Archie R. Cole Middle School
Instrumental Music Department
Brandon Levesque, Band Director
blevesque@egsd.net 401-398-1368
Megan Catelli, Orchestra/Band Director
mcatelli@egsd.net 401-398-1432

Concert Band
There are two concert bands; one per grade level and both bands meet four days a week throughout the school year. The 7th Grade Concert Band is intended for students who have prior band experience. The content literature is based upon the Essential Elements 2000 Book I. The fundamentals of playing and reading music will be reinforced in each class using the Essential Elements 2000 Book I. The 8th Grade Concert Band is intended for students who have prior band experience, preferably 7th grade band experience. The content literature is based upon the Essential Elements 2000 Book II, which is a continuation of the musical techniques and knowledge learned in the Essential Elements 2000 Book I. Both bands use the book in conjunction with appropriate grade level sheet music throughout the entire school year. Both are used to aid in the development of the student’s individual musicianship while stressing the technique of ensemble playing. The concert band will present several concerts throughout the school year including graduation.
Orchestra
The Orchestra is open to all string students. The orchestra meets four hours per week during the scheduled school day. The content literature is based upon the Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Books I & II. The fundamentals of playing and reading music will be reinforced in each class using the Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Books I & II. The books will be used in conjunction with appropriate grade level sheet music throughout the entire school year. Both are used to aid in the development of the student’s individual musicianship while stressing the technique of ensemble playing. The orchestra will present several concerts throughout the school year.
Symphony Orchestra
This orchestra will be modeled after a symphony orchestra. The symphony orchestra will meet on specified Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m. to combine with the woodwinds, brass and percussion. Woodwind, brass and percussion players will be added at the directors discretion and rehearsal every Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. The symphony orchestra will present several concerts throughout the school year.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is open to a limited number of 7th and 8th grade students by audition only. It will meet at 7:00 a.m., four days a week (Monday – Thursday). The Jazz Ensemble will be modeled after big band playing with the twelve bar blues being emphasized. It will rehearse and perform age and ability appropriate repertoire which will include the following styles: Swing, Ballad, Jazz Rock and Latin. The Jazz Ensemble will be comprised of the following instruments only: Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar and the Drum Set. The Jazz Ensemble will present several concerts throughout the school year along with the East Greenwich High School Jazz Ensemble.