The HeartBEAT of our School
October 4, 2019
There are a lot of clubs and after school activities at Macon County Junior High, but the band really is the heartbeat of the school. Because the band members have a lot of talent, it made me curious about what happens behind the scenes here at school during rotation and RTI time. I interviewed Ms. Kile and few of her students to see what their every day class is like.
The band is lead by our wonderful band director, Ms. Kile. She is an awesome leader for our program, and she is qualified because she was also a band member once upon a time.
“I started band as a 6th grader and played winter band, marching band, flute choir, and I was in a singing choir.”
Ms. Kyle explained that the kids take notes during RTI and learn about music history. Currently, they are studying the Baroque era. During rotation classes, students sit in an organized, pattern of seats, arranged the way they would be in a performance and practice playing their instruments.
6th grader Mackenzie Jenkins loves being in band, but she says the hardest part is learning the instruments and having so many inexperienced members. “I don’t’ like how a lot of people have little experience. If we had a little more experience, I think we could work together more.” This can make things challenging, but I say to you, Mackenzie, practice will make everything and everyone much better.
A 7th grader named Calvin Sanchez says that his favorite part about band is the people he is surrounded with. “My favorite part about band would have to be the people. I really like to hang out with my friends and socialize.”
Will Stevens, a 8th grader, told us there are rewarding and challenging things that happen as a band member, but if he could change one thing, he said, “I would probably change the time I’m in band because it just isn’t convenient with my schedule.”
Outside the RTI classroom, the MCJH band performs and shows off their talent and hard work at pep rallies, school spirit days, and football and basketball games.
No matter what they’re doing though, band members are serious and passionate about what they’re doing. The band is very hardworking, and we all appreciate their spirit and music. I think I speak for the school when I say thank you for your hard work and commitment!

Hayley Phillips is a 6th grader at MCJH. She is a staff writer for the school newspaper. Outside of school, Hayley enjoys anime, photography, designing,...
Thank you so much for interviewing some of the band members but the only thing i that the student body does not appreciate the band.
I honestly agree with Mackenzie, if we had more experience, we could probably have close to pitch perfect. From what i´ve heard during 2nd period, very few are squeaking (there are some, including me, but very few). Also, my least favorite thing about band is that I have to walk from Ms. Wyatt´s room to the end of the 100s hallway. But that’s nothing that Ms. Kile can fix, and its just simply how my schedule is. And if you don´t count that, I hate that theirs a history class right next to us, so we could possibly disturb them. But again, nothing that Ms. Kile can fix. So basically my only problems about band are just personal issues and not about the band class at all.
I have to agree with Mackenzie as well.I remember on the day we got our instruments that i was so nervous and its been 2 months since we first got them and we’re doing ok but we could use more practice and Ms. Kile being the awesome band director she is helps us out alot.I have to say im very nervous for the Christmas concert though.
Personally, i’m more worried about going to LES and Westside for a concert. Mainly because we are going to be playing for other kids, and some kids are just cruel. And like Ms. Kile said, the parents will just say ¨This Christmas Concert is the best!!¨ while kids will be like ¨this is bad¨ if we have a squeak. This is just my opinion, though.
I am in band and I love it the only thing I wish i could change is that I want more of my bands friends to be in that period with me.
I am in band and I have it for second period. Honestly sometimes when I have tests I get really worried and I just breath and tell my self that everything is going to be perfect. I am a little nervous for the LES and Westside concert coming up though.
The only thing that I am not so sure about is having the concert on the 9th, and going to LES and Westside on the 13th. But, it sounds like it would also be really fun. I really do not know what to think here…
What about percussion?
Thank you so much for interviewing the band. It means a lot to us. We all sound good, and good job to the sixth graders you are almost to your first concert.
I am also in band and I believe that even though kids may have little expirents knowing how to play there instrument that miss kile can teach you because thats what she is here for. I also have to agree with Calvin I like being with my friends that are in band.
Yeah what about us percussion kids and the 6th grade band members 1st period
Yeah, I agree with James. I think that we are sounding better than when we started. Probably because we are percussion.
Thank you Sophia Boxhold