Concert Band Opportunities
Band students at duPont Manual High School have the opportunity to audition for YPAS concert band classes, regardless of their chosen magnet program. duPont Manual Bands does not offer a concert band program during regular school hours so this is the only opportunity students have to be a part of a consistent concert band class that meets daily. Approximately 20-30% of YPAS Bands consists of students from other Manual magnet programs.
YPAS Band Course Offerings (All are auditioned based classes)
NOTE: All students are scheduled into two band classes upon acceptance into the band program (this includes non-majors as well: MST, HSU, J&C and VA).
Intermediate Band All 9th grade woodwind and brass students start in this class along with the Symphonic Band class. Freshman percussionists start in Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Band classes. All freshman are enrolled in 2 band classes total, regardless of major.
Symphonic Band (Grades 9-12). Our largest performance ensemble. Consists of everyone in the YPAS Band Program.
Wind Ensemble (Grades 10-12). Our most "elite" performance ensemble. Roster is selected by the directors.
Percussion Ensemble (Grades 9-12). All YPAS Band percussionists must audition for and join this class for all 4 years along with a separate band class as assigned by the directors (either Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble).
Additional Music Electives
Chamber Ensemble (Grades 10-12). A solo & ensemble focused class. YPAS Band Majors must take this class at least once.
Jazz Improvisation (Grades 10-12). Must be approved by Dr. Callihan
Music Theory I (Grades 10-12). Must Be approved by Mrs.Barbosa
AP Music Theory (Grades 11-12) Must be approved by Mrs. Barbosa
Pit Orchestra (Grades 9-12). Meets after school and performs for our big Fall Musical. ***Invitation only. Students receive a half credit.
Jazz Ensemble (Grades 9-12). Meets after school for the second semester. ***Students must audition for this ensemble and receive a half credit. Freshman are allowed to audition as well. Dr. Callihan leads this ensemble.
Opportunities
Students in marching and pep band do not have to be enrolled in YPAS concert band classes although it is highly recommended. Playing year around in other ensembles will only help reinforce positive musicianship.
Students in YPAS band classes do not have to be enrolled in Marching Band and Pep Band classes although it is highly recommended. Playing year around in other ensembles will only help reinforce positive musicianship.
Some students choose to participate in many ensembles offered by both schools, others choose to participate in less. (e.g. There are current MST/HSU students enrolled in concert band classes at YPAS as well as YPAS jazz ensemble, Manual Marching Band and Manual Pep Band). This A la carte system works well for our school.
It is highly recommended that all students involved in YPAS Bands or Manual Marching/Pep Band take private lessons on their instrument.
Students must first be accepted into their chosen magnet program (YPAS, MST, HSU, J & C, VA) at duPont Manual before being allowed to join a band program at YPAS and Manual. Once accepted, check with your middle school director about non-major audition dates. Also check the schools websites or contact the school directly (502)485-8355 should you have any further questions.