Members of the Los Alamos Middle School Symphonic Band perform. Photo Courtesy LAPS

Members of the fifth grade band demonstrate proper use of mouthpieces during the LAPS Band Showcase. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

More than 200 band students from across the district performed during the LAPS Band Showcase held recently in Duane Smith Auditorium. The performances gave elementary students and families the opportunity to see what they have to look forward toif they stay in the band program. District band directors Zane Meek, Deanna Teague, Christine Subratie and Steve Iliff organized the performance.

Fifth graders from all elementary school sites demonstrated how to put their instruments together, some of the basic sounds that are taught when starting band, and how to correctly blow through the mouthpiece. They also performed some basic songs that highlighted the skills they have learned. Sixth graders in band demonstrated the next steps in the band program, and performed several songs.

The Los Alamos Middle School symphonic band and the Los Alamos High School wind symphony rounded out the evening.

The following evening, the LAPS jazz program hosted the Winter Jazz 2024, featuring the LAMS jazz orchestra and jazz band, as well as the LAHS jazz bands. In addition, the Los Alamos Jazz Project Pajarito Combo and Capulin Combo performed.

“We are grateful and lucky that we have a district that is supportive of vertically aligned music programs across various schools and supportive of students being in the music program at every level,” said Iliff.

The LAPS music program also hosts a program in the spring which includes elementary, middle
and high school choir, band, jazz band and orchestra students. The Spring Arts Festival is planned for Thursday April 24, 2025 at Los Alamos High School.
Photo one: Members of the fifth grade band demonstrate proper use of mouthpieces during the
LAPS Band Showcase.
Photo two: Members of the Los Alamos Middle School Symphonic Band perform.