Band Opportunities

Band Opportunities at CLES

Beginning Band:

Students in 4th grade have the opportunity to join band! They can be in band only, or band and chorus. Students in Beginning Band meet three times per week for two instrument specific lessons, and one full band rehearsal. Beginning Band has two concerts per year (winter and spring). 5th grade students that do not already play an instrument may also join beginning band!

Concert Band:

Students that continue their instrument from 4th grade to 5th grade are automatically placed in Concert Band. They can be in band only, or band and chorus. Students in Concert Band meet three times per week for two instrument specific lessons, and one full band rehearsal. Concert Band has three to four major performances a year including a winter concert, spring concert, field trip concert, and SCH concert.

Jazz Ensemble:

Jazz Ensemble is a group of 5th grade band students that meet before school once a week. Instruments in Jazz Ensemble include trumpet, saxophone, trombone/euphonium, piano, guitar, drum-set, and bass. Jazz Ensemble has many performances including:

• Winter Concert

• Jazz Feeder Concert

• CLES Showcase Concert

• Field Trip performance

• Music in Our Schools Month performance

• Jazz Festival performance

• Spring Fair performance

• And  others as opportunities arise!

Platypus Jazz:

Platypus Jazz is open to any instrument in 5th grade, and some instruments in 4th grade. Platypus Jazz meets before school once per week, and has two major performances each year (Spring Fair and CLES Showcase Concert).

Band Belts:

Students can work independently through challenging music on their instruments to earn Band Belts! These students will be recognized at concerts and on the morning announcements throughout the year. They can show off their progress through the belts tied to their instrument cases!

GT Band/Honor Band:

Students in 5th grade have the opportunity to audition for the Gifted and Talented Band and to be nominated for the Honor Band. These bands meet outside of school for several months in preparation for a concert each spring. These bands include elementary students from all over Howard County. 

Spring Field Trip:

Students in 5th grade performing ensembles go on a field trip each spring to perform for the community! For the past few years, we have traveled to Savage Mill to perform. This is a great opportunity for students to share their talents and gifts with members of the greater Howard County community.

Solo and Ensemble Festival:

Students in 4th and 5th grade band can participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival each spring. This is a wonderful opportunity where students can play a solo or in a small ensemble and receive feedback from an adjudicator. Students can form their own ensembles and even pick their own music to perform!