Skaneateles Middle School Jazz Ensemble

The Skaneateles Middle School Jazz Ensemble is part of a comprehensive instrumental music program including a 6 th grade concert band, a 7 th and 8 th grade concert band, and a second jazz ensemble (jazz workshop).   Members of the ensemble are chosen by audition in September and rehearse two days a week after school.   The band performs between 10 and 14 times each school year including performances at Syracuse Crunch games, Skaneateles High School varsity hockey and basketball games, and the M and T Jazz Festival held annually at Onondaga Community College.   The band has also received gold and gold with distinction honors at NYSSMA Major Organization festivals.

David Wilber

David G. Wilber has been the Middle School band director in Skaneateles for 24 years.   Prior to that he was a music teacher in the Enfield, Connecticut Public Schools, and Director of Bands in the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District.   Mr. Wilber received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Science Degree from Syracuse University.   Mr. Wilber has served as president of the Onondaga County Music Educators Association and is currently their secretary.   In addition, Mr. Wilber is currently serving as Executive Director of the New York State Band Directors Association.   Mr. Wilber is an active performer on trumpet with the Salt City Brass Band, Cayugans Big Band, and the Fingerlakes Brassworks Brass Quintet.   He has also performed in the pit orchestra for several Skaneateles High School and Skaneateles Summer Theater productions.

Clinic:   Your Middle School Jazz Ensemble Can Play Gigs Too!

The clinic will provide a general overview of the Skaneateles Middle School Jazz Ensemble program with ideas of what works for us.   Several topics will be discussed such as creating performance opportunities, improvisation, rhythm section, inclusion of a vocalist, utilizing local resources to improve the band, and utilizing former students in the band to help maintain the program.   The band will perform selections related to each of the listed topics.