The Murphysboro Middle School Symphonic Band serves as the fundamental focus of the band program at MMS. Symphonic Band starts the first day of 2nd Quarter in October and ends in May. Students perform community concerts each winter and spring, participate in IMEA District VI, IGSMA Solo and Ensemble, and Organizational Contest. Each spring the band also participates in a spring trip, and an elementary recruiting tour with the Murphysboro High School Concert Band.

To emphasize student preparation and performance, chair placements are held once in the fall and spring for student placement within each section. A challenge system is in place for students to move up within their sections. The MMS Symphonic Band Challenge System guidelines are as follows:

1. One can only challenge the person immediately in a position above them.
2. The challenge is only official after it is confirmed by the Band Director.
3. The person challenging must tell the person being challenged at the same time they tell the Band Director.
4. Three school days will be given for preparation.
5. The challenge must be “played off” on the 4th or 5th day after the challenge is made.
6. A person may decline a challenge; however they must forfeit the chair.
7. Both parties do not have to be present at the time the challenge is “played off.”
8. If the challenger wins, the challenged has the option to challenge back immediately.
9. Should the person being challenged win, the challenger must wait 10 school days before re-challenging.
10. There will be no challenges within 10 days of a major performance.
11. Sight-reading may be included.

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Page Last Updated: December 19, 2011