The Sound of Middle School: Band and Strings at SSIS

Step into Middle School music rooms at SSIS, and you’ll hear more than scales and warm-ups. From the lively buzz of trumpets in Intermediate Band to the careful hum of bows in Beginner Strings, these are the sounds of students discovering music — and discovering themselves.

This year, Performing Arts is a core part of Middle School life at SSIS. For one of their two elective classes, every Grade 6–8 student is required to choose either Band, Strings, Drama, or the brand-new Musical Theater class. This is one of the ways we ensure balance in our program — encouraging students to grow not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and creatively. 

Band: Finding a Voice Together

In the band room, Mr. Leif Larson raises his hand, gives a cue, and students launch into their practice piece together. “This year,” shares Mr. Larson, “the change in Middle School has increased participation in band classes by more than 150%, giving students the chance to rehearse as a full ensemble every class.”

“I was a bit rusty after the summer, but now I’m really enjoying it,” shares one of Mr. Larson’s Intermediate Band students, a class that offers flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and concert percussion.

And that’s what learning is all about: “It’s not about being perfect right away. It’s about trusting the process and celebrating progress, step by step,” says Mr. Larson.

Strings: Patience and Precision

Across the hall, the atmosphere reflects the same combination of focus and fun. Although the room is slightly quieter, it’s no less alive. “Down bow. Let’s repeat. Check your posture. Feet flat on the floor. Bring the cello back to you.”

This is Beginning Strings, taught by Mr. Aaron Furry. The class, launched only last year, has already doubled in size. Students here are learning violin, viola, cello, or double bass, most for the very first time.

“Strings class is unique,” Mr. Furry explains. “Rather than just focusing on their own playing, students must learn how to listen to others around them and know how their part fits into the whole piece of music. With string instruments specifically, students must challenge themselves to develop strong listening skills, as finding correct notes and developing a full sound with the bow can be precise endeavors that require extreme dexterity between both the left and right hands.”

The early weeks focus on posture, bow position, and repetition. “Gravity is fighting against you and the bow,” he reminds the cellists, encouraging small adjustments such as straighter arms, posture, and steadier grip. Students pause, reset, and try again. 

“Seeing students excited about playing a new section of music correctly the first time is one of my favorite parts of the year,” he adds. “As we continue throughout the course, I advise students to continue playing confidently and not to be afraid of mistakes, as they are opportunities to improve their skills.”

Why Music Matters in Middle School

Research tells us that music sharpens the brain, improves test-taking, and enriches life. Mr. Furry confirms that the value of ensemble music in middle school goes far beyond what you hear: “Music classes allow students to be part of a community that focuses purely on collaboration over competition. Whether they’ve just started or have years of experience, everyone plays a crucial role in the success of our performances.”

Along the way, students learn skills that extend into every part of their lives, benefitting them beyond their years at SSIS: building a consistent practice routine, caring for an instrument, and showing up with focus and responsibility.

A Pathway Through the Arts

What begins with “Buzz and Honk” in Band or “Down bow” in Strings continues as far as students want to take it at SSIS. Both courses are part of the larger Performing Arts pathway, which can carry them into Concert Band, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choir, and even IB Music in high school.

As Mr. Furry puts it: “While learning an instrument is a fun and useful skill, the friends made and experiences shared in a music ensemble play a huge role in students’ social-emotional development. I always advise students — no matter where they are in life — to join a music group. It instantly creates a community.”

The Secret to Musical Success

For even our very newest musicians, while their notes may sound tentative at first, with patience, those sounds will grow into something rich and confident.

Both Mr. Furry and Mr. Larson emphasize that progress comes from steady practice — not from getting it perfect right away. Parents may hear squeaks, uneven tones, or rhythms that don’t quite line up — and that’s perfectly normal. Those sounds are an important part of learning, and students are practicing the very strategies that will help them grow. Whether that’s counting and clapping through a rhythm, slowing down a tricky passage, or experimenting with finger placement for intonation, those small steps are what build real mastery over time.

By May, the same students who are now repeating “down bow, one more time” or practicing steady rhythms with careful stick height will fill the auditorium with music they can be proud of, demonstrating just how far they’ve come.