Music Classes
The Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy Music Program offers a sequential music education experience for any students with a passion for music and a desire to experience music in a group setting. More detailed information about our music classes is included below.
Band
Orchestra
Guitar
BAND
Beginner Band
Students who are joining the Dragon Band Program for the first time are placed into Beginner Band.
Classes are divided by instrument so students can receive targeted instruction.
What do we learn?
fundamentals of reading music
fundamentals of playing a wind, brass, or percussion instrument
What is our focus?
establishing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will allow students to continue to pursue music at higher levels in following years
What do we do?
Concerts
Solo & Ensemble Contest
Game Nights
End-of-Year Party
Symphonic Band
Entrance to Symphonic Band is by director approval only. Students are required to have at least one year of successful band experience to be considered.
What do we learn?
intermediate and advanced musical knowledge and skills
What is our focus?
building on prior knowledge and preparing students for high school band, if they decide to continue
What do we do?
Concerts
Solo & Ensemble Contest
UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest
Small Ensemble Performances
Football Game Performances
Game Nights
Spring Trip
ORCHESTRA
Beginner Orchestra
Students who are joining the Orchestra Program for the first time are placed into Beginner Orchestra.
What do we learn?
fundamentals of reading music
fundamentals of playing a bowed string instrument
What is our focus?
establishing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will allow students to continue to pursue music at higher levels in following years
What do we do?
Concerts
String Fest
Game Nights
End-of-Year Party
Symphony Orchestra
Entrance to Symphony Orchestra is by director approval only. Students are required to have at least one year of successful orchestra experience to be considered.
What do we learn?
intermediate and advanced musical knowledge and skills
What is our focus?
building on prior knowledge and preparing students for high school orchestra, if they decide to continue
What do we do?
Concerts
Solo & Ensemble Contest
UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest
Game Nights
Spring Trip
CLASSICAL GUITAR
Beginner Guitar Ensemble
Students who are joining the Guitar Program for the first time are placed into the Beginner Guitar Ensemble.
What do we learn?
fundamentals of reading music
fundamentals of playing a bowed string instrument
What is our focus?
establishing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will allow students to continue to pursue music at higher levels in following years
What do we do?
Concerts
Game Nights
End-of-Year Party
Chamber Guitar Ensemble
Entrance to the Chamber Guitar Ensemble is by director approval only. Students are required to have at least one year of successful guitar ensemble experience to be considered.
What do we learn?
intermediate and advanced musical knowledge and skills
What is our focus?
building on prior knowledge and preparing students for high school, if they decide to continue with their musical studies
What do we do?
Concerts
AISD Concert & Sight Reading Contest
Game Nights
Spring Trip
EXTRACURRICULAR ENSEMBLES
Dragon Drumline
Although the Dragon Drumline isn’t offered as a “class” at GGYMLA, it is an extremely popular performing ensemble. The Drumline usually meets during our homeroom period for rehearsals, but performs throughout the school year at events around the city. You do NOT need to be a percussionist to join the Drumline. It is, however, highly recommended that you are a music student. The Drumline is open to students grades 6-8.
If you’re interested in joining the Drumline, let the music directors know by using our Contact page to send us a message. Please remember that the Drumline is extremely popular and often has a waitlist for membership due to the number of drums, equipment, and physical rehearsal space available.
