Junior High Band

Welcome to ACE Junior High Band!

We warmly welcome all students to join our Beginning Band, ideally starting in 6th or 7th grade. This entry-level class is designed for beginners, so no prior music experience is necessary! Joining the band offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to make new friends, boost their creativity, and develop essential skills such as self-esteem, discipline, and critical thinking. Beginning Band marks the start of an exciting musical journey, potentially leading to college scholarships and lasting friendships.

Upon completing the Beginning Band course, students advance to grade-level bands for 7th and 8th grade. Our 7th and 8th grade bands, known as the Concert Band, play together and challenge students to refine their musical abilities, while preparing 8th graders for the Senior High Band. We enjoy exploring both fun and challenging music.

Throughout the year, the Junior High Bands perform in four evening concerts: Fall, Holiday, Pre-LGPE, and Spring. Additionally, we participate in the Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) in March to receive valuable feedback. Eighth graders have the exciting opportunity to join the Gryphon Marching Band, a fantastic extracurricular activity!

Students can learn a variety of instruments in the Junior High Band, including Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion (Bell/Drum Kits are used in Beginning Band).

Meet the Junior High Band Director

Mrs. Rachel Steward is the Junior High Band Director at ACE and also assists with the Gryphon Marching Band. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (2011) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (2012), both from Pacific University in Oregon. Mrs. Steward began her music education career in Oregon, teaching high school band and choir at Redmond High School before spending six years at Newport High School, where her marching band frequently performed in the Portland Rose Festival parades. Under her direction, the Newport High School Concert Band achieved 10th place in the OSAA State Band Contest in 2019. Mrs. Steward moved to Macon with her husband Jake and their children Wesley and Cora in 2021.