In fifth grade, students learn many essential skills on their instrument, including the basics of sound production, technique, and music reading. They receive two 50-minute group instrument lessons per six-day cycle in addition to participating in two 50-minute band rehearsals during the school day. The band performs one concert in January and one at the end of the school year.
Beginning in sixth grade, students begin to focus more on full ensemble repertoire while progressing through a variety of exercises in method books to help build their technique. All students meet as a group four days per six-day cycle. Each of the bands perform one concert at the end of fall semester and two during the spring. They are also highly encouraged to participate in our after-school offerings, such as Chenery Winds, Jazz Band, or our small chamber groups.
Chenery Winds is an advanced wind ensemble made up of select band students in grades 6 through 8. Participants are chosen based on auditions that occur at the beginning of fall semester.
Jazz Ensemble is made up of select band students in grades 6 through 8. Participants are chosen based on auditions that occur at the beginning of fall semester.
Chamber music groups will meet Fridays after school from 2:30-3:30 p.m. beginning October 4th. The program is non-auditioned and open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade brass and woodwind players.