The Bands

CADET BAND

This group is made up primarily of 5th graders but it also  includes several 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Most students who join this group do not have any prior instrumental music experience.  Lessons focus on tone production, rhythm, and note reading skills.

VARSITY BAND

This group is made up primarily of 6th graders, or those who have “passed” out of Cadet Band.  The musical selections are more difficult than those chosen for Cadet Band and there is a greater emphasis on technique building.

CONCERT BAND

The Concert Band is made up of 7th and 8th grade students.  Membership averages about 85 students per year.  Emphasis is placed on developing the skills necessary to succeed in high school band.

JAZZ BAND

The Jazz Band is our only audition group at Lincoln School.  Members must also be enrolled in our Concert Band.  Jazz band requirements are substantially heavier than those of our other groups.  The Jazz Band is Lincoln’s most visible group, having performed at such venues as Gallery 37, the Garfield Park Conservatory, Hermon Baptist Church, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Villa Mirador in Casablanca, Morocco (site of the Casblanca Conference between Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during WWII.)

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

This is group is open to all interested 7th and 8th grade Concert band members.   Members of this group learn about various world drumming styles and perform at our 3 annual concerts.