Lake Zurich Middle School South Band

Doublers' Schedule  ||  Sectional Class Schedules  ||  Concert Dates  ||  Important Dates & Events

General Info on Band

    Mr. Koehler is the proud band director of Lake Zurich Middle School South. Band takes the place of a homeroom class, where our motto is "Don't Biff The Key Signature". Students are welcome to double in any combination of two of the three choral/instrumental classes (band, orchestra, chorus) taught at MSS, and are appropriately called 'doublers'. The music class you choose to be in most of the time is your primary class and the class you choose to be in the lesser part of the time is your secondary class. There are also sectional classes once a week for every student.

Have A Kid Who Wants To Join Band?

    If your child has decided to make the life changing choice of joining band do not fear! The discordant noises will come to an end! Talk and/or email Mr. Koehler and don't worry, despite popular belief, he does not bite! To join band you are required to fill out a form and pay a small price of $40. Please feel free to click here for the band fee letter and to start your darling child/children on the road to becoming a great musician. You must also look over and sign (don't worry, you only have to sign the first page) the band handbook, which you may get to by clicking here. You must also purchase a band shirt (if you are in 7th or 8th grade) or ask Mr. Koehler about the band sweater vests (if you are a 6th grader). If you find that your young musician may need additional instruction,there are many private teachers that would be happy to help your child on the road to first chair.

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The Many Different Faces of Band

Cadet Band

    Cadet Band is a band exclusively for 6th grade, and will take the place of your child's  homeroom class during 4th period.

Symphonic Band

    This particular band is made up 7th and 8th grade students at Middle School South. This band also eliminates any chance of your child participating in a homeroom, and takes up the 10th period slot on your son/daughter's schedule. This is the band that usually goes on all the fun trips, like the Cleveland trip, but as of this moment there are no plans to go anywhere but that might or might not change, depending on if Mr. Koehler is in a good mood and if someone bakes him warm white chocolate, macadamia nut cookies (inside joke). Your child (or you) must have the appropriate band shirt and can order one by giving Mr. Koehler the band shirt order form and the amount stated on said form. This shirt must be worn with black pants/skirt and black shoes. All students are required to wear black socks, if any, and will be asked to take them off upon showing up in any colored sock but black unless otherwise stated by, the one and only, Mr. Koehler.     

Jazz Band

    This musical group plays pieces that swing and slide and allow for free ranging solos. Mr. Koehler does post the recordings for the songs played in this band online, and strongly suggests that your family musician(s) listen to these songs to get the feel of the tune. The two current pieces being played are Drama For Your Mama and Greasy Flat Blue and you may click on them to listen. Saxophones (of all kinds), trumpets, drummers, guitarists, pianists, electric bassists, flute and clarinet (sometimes), are all welcome at jazz band. Other instruments you must ask Mr. Koehler about playing in jazz band. Jazz band rehearses every Wednesday (unless there is a school holiday, early release, etc.) and on concert days and when a Wednesday rehearsal must be canceled.

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Band Concert Dates