Ensembles

The Chrisman Elementary School beginning band is a starting point for all our musicians. Students first learn to play their instruments using the Essential Elements Book 1 method book. 5th grade band is taught in the elementary school music room by Director Dompke.

6th grade band uses the Essential Elements Book 1 as a starting point and starts beginning repertoire outside the book. Students are expected to have learned the basics of their instruments already, but new starters are welcome and will be successful with dedication.

7th/8th grade band is a transitional period. Method books become warmups and secondary to repertoire, which will contain concert pieces as well as some pep band tunes. High-achieving students may be invited to participate in  high school band activities.

In high school, students learn advanced music and participate in more community and academic events outside the school day. From parades and pep band to ILMEA and Solo & Ensemble, the high schoolers provide sonic entertainment while achieving musical and academic success.

In high school choir, students learn to sing in group harmony in various styles ranging from medieval to patriotic to modern popular music. Choir musicians collaborate with community and band events to perform the most human of music ensembles' wide catalogue of songs.