The Concord Middle School band program is made up ensembles at each grade level: 6th-Grade Band, 7th-Grade Band, and 8th-Grade Band. Each band at CMS rehearses three times per cycle, every other day, during the school day. As a continuation from elementary bands, the Concord Middle School focuses on ensemble playing and individual growth. 

The curricular ensembles at CMS typically perform in three formal concerts each year: Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and the MICCA Concert Festival. We also offer two after-school ensembles - Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band - which offer students even more performance opportunities!

​See the CALENDAR for a full list of this year's events.​ 
Required Materials for Concord Middle School Bands, Grade 6-8

Band students must have the following every class (these supplies are not provided). 
​Note: Instruments should not be left at school over night, between rehearsals except in unique circumstances where permission is given:
  • Instrument w/ appropriate supplies (reeds, valve oil, maintenance supplies, etc.)
    • ​​​​CMS Reed players should purchase a box of 10, strength 3 Rico Royal reeds (Blue Box)
    • All CMS Percussionists need the items listed below. This stick package is available through David French Music, HERE.
      • ​​Stick Bag
      • Vic Firth 5B drumsticks
      • Vic Firth M3 Mallets
      • Vic Firth M6 Mallets
      • Vic Firth T1 Mallets
    • Note: CMS percussionists may keep their bell kit at home unless otherwise informed.
  • Black 1” 3-ring binder and sheet protectors (about 20)
  • Pencil(s) in a pencil case, clipped into binder
  • Standalone Chromatic Tuner/Metronome (i.e. Korg TM-60) - not a smartphone app, please
  • Method Book
    • 6th-Grade: “Sound Innovations for Concert Band,” Book 1 (Blue Cover, same as 4th/5th-grade band)​
    • 7th-Grade Method Book: None at this time
    • 8th-Grade Method Book: None at this time
Note regarding the method book: Students should have the book for their instrument, i.e. Flute, Bb Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn (Euphonium), etc. Percussionists should purchase the Combined Percussion book. 
  • ​Music stand for home practice (foldable is acceptable)

Concert Attire
CMS Bands have two types of concerts, formal and casual.
Formal performances include, but are not limited to, the CMS Winter Concert and MICCA Concert Festival. Formal concert dress for band members is ALL BLACK - ONLY BLACK. Students of any gender may choose from the options below:
  • Black button-up collar shirt (tucked in)
  • Black dress pants (please avoid jeans/sweatpants/shorts)
  • Black skirt (long or knee-length w/ opaque black tights) and blouse/top
  • Black dress (long or knee-length w/ opaque black tights)
  • Black dress socks
  • Black dress shoes (please, avoid high heels and sneakers)
  • Accessories (suit coat, headbands, ties) should be all black and are optional
Casual performance attire includes:
  • Band sweatshirt/t-shirt (order below)
  • Jeans/pants/leggings/etc.
  • Sneakers (or similar)
  • Acceptable substitutions for a band shirt are Concord or Concord-Carlisle shirts of any relatively neutral color shirt.

Rico Royal, Strength 3

Tuner/Metronome Combo
Daily Class Grade
The foundation of our students' success relies on three Ps - Punctuality, Preparation, and Positive Contributions (PPP). Therefore, we have created a daily 10-point grading category in Aspen that focuses on student participation, organization, and effort. Read more about it here.