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Willard Middle School

2425 Stuart Steet, Berkeley, CA 94705
510-644-6330

Music

Students can join a variety of music groups at Willard, including Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Jazz Band. Chorus, Band and Orchestra meet during zero period from 7:45-8:30 am, while Jazz Band is available after school. Interested students can sign up before the school year begins.

Orchestra
(6th, 7th, 8th Grades)

  • Rehearsals are daily, before school from 7:45-8:30am
  • Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
  • We study and perform the classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as modern (rock, etc) music. We develop our instrumental technique (tone, facility on the instrument), rhythms, intonation, blend and balance, articulation, and interpretation.
  • Director Eric Wood, ericwood@berkeley.net

Concert Band
(6th Grade) &
Symphonic Band
(7th and 8th Grades)

  • Rehearsals are daily, before school from 7:45-8:30am
  • Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion
  • We study and perform a variety of classical (symphonic) and contemporary (rock, pop, etc.) music for large band. We develop our instrumental technique (tone, facility on the instrument), rhythms, intonation, blend and balance, articulation, and interpretation of symphony music, rock, show tunes, and other styles.
  • Concert Band Director Roland Brown, rolandbrown@berkeley.net
  • Symphonic Band Director Bryan Marquez, bryanmarquez@berkeley.net

Jazz Band
(7th and 8th Grades)

  • Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Fridays (7th and 8th Grade) and Mondays (6th Grades)from 3-4 pm
  • Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums
  • In Jazz Band, we study improvisation, rhythms, swing, articulations, and the history of this great American art form. We perform at Yoshi’s nightclub, the Freight and Salvage, and other venues in the area, as well as school concerts. Members of the Willard Jazz Band often go on to be a part of the renowned Berkeley High School Jazz program.
  • Director Roland Brown, rolandbrown@berkeley.net

Chorus
(6th, 7th, and 8th Grades) 

  • Rehearsals are daily, before school from 7:45-8:30 am
  • In chorus, we rehearse and perform a variety of choral music from various genres. We study vocal technique, reading music, choral part reading and singing, vocal exercises, music listening, some music theory, and performance. In addition to our Willard winter and spring concerts we perform at an athletic game every spring – this year perhaps a Giants game!
  • Director Aimee Lubalin, aimeelubalin@berkeley.net