The Wind Ensemble is Charter’s premier wind band and consists of our most accomplished high school wind players and percussionists as well as qualified middle schoolers. In order to join the Wind Ensemble, students must show a high level of proficiency on their instrument demonstrated by playing a multitude of scales, advanced solo repertoire, and sight reading at a high level. It is recommended that these students take private lessons on their instrument, but is not required. Those students that work hard and practice diligently will find that they can become outstanding musicians far beyond the typical high school level. Students in this group can expect more performance opportunities and responsibilities and are expected to fulfill their commitments to this ensemble. Commitment to this group requires additional weekly practice time. Other required commitments include performing at all scheduled concerts and festivals and maintaining a high level of responsibility in band as well as in all other classes. The best students make the best musicians!

The Chamber Orchestra is our showcase orchestra made up our most accomplished and experienced high school string players and qualified middle schoolers. In order to join the Chamber Orchestra, students must show a high level of proficiency on their instrument, demonstrated by playing a multitude of scales, advanced solo repertoire, and sight reading at a high level. They must also play with tone that is characteristic of their instrument, part of which is playing on the correct technique and bow hold. 

It is recommended that these students take private lessons on their instrument, but is not required. Those students that work hard and practice diligently will find that they can become outstanding musicians far beyond the typical high school level. Students in this group can expect more performance opportunities and responsibilities and are expected to fulfill their commitments to this ensemble. Commitment to this group requires additional weekly practice time. Other commitments include performing at all mandatory concerts, participating in orchestra festivals, and maintaining a high level of responsibility in orchestra as well as in all other classes. The best students make the best musicians!

The Jazz Ensemble focuses on America’s music – Jazz! Students in this group will begin the 1st year with the basics of improvisation and theory. They will learn how imitate the Jazz Masters by first playing simple melodies by ear to develop their jazz language. In addition, they will play a wide variety of written jazz standards and will work to develop a mature and polished sound as an ensemble. Commitments for this group include all required school performances, jazz festivals, and “gigs” for special functions around town. These students must also maintain the highest level of musicianship on their instruments by practicing regularly at home and working hard to develop this new style of playing and improvising.

Concert Band is Charter’s Intermediate level band designed for students with 1 to 2 full years of previous musical experience. Concert Band affords the student the opportunity to learn cooperation, responsibility and self-discipline through musical expression in a group activity.  With at least a full year of music under their belt, the students in this group prepare for the advanced Wind Ensemble by working on increasingly difficult and varied concert music. Students will learn fundamental knowledge of band instruments and rudimentary skills in ensemble playing through focus on tone production, note reading, balance, blend, intonation, rhythm, articulation, and music literature.  Also included are opportunities for public performance, school service, and the encouragement for students to attend community cultural events. 

Symphonic Strings is Charter’s Intermediate level orchestra designed for students with 1 to 2 full years of previous musical experience. It is recommended that these students take private lessons on their instrument, but is not required. Those students that work hard and practice diligently will find that they can become outstanding musicians far beyond the typical high school level. Students in this group can expect more performance opportunities and responsibilities and are expected to fulfill their commitments to this ensemble. Commitment to this group requires additional weekly practice time. Other commitments include performing at all mandatory concerts, playing at open house, participating in orchestra festivals, and maintaining a high level of responsibility in orchestra as well as in all other classes. The best students make the best musicians!

Starting with the very basics of music, the Cadet band works its way through the band method book into more complex literature later in the year. Emphasis is on the learning of fundamentals including tone, pitch control, time, effective breathing, correct embouchure, and effective practice habits.  This class is recommended for students at all grade levels who have zero or limited experience playing a band instrument. Students who have only taken band in Elementary school or who are switching instruments are encouraged to enroll in this class to further develop their skills before advancing to the Concert Band. 

Starting with the very basics of music, the Cadet Strings works its way through the Sound Innovations and Suzuki first year method books into more complex literature later in the year. Emphasis is on the learning of fundamentals including tone, pitch control, time, effective hand position, bowing technique, and effective practice habits. This class is recommended for students at all grade levels who have zero or limited experience playing a stringed instrument. Students who have only taken strings in Elementary school or who are switching instruments are encouraged to enroll in this class to further develop their skills before advancing to the Symphonic Strings.