Music is a fundamental part of the human experience, and music education ensures that the whole child is being educated.
“Students taking courses in music performance scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math on the SAT than students with no arts participation…”

It is the philosophy of the Instrumental Music Department to educate, to the fullest extent, every child enrolled in the band and strings programs. This includes skills development, cognitive understanding, and aesthetic appreciation of many forms of music.

The objective of the instrumental Music Department is to develop the performance, rehearsal, and personal practice skills of each student. Students are expected to have a good work ethic, learn to set goals, show consistent progress, and appreciate music as an opportunity for self-expression and creativity.
“Students taking courses in music performance scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math on the SAT than students with no arts participation…”

List of 5 items.

  • Jr. High Band

    Why should my child be in band?
    • According to the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, music students received more academic honors and awards than non-music students.
    • Students taking courses in music performance scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math on the SAT than students with no arts participation.
    • A Columbia University study found that students in the arts are more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident, and better able to express their ideas.
     
    Jackson Prep's Beginner Band
    The Beginner Band at Jackson Prep is an instruction-based class which meets during the class day and serves as an introduction to instrumental music. No prior musical experience is required. The ensemble performs a Christmas Concert and an end-of-the-year concert in May.
     
    Intermediate Band 
    The Intermediate Band at Jackson Prep is offered during the class day for the student who has had at least one year of instrumental training. The ensemble performs a Christmas Concert and an end-of-the-year concert in May. Advanced students may be moved into the Varsity Band at the discretion of the Director of Bands.
  • Marching Band

    The Patriot Marching Band is the most visible part of the band program. The band plays a vital role in school spirit performing at a variety of athletic events, pep rallies, and community events throughout the fall.
  • Concert Band

    The Concert band semester focuses on instrumental technique and fundamentals, ensemble rehearsal skills, music literacy, music history, and performance practice. The band competes in state band festival and sends several students to clinics and conferences in the region.
  • Percussion Ensemble

    The percussion ensemble will consist of a concert percussion ensemble while we continue to build membership in the marching percussion section. Membership is open to any student interested in learning or developing skills in percussion performance. This performing group practices primarily after school.
  • Jazz Band

    The Jackson Prep Jazz Band students are challenged with music from all levels, young band arrangements through professional big band charts, and are expected to perform the music to the best of their abilities. Students also learn to improvise by listening to jazz musicians on their instrument, soloing in class and in rehearsals, and transcribe solos as often as possible. The band typically consists of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a rhythm section including piano, guitar, drum set and auxiliary percussion parts.

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Emily Waterloo

    Emily Waterloo 

    Director of Performing Arts
An independent, coeducational day school serving preschool through grade twelve.