The Driftwood Middle School Band is often revered as one of the best middle school bands in Broward County. Located in Hollywood, Florida the DMS Band has received multiple superior recognitions and continues to improve under the leadership of band director, Mr. Paul Morton.
The Driftwood Middle School Band is comprised of four primary units, which are designed to accommodate the learning level of every student that wants to join:
Beginning Band & Concert Band:
The beginning band is designed for those students with limited or no music background. Students will be oriented to all band instruments offered prior to selection. Students will be instructed on the proper fundamentals and skills necessary to ensure a positive learning experience. Students will develop a basic understanding of music notation, two major scales, one octave of their chromatic scale and perform in the end of the semester concert. A minimum of 140 minutes of practice per week (twenty minutes per day) will be required.
Optional activities: Solo and Ensemble Festival
Advanced: (Director’s approval needed)
The Advanced & Concert Bands are intended for students who have prior experience on a band instrument. These bands will perform music at a medium difficulty level of grade I & II , and should prove to be quite a challenge to the students involved. Emphasis will be on developing the skills and fundamentals gained from the beginning band level. Students will perform from memory 4 major scales and the practical range of their chromatic scale. Students must attend all rehearsals and concerts and learn all music assigned. A minimum of 180 minutes of practice per week (30 minutes per day) will be required.
Optional Activities: Solo and Ensemble Festival
Symphonic Band: (Director’s approval needed)
This is our highest level band class. The Symphonic Band will perform music of medium difficulty at the grade II & III level, and should be extremely challenging to all members. Emphasis will be on perfecting musical skills and performance fundamentals. Students will perform from memory seven major scales and the full range of their chromatic scale. Students selected must attend all selected rehearsals and concerts, and learn all music assigned. A minimum of 240 minutes of practice per week (40 minutes per day) will be required.
Optional Activities: Solo & Ensemble Festival, All County Honors Band and All-State Honors Band.
Jazz Band: (Director’s approval needed)
This group will be selected by the director. Students will perform a wide variety of music encompassing all styles used in jazz literature. Students MUST attend ALL scheduled rehearsals and performances. Rehearsal schedule is as follows: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 9:25 am.