EMS 7th Grade Band

The EMS 7th Grade Band is a curricular band class that meets on a daily basis. This class is open to all 7th graders who currently play or wish to learn an instrument. Through the Roxbury School District vertical teaching system, students receive weekly group lessons and sectionals from a specialist on their instrument during the ensemble period. Students explore and enhance their knowledge of fundamentals through development of individual tone and technique while also expanding their knowledge and understanding of ensemble fundamentals. The 7th Grade Band performs high quality, grade appropriate standard and contemporary concert band literature in a variety of styles. The EMS band program strives to promote a musical culture that is an integral part of students’ experiences at Eisenhower Middle School.

For information regarding the EMS 7th grade band, you can email Greg Boccuti or Shannon Perrone .

EMS 8th Grade Band

The EMS 8th Grade Band is a curricular band class that meets on a daily basis. This class is open to all 8th graders who currently play or wish to learn to an instrument. Through the Roxbury School District vertical teaching system, students receive weekly group lessons and sectionals from a specialist on their instrument during the ensemble period. This ensemble seeks to further promote individual development while placing a strong emphasis on the growth of ensemble skills. The 8th Grade Band performs high quality, grade appropriate standard and contemporary literature in a variety of styles. Additionally, the 8th Grade Band travels annually to perform at a music festival outside of NJ. The EMS band program strives to promote a musical culture that is an integral part of students’ experiences at Eisenhower Middle School.

For information regarding the EMS 8th grade band, you can contact Greg Boccuti or Shannon Perrone .

EMS Honors Band

The EMS Honors Band is an auditioned concert band comprised of 7th and 8th grade band members. Students perform advanced concert band music on a limited rehearsal schedule.

The EMS Honors Band begins rehearsals with several evening sectionals throughout February and March and weekly after school rehearsals beginning in April. As an honors group, a strong emphasis is placed on individual development and preparation outside of rehearsal.  In 2014, the Honors Band performed the world premier of Joseph Turrin’s Music for an Occassion, a piece which they commissioned. In 2015, the Honors Band worked closely with composer Michael Markowski on his piece The Cave You Fear. The EMS Honors Band is committed to giving its members unique opportunities for musical growth while encouraging the intellectual and musical development of the individual musician.

For information regarding the EMS Honors band, you can contact Greg Boccuti or Shannon Perrone .

EMS Jazz Band

The EMS Jazz Band is an auditioned group comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. This group rehearses after school on a weekly basis from October through June. Students explore a variety of styles including swing, rock and funk through the performance of high quality, grade appropriate literature. Students also begin to learn the fundamentals of improvisation. As an honors group, a strong emphasis is placed on individual development and preparation outside of rehearsal. The EMS Jazz Band performs annually at the both the Roxbury District Jazz Night and the EMS Honors Instrumental Concert, as well as at various school and community events throughout the year.

For information regarding the EMS Jazz band, you can contact Greg Boccuti or Shannon Perrone .