WELCOME TO HAVERFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

At Haverford Middle School, Judy Kang conducts the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade strings. Alex Gittelman is director for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands, the woodwind and brass ensembles, and the HMS Jazz Ensemble.

There are many performance opportunities for interested and qualified middle school musicians, including select ensembles, jazz band, and PMEA festivals hosted by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

We rely on email for communication. Information about parent meetings, student concerts, and other items of musical interest are all communicated in this manner. Join our email list using our online form.

Jazz Groups at HMS

The HMS Jazz Ensemble, directed by Alex Gittelman

rehearses 3 times per week before school (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 7:00–7:30 a.m.)
performs advanced jazz literature
emphasizes improvisation in a variety of jazz styles
performs at concerts, festivals, and competitions
eligible instruments are trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, bass, piano, and drums

The HMS Jazz Fords, directed by Thomas Kolakowski

rehearses once a week after school (Wednesday 2:45–4:00 p.m.)
keeps musicians actively participating in jazz performance and practice
emphasizes improvisation in a variety of jazz styles
performs at school concerts
traditional jazz instrumentation preferred. Traditional jazz instruments are trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, bass, piano, and drums. Students who play instruments other than these should contact Mr. Gittelman if they would like to join the Jazz Fords.

Find the 2026-27 performance schedules here.

We need good photos of our musical middle schoolers to post here — please send your shots to bops@hhsmusic.org and provide as much information as possible about the event and students pictured.

For additional information, please visit your student's music director's Canvas page.

BOPs Middle School Liaison: hms@hhsmusic.org