Kennedy Winds

Kennedy Winds is the most select of the concert bands at Kennedy for 7th and 8th grade students.  The group is under the direction of Michael McManis and Matthew Dethrow.  Students in this group are typically the most dedicated instrumentalists in the program and are dedicated to the most outstanding performing group possible.

Members of this group are expected to make a 100 percent commitment to the ensemble in terms of attendance, musical preparation, and participation in concerts and festivals.  Kennedy Winds members are expected to apply higher level thinking skills in an effort to become independent learners in mastering technical aspects of musical literature.  Large group rehearsals focus on musical interpretation and expression.  Small group lessons focus on individual technical development through the use of Essential Elements 2000 book II and Essential Technique method books.  The majority of the students in this group have individually completed all exercises in Essential Elements Book I & II.  Kennedy Winds members are expected to independently prepare technical aspects of literature prior to rehearsing together in a large group setting.

Rehearsal schedule: 7th period – Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Course Syllabus