Magnolia Middle School Jazz Band

At Magnolia Middle School, Jazz is alive, energetic, and every-growing. Director DeAndre' Royster leads the Magnolia Middle School (MMS) Jazz Band, a new but fast-developing program built on flexibility, exploring, and fun.

Serving roughly 40-45 students, the band begins each year with 7th and 8th graders, then welcomes 6th grade beginners after winter break. Royster calls the group "new, [energetic], and flexible" — three words that perfectly capture their approach.

"It's exciting to see kids this young already grooving," Royster said. "They're learning swing feel, style, and creativity every time they pick up their horns."

A Program Built on Flexibility

Q: What makes your jazz program unique?

A: "Our program uses flexible instrumentation," Royster explained. "We know not every student plays a traditional jazz instrument, but that shouldn't stop them from playing Jazz. I even arrange many of our charts myself to fit the ensemble we have."

That flexibility opens the door for everyone — from flute and clarinet players to beginners exploring new rhythm-section instruments.

"Jazz should be accessible," he said. "If they have the interest, I'll find a place for them."

Teaching the Basics of Swing and Style

Because his students are still early in their musical development, Royster focuses heavily on style awareness.

"We spend a lot of time learning the difference between straight eighths and swing eighths," he stated. "That's the foundation for everything else."

He also reinforces listening as a daily part of rehearsal, pairing lessons with recordings so students can hear and feel what they're studying.

Improvisation and Confidence

Q: How do you help middle-schoolers improvise without fear?

A: "We start with blues scales. Everyone learns several of them, and then we build rhythmic creativity using just one or two notes from the scale," Royster said. "It's not about being flashy— it's about being fearless."

Each rehearsal includes "mini-solo moments," letting every student try improvising in front of their peers.

"They're always eager to solo— the hardest part is deciding who goes next!" Royster stated.

His philosophy mirrors his high-school counterparts: less theory upfront, more rhythmic play and confidence building.

Goals and Growth

Each year, Royster challenges students who play traditional Jazz instruments to audition for All-Region Jazz.

"There aren't many middle-school programs that get to meet regularly," he said. "We rehearse two days a week for thirty minutes, so every minute counts."

Even with limited time, he sees major growth. 

"Their reading, tone, and articulation improve fast. Some even switch instruments — saxophonists try trumpet, or clarinetists pick up electric bass. It broadens their musicianship."

Repertoire and Performance

Q: What styles do your students enjoy the most?

A: "They love the older swing standards," Royster said. "There's just something about that groove—they light up when they hear it."

When choosing music, he factors in time, instrumentation, personnel, and complexity. 

"With short rehearsals, the music has to be effective but manageable. I look for charts that swing but aren't overly long." 

One of his favorite memories came when the band premiered his own full-ensemble arrangement of Pharrell Williams' 'Double Life.'

"Hearing my students perform something I arranged was unforgettable."

Impact and Community

The Magnolia Middle School Jazz Band has already made its mark on campus.

"Having a Jazz program has strengthened our students as musicians," Royster said. "They read better, listen closer, and pay attention to style and detail."

Q: How do you connect with your school and community?

A: "We're still new," he said, "but we've begun building recognition through our concerts. Every show gets more people interested and proud of what the kids are doing."

He encourages new members to join not only for musical challenge but also for exploration.

"I offer opportunities on bass, electric guitar, piano, and drum set," he said. "Students love getting to play something different."

Director's Perspective

Q: What inspired you to start a Jazz program?

A: "The opportunity," Royster said simply. "During our 30-minute enrichment block, each teacher had to find a way to engage students. I thought — why not Jazz?"

That decision turned into something far bigger.

"There aren't many middle-school Jazz programs, so to create one from scratch was special. I wanted our students to have that chance early."

Q: What's your favorite part about working with your students?

A: "Watching the lightbulbs come on," he said. "When we talk about swing or articulation and they suddenly get it—that's everything."

Advice for New Directors

Royster encourages other band directors to take the leap:

"If you can start a Jazz program, do it," he said. "Research shows it has a huge positive impact on overall musicianship. It changes how kids listen, play, and think about music."

Middle School Jazz Essentials

Q: How do you introduce Jazz to beginners?

A: "I show them videos of great Jazz artists— especially players on their instrument," Royster said. "It helps them imagine what's possible."

Q: How do you make improvisation approachable?

A: "I limit solos to one or two notes, what I call 'safe notes,' from blues scales," he explained. "It keeps them comfortable and creative without overthinking." 

Q: How do you build excitement?

A: "Energy!" he said. "I bring high energy every rehearsal, and we're working toward performing for the whole school one day. Once people see us live, excitement spreads."

Why Jazz Matters

For Royster, Jazz is about exposure, creativity, and joy.

"It gives students a new medium to explore and shows them there's more to music than concert band. It's an outlet that's both academic and expressive."

In just a few years, the Magnolia Middle School Jazz Band has become a symbol of possibility— proof that swing, groove, and musical curiosity can thrive long before high school.

"There's just something about that Groove"