These classes are for students who play a string, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument or would like to learn how to play an instrument. In Band class, you have your choice between woodwind, brass or percussion. In Orchestra class, we play string instruments like violin, viola, cello and double bass. We will learn advanced musical skills like rhythm, pitch, tone, balance, instrument technique, and blend to name a few. Students will perform pieces and excerpts from our curriculum throughout the semester in concerts at our district auditorium. Orchestra and Band are different from almost every other class at Manitou Springs Middle School. While in other classes how hard you work (or don’t work) only affects you, how hard you work in Band/Orchestra will affect everyone else as well. Orchestra and Band are like a giant group project involving your whole class, and the concert is like the final presentation of your project. Work and play hard, both at home and in class, and you will make Band and Orchestra great for everyone! Remember, music class is a FAMILY!
Taylor Weimer
Taylor is a passionate music educator who has stayed with the music
program in Manitou School District for most of his life. He began as a
student here in Manitou and went through the band program in Manitou
Middle School all the way through his senior year in Manitou High
School. Taylor stayed close to home and studied music at the University
of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and then began teaching music at Ute
Pass and through Arts14. Taylor started as the band director for Manitou
High School and Manitou Middle School in 2018. In his spare time,
Taylor likes playing in his band, writing and composing music, and most
importantly; spending time with his lovely wife Jen.