IMS Bands
6th Grade Band
The sixth-grade band offers students an exciting year of expanding musical technique and experience in becoming musicians, and meets every other day in small groups of differing instrumentation. The class emphasizes structured skill development in a fun environment.
7th Grade Band
The seventh-grade band is an exciting continuation of the excellent sixth-grade band. It meets every day and in much larger groups, typically in different subgroup arrangements. These will include two equal concert bands, woodwinds, brass and percussion subgroups as well as individual sectionals. The class emphasizes both skill development and group performance of band literature.
8th Grade Band
The 8th grade band is the culminating band experience for students at IMS and springboards to the stellar high school band program. Curriculum shifts to include a greater emphasis on performance band works and less on technique books.
7th and 8th Grade Jazz Bands
7th and 8th graders are invited to join the middle school jazz bands. Practices are held in the morning before school. Learn more about Mercer Island's Jazz program.
IMS Bands FAQ
What music books are required and where can I get them?
These are the IMS music books for this year's classes. They can be found at most music vendors or online. Note, they are instrument-specific. These will be provided in class and are covered by the "IMS Band Fair Share Fee." You only need to purchase a copy if your student loses their book.
6th grade: Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician
7th grade: Habits of a Successful Intermediate Band Musician
8th grade: Habits of a Successful Middle Level Band Musician
IMS Band Uniform?
Maroon Band Polo and All-black pants, shoes, and socks
All IMS Band students will need a maroon IMS Band polo shirt. These are provided to each student in 6th grade and covered by the IMS Band Fair Share fee. If a student was not in band in 6th grade, they will receive a band polo when they join band, before their first concert. If a student loses their band polo, they may purchase a new one via the ASB portal.
In addition to the maroon polo, students need to provide their own all-black pants, all-black socks, and all-black shoes.
IMS ASB payment portal
What instrument accessories does my band student need?
All 7th and 8th graders will need to purchase a lyre. Consider also an instrument stand. This prevents an enormous amount of unneeded repairs.
Remember reeds, valve oil, and anything else that will make your child's instrument easy to use. If your student is interested in switching instruments, make sure to check out the recommended instrument lists before renting or purchasing from a music vendor.
How can I help my child improve?
While never a requirement, private instruction (partnered with practice) is one of the best methods for your student to improve their instrument ability. Our Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters has collected a list of private instructors who have been exceptionally supportive of our Mercer Island students.
If your student wants an opportunity for additional practice while having fun, there are IMS instrument clubs after school. Talk to your band directors about how to sign up.
IMS Dates
Mid-October
All Island Band Night is truly a night to be remembered: It’s the 5th grade band’s debut at a Mercer Island High School Football game! The program starts with the 5th grader’s traditional rendition of “Hot Crossed Buns,” includes performances by the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands, and concludes with a spectacular performance by the Mercer Island High School Band. With over 700 musicians on the field, it’s something parents look forward to year after year.
Early November
7th-grade band students will perform at the Seventh Grade Band Concert.
Late November/Early December
8th-grade students perform at the Winterfest Concert at Seattle Center and at the IMS Winter Music Assembly. All IMS students perform at the IMS Winter Concert.
Early February
Younger IMS band students show off their developing skills at the 6th and 7th grade Band Concert.
Mid-February
Motivated students may be selected to play in the WMEA Jr. All-State Honor Band Concert.
Early March
8th-grade students perform at the Eastshore Region Solo and Ensemble Festival. Motivated 6th and 7th-grade students may also choose to prepare and perform at this exciting event
End of March
7th and 8th-grade students perform at Fine Arts Showcase at Mercer Island High School.
End of April
8th-grade band students perform at the Eastshore Band Festival.
Mid-May
8th-grade band students demonstrate instruments to incoming 5th-grade students during the elementary music tour. 8th-grade band students participate in a mini-band camp to prepare for the marching season at MIHS next year.
Early June
The year concludes with the Spring Band Blast concert which showcases the 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Concert Bands.
For current information on dates, check out our Calendar.