Aquinas Band-Ultimate Makeover

This fall, it’s back, but with a new look. It’s the highly anticipated Aquinas Instrumental Music Program! Many changes have taken place within the program this year, so read all about it!

THE AQ WIND PROJECT

            We all know it stinks when, at the beginning of the year, we find out that we may not be able to take all of the courses that we requested the previous year because of scheduling issues. Solution: AQ Wind Project! This group is composed of students interested in music but who cannot take band during the normal school hours. They meet in the mornings, Tuesday and Thursday… at 7:00 am! That is some admirable dedication! This group also has optional Fridays for Jazz Ensemble students (see below). They perform nearly all their music with the Concert Band students who take the course during the day, so it’s truly a win-win. And I can think of nothing better than starting the day off with music!

THE AQ JAZZ ENSEMBLE

            This group also meets bright and early in the morning, but they play tunes of a different kind. Every Friday morning, the AQ Jazz Ensemble rehearses… well… jazz! But that’s not all! They play a variety of music, from rock to pop to funk, including opportunities for improvisation. Also, since a jazz band is not your typical school band, it includes some more “unusual” instruments, like string bass, electric guitar, or electric bass. If you think your instrument doesn’t fit in a traditional setting, then come along to Jazz Ensemble! They’d love to have you jam with them!

THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CONCERT BAND: THE DYNAMICS

            Okay, technically they’re still referred to as Concert Band, but now they’ve got another cool name too: The Dynamics! The students in this lively group are passionate about instrumental music, and they’re ready to show the school what amazing talent they have. Be sure to look out for them in the coming weeks, because they’re planning on performing for the school at Monday Morning Kumbaya. The Dynamics rehearse every day (period 4 this year), so they have plenty of time to practice and refine their music, as well as participate in the occasional “Snack Chat:” a day set aside to discuss important music theory concepts, learn about significant events in instrumental music history, and, of course, share snacks! Some students from this group also created a logo for the group entirely out of musical symbols (see above!). If you are an enthusiastic and DYNAMIC performer, then you’d love to be a part of this band!

Aquinas also has the Middle School Band, which includes students who are brand new to their instruments. This gives them an incredible opportunity to learn how to perform with other students as they continue to develop their own skills. Many students from all the bands also participate in the pep band, which plays at several home football games, and performs at school-wide pep assemblies.

However, whichever band is performing, they’re sure to have the energy to lift your spirits! Come out to hear these bands play some extremely fantastic music at their semi-annual concerts. Admission is free, so it’s easy to show your support! Who knows, after listening to the bands, you might be inspired to dust off that old instrument you haven’t touched since fourth grade, or learn a new one. It’s never too late to make music a part of your life!

by: Maggie McAuliffe