Fine Arts

McKinley STEAM Academy has several band opportunities for students, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced band, and jazz band.

Beginning band: For first-year musicians
Intermediate band: For students completing Book 1
Advanced band: For musicians who have completed second-year standards

Jazz band

Jazz band is open to all instruments by audition. Jazz band typically rehearses twice a week. Audition information will be posted here when available. All band students learn basic improvisation skills in their band class, and have the opportunity to delve deeper in an optional jazz exploratory.

Yearly jazz band events typically include the Coe Jazz Summit (February), variety show (April), and various school and community performances.

Small ensembles

Woodwind ensemble

The woodwind ensemble includes two flutes, one oboe, two clarinets, and one bass clarinet—all eighth graders—who prepare pieces for community performances and events.

Saxophone quartet

The saxophone quartet includes four members of advanced band and jazz band who perform music in a variety of musical styles.

McKinley STEAM Academy is very proud of its excellent performing arts programs; we strive to build on the quality programs we have developed over the years.  Since 1993, the Friends of the Performing Arts (FPA) have enhanced all of our programs by allowing us to acquire important materials and equipment.  Through the generous donations of many people, we have been able to restore our historic auditorium, purchase choral risers and platforms, instruments, microphones, digital audio and video equipment, lighting, drama props, auditorium curtains and music!

Each donation, regardless of size, has helped us reach many of our goals.  More than 90% of McKinley Middle School students participate in Band, Choir or Orchestra, with many students involved with both vocal and instrumental music. 

At McKinley, we strongly believe that every child who shows an interest in the Arts should be able to participate, regardless of financial situation.  No child is turned away from a performing group because of an inability to pay fees.

However, our programs still need many items.  With such a large participation, there is an immediate need to maintain and repair the equipment we have, replace instruments that have out-lived their usefulness, purchase additional instruments, supplies, and sheet music. 

We ask that you consider lending your support, and perhaps a monetary gift, to FPA.  As a benefactor, your name will appear as an FPA contributor in our performing arts programs.

We realize many organizations ask for your contributions. Thank you for considering a monetary donation to FPA so our young men and women are given the quality performing arts programs they deserve.

Friends of the Performing Arts Donation Form

McKinley STEAM Academy students have the opportunity to participate in orchestra.

Classic Edition

Classic Edition is the award-winning show choir of McKinley STEAM Academy. It is an auditioned ensemble of approximately 50 students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades who rehearse after school. Students sing, dance, and work with professional choreographers.

Classic Edition performs around the community and competes in show choir competitions. Rehearsals begin in November and wrap up before spring break in March.

2026 Performances (performance times TBD)