New Students

We are so excited to have you join our band ohana! All new incoming students who are interested in enrolling in a band class (except for Beginning Band) must go through our placement process. We are holding in-person playing assessments on May 2, 2026 from 11:50 AM – 12:35 PM for 7th-8th grade and 12:40 PM - 1:25 PM for 9th-12th grade in the band room (C103) in Castle Building. Please let us know ahead of time if you need to borrow an instrument so we can prepare one for you. Students should be responsible for bringing their own reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, sticks, and mallets if applicable. Larger equipment and instruments such as amps, marimba, piano, snare drum, and drum set will be provided.

Please see below for assessment materials and instructions specific to your grade level, instrument, and band class.

High School Assessment Materials

Incoming 7th-8th grade

Concert Band/Stage Band Winds
- We will have a short excerpt for you to sight read in person
- Optional: play an excerpt from a song of your choosing that demonstrates your skill level. It could be a section of a song you already played at a concert or something you're currently working on.
Concert Band Percussion
- Demonstrate a buzz roll and a double stroke roll on the snare
- We will have a short excerpt for you to sight read on the marimba and snare in person
Rhythm Section Fundamentals (bass, guitar, drum set, piano)
- Play something of your choosing that demonstrates your knowledge on your main instrument(s). It could be part of a song you learned or something you are currently working on.

Incoming 9th-12th grade

Concert Band/Stage Band Winds
- Play all 3 selections from the PDF for your instrument from the "High School Assessment Materials" link at a tempo of your choosing
- We will have a short excerpt for you to sight read in person
- Optional: play an excerpt from a song of your choosing that demonstrates your skill level. It could be a section of a song you already played at a concert or something you're currently working on.
Concert Band Percussion
- Play all 3 selections from the flute/keyboard PDF from the "High School Assessment Materials" link on the marimba at a tempo of your choosing
- Demonstrate a buzz roll, double stroke roll, single accented paradiddles, and alternating flams on the snare
- We will have a short excerpt for you to sight read on the marimba and snare in person
Rhythm Section Fundamentals (bass, guitar, drum set, piano)
- Play something of your choosing that demonstrates your knowledge on your main instrument(s). It could be part of a song you learned or something you are currently working on.

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