Instrumental Music Courses

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Concert Band

 The focus of this group is to provide students with the opportunity to develop and refine technical skills that will enable them to perform music at the Grade II to III level of difficulty.  Students will play music from various historic periods, and will learn basic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic dictation. Opportunities for solo and ensemble performances are also included.

Symphonic Band

 Members of this group further develop and refine skills and perform music at the Grade IV to VI level of difficulty.  More advanced music theory is included, and analysis and study of the repertoire provides students with an understanding of musical forms and styles.  Additional experiences may include conducting, solo and chamber music performances.

Jazz Band

 Students in the jazz band develop a high level of skill in the performance of popular music including jazz, jazz-rock, blues, soul, and many others.  They will develop specialized skills in jazz phrasing, interpretation and improvisation, and study jazz harmony and theory.  Additional experiences include conducting, solo, and many other performance opportunities.

Symphonic Orchestra

 This group is made up of musicians playing stringed instruments – violin, viola, cello and double bass.  Students will study and perform a variety of works from different time periods and styles.  Students may also experience conducting, solo, and chamber music performances.   

Piano

 It’s never too late to learn to play the piano!  Students in this class learn the basics in a electronic keyboard lab. They will learn a variety of popular and folk songs, and learn about the functions of music through exercises in keyboard harmony, ear training, and sight-singing.

Marching Band

 Made up of students in the Concert, Symphonic and Jazz Bands, the marching band provides halftime entertainment and promotes school spirit at home football games.  The band travels to some of the away games, as well.  The halftime show gets rave reviews from the crowd!  Marching band is an extracurricular activity, with practices held after school, and during a one-week summer band camp.