At Arthurs Middle School, students are members of the 6th Grade Band, 7th Grade Band, and 8th Grade Band. Students are selected by audition for membership to the Arthurs Jazz Band. The elective classes of String Theory, Music Time, Jazz Improvisation and World Music Drumming are also available and open to the entire student body. We are active members of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) where each year our students perform and receive the highest honors at District 12 Solo & Ensemble, Band & Orchestra and State Festivals.

The success of our music program is due to the hard work of the administration, the parents, the community, the educators, and most importantly, our students.

Mr. Peter Kopera is the Music Director for the 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Concert Bands, Arthurs Jazz Band, String Theory, Music Time, Music Composition, Jazz Improvisation and World Music Drumming. Mr. Kopera began teaching at Arthurs MS in the Fall of 1998. Originally from Western New York, Mr. Kopera graduated from the Crane School of Music. Mr. Kopera also attended the Birmingham Conservatoire in Birmingham, England and earned his Master's Degree in Music Education at the University of Michigan. Mr. Kopera composed and recorded the musical soundtrack to the independent film "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" and performs regularly throughout southeastern Michigan with various jazz groups including The Bluewater Kings Band and Jukebox Saturday Night. Mr. Kopera was twice voted MSBOA District 12 Teacher of the Year (2019 & 2024), is an MSBOA State Jazz Festival Adjudicator and has served MSBOA District 12 in the positions of Vice President of Solo & Ensemble, Festival Improvements Committee Representative and Secretary.

Email: koperap@trentonschools.com