Middle School Music Classes Start Band Program

From flutes and saxophones to trumpets and French horns, Kent Denver’s Arts Department has started a new band program for students in 7th and 8th grade. 

Spearheaded by Alec Powell, a music teacher new to Kent Denver’s Middle School this year, every 7th and 8th grader who is in Music 1 or 2 has chosen a traditional band instrument to play in class. Students were invited to an instrument “petting zoo” where they were able to try out a range of instruments before making their selection.

“My main goals for this program are to increase the rigor of musical study at Kent Denver for Middle School students, provide more avenues for students to experience creativity, teamwork and performance, and to create a more streamlined path for students who wish to continue musical study in the Upper School,” Mr. Powell said.

Since music class in the Middle School is only a semester, plans are underway for students who wish to continue playing their instrument into the new year. Students in Mr. Powell’s second semester Music 1 and 2 classes will also participate in the new band program.