6th Grade Band
Band for first year students. Students will learn the basics of music theory, music reading, and performance on their instrument.
7th Grade Band
Band for second year students. Students will expand upon concepts learned in their first year in addition to learning new concepts. The 7th Grade Band will also participate in MSBOA District 3 Band Festival. There are more optional extra curricular band activities for 7th grade students. This includes: Solo and Ensemble, All State Auditions, Honors Band, North Street Jazz Ensemble, Beginner Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble.
8th Grade Band
Band for third year students. Students will expand upon concepts learned in 7th grade band. The 8th Grade Band will also participate in MSBOA District 3 Band Festival. Students will also get to participate in collaborative performances with Mr. Senkmajer and the Port Huron Northern High School Bands. Just like in 7th grade, 8th grade students are allowed to participate in extra curricular band activities. This includes: Solo and Ensemble, All State Auditions, Honors Band, North Street Jazz Ensemble, Beginner Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble.
North Street Jazz Ensemble
The North Street Jazz Ensemble is one the premier ensembles at Fort Gratiot Middle School. This is an audition based group for 7th and 8th grade students. Students must demonstrate proficiency in their regular band class in order to participate in this ensemble. Members of North Street study jazz style, jazz theory, and
improvisation. The North Street Jazz Ensemble rehearses from 6:20 AM- 7:10 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Fort Gratiot Band Room.
Beginner Jazz Ensemble
This is an ensemble that is offered during the second half of the year. This is offered to all 6th-8th grade students. The purpose of this ensemble is to prepare students for auditioning for the North Street Jazz Ensemble. Members of North Street are allowed to participate on secondary instruments with prior permission from Mr. Krueger. Rehearsals for this group will take place after school one day a week.
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble is offered to all 6th-8th grade percussionists. This ensemble is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED for all percussion students. Percussion students are expected to learn how to play several different instruments. This ensemble is offered to facilitate additional studies on snare drum, bass drum, timpani, mallet percussion, percussion accessories, cymbals, and so much more. In addition to studying percussion instruments, students in this ensemble will study percussion literature and perform in a large percussion ensemble. Non percussion students are allowed to participate in Percussion Ensemble with prior permission from Mr. Krueger. Percussion Ensemble Rehearses from
2:30 PM-3:30 PM on Thursdays in the Fort Gratiot Band Room.