sierra Connell-Bizier (8) flute, Brianna Hale (8) flute, Kyle Fallon (8) baritone sax, Sam McPherson (8) trumpet, Josh Marks (8) trumpet, Josh Gagnon (8) trombone, Reilly Burke (8) trombone, and Darren LaPointe (8) tuba.