Students are not playing instruments until further notice! See Health Precautions page for details.
Sometimes names of classes get mixed up and it's unclear which class your child is enrolled in. No worries!
Concert Band is sometimes also referred to as Beginning Band or Intermediate Band or Sixth Grade Band. In the music department, we call it Concert Band because we have a mix of ability levels and grades represented, making the other names less accurate. This class is all 6th grade band students, plus 7th and 8th grade band students who are just starting to learn an instrument.
Symphonic Band is sometimes called Advanced Band. This is only 7th and 8th grade students who have completed at least one year of band at the middle school level.
World Music is sometimes referred to as Exploratory. Because it is an introductory music course, it explores a variety of musical styles, instruments, and basic music reading skills.
Enrolling in any music class at Joseph George is free. While most instruments require consumable supplies, we can assist you in obtaining these items if you are experiencing financial hardship.
While it is strongly encouraged that students obtain their own personal instrument, especially in the band classes, it is not required (please note that it is NOT necessary for World Music students to have an instrument). The school has a supply of instruments that can be loaned to families in need. Most of these instruments, however, are old and may need repair more often than a brand new instrument.
If you do choose to rent or purchase an instrument for your child, be sure to check the Home and Instruments pages to ensure you obtain a quality instrument that will best serve your child and your wallet!
While a quick search can bring about a lot of results, the quality of the items is extremely important for your child's success as a musician. You wouldn't drive a car with easily damaged parts, so why do the same for an instrument? Stick to local music shops and trusted online retailers and review information on the Home and Instruments pages to ensure you obtain the best quality supplies!
Typically performances are part of students' grades, as notated in the syllabus. In order to be counted as an excused absence, a note from the parent must be received no later than 2 weeks prior to the event in question. Students who receive an excused absence will be given an alternate assignment that must be completed in order for students to receive a grade for the performance. In the event of any emergencies or other unpredictable situations, a note from a parent must be submitted within 3 school days of the student's return to school.
Due to the unknown length of time associated with Distance Learning, performances are canceled until further notice.
Generally it is strongly encouraged that students attend the entire performance, even when they are not on stage. All of our ensembles work hard on their music, and we want to ensure that all groups, from beginning to end, have an adequate audience to perform for, and that students meet Common Core Music Standards for being exposed to a variety of music. In the event that you need to take your child early, please submit a note no later than 3 days before the performance stating what time you will be taking your child, and the reason, in order to be considered for an excused absence.
Due to the unknown length of time associated with Distance Learning, performances are canceled until further notice.
Every year a performance calendar is sent out within the first two weeks of school. As dates are added to the calendar, you will be sent an updated calendar.
In a typical year, the following performance events take place:
Symphonic Band: Winter and Spring VAPA Showcases (after school), Winter and Spring Concerts (after school), District Festival (during school hours, Spring), three elementary recruitment visits (during school hours, February), theme park festival (May or June, usually on a weekend), 8th grade promotion (June, after school)
Concert Band: Spring VAPA Showcase (after school), Winter and Spring Concerts (after school), theme park festival (May or June, usually on a weekend), 8th grade promotion (June, after school)
World Music: Spring VAPA Showcase (after school)
Due to the unknown length of time associated with Distance Learning, performances are canceled until further notice.