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BAND, ORCHESTRA, and
COLOR GUARD PROGRAM
at WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Enroll Here! Registration opens May 5th
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The goal of the Long Beach Summer Music Academy is to create an safe environment for young musicians to improve, while at the same time, make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
PROGRAMS
Middle School Program - Band and Orchestra
Tuesdays, June 24 - August 12, 5:30-8:00pm - $195
Open to string, wind, and percussion students going into 7th and 8th grade, who have had at least one full year of classroom or similar private instruction. Rehearsals will culminate with a public concert on August 12th. The band will be led by Mr. Hamilton and the orchestra will be led by Mrs. Ellis.
New! Beginning Color Guard
Tuesdays, June 24 - August 12, 5:30-8:00pm - $100
There is an additional fee of $30 fee for a flag.
The Long Beach Summer Music Academy is adding a color guard program for kids ages 11-15. The Color Guard Academy will be led by Wilson H.S. instructor Jonah Batac. Students will learn the basic spinning a flag along with other dance elements. This class could be a springboard for participation in any high school color guard.
Are you already planning to attend? Complete the Student Information Form to help us plan.- Click here > Student Information Form
Frequently Asked Questions - Middle School Program
Frequently Asked Questions - Middle School Program
Who can attend? - The program is open to string, wind, and percussion students who will be in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in Fall 2025 and have had at least one full year of classroom or similar private instruction. The band and orchestra program is not for beginners. The color guard class is for beginners; no experience is necessary.
What does a typical meeting look like? - Each week usually consists of group rehearsal or sectional rehearsal from 5:30-6:30pm, a 30 minute social break/activity/game, and another rehearsal from 7:00-8:00 pm.
Is my child good enough? - If they have had at least a year of middle school instruction and are motivated to learn, then they will be fine. The ability range is always pretty wide, but we realize every student is at a different place in their musical journey. Our goal is to help them progress from wherever they are on that journey.
What if my child comes on the first night and doesn't enjoy it? - Usually, this isn't the case. But, families can get a refund after the first meeting by contacting the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department.
How much does it cost? - The band and orchestra class fee is $195, regardless of how many classes your child attends. This includes, a camp t-shirt, seven rehearsals, and a concert on August 12th.
The color guard class is $100 plus a $30 fee for a flag.
Can my child miss a class or two? - We realize families well be traveling during the summer and there will be other conflicts. We are flexible. Missing a few rehearsals is okay, but we can not prorate the class fee.
Who are the teachers? - The band program will be led by Kevin Hamilton from Wilson High School, LBUSD. The string program will be led by Michelle Ellis from Wilson High School, LBUSD. The color guard program will be led by Wilson Color Guard Instructor, Jonah Batac. Additional highly qualified instructors and assistants will be added as enrollment grows.
Is there a jazz band? - Depending on enrollment and student interest, there is an option for more advanced students to form a jazz band.
Are instruments provided? - Unfortunately, no. However, if your child is enrolled at and LBUSD school, their school music teacher can check out an instrument to them for the summer. Students should bring their instruments to every meeting.
Do percussionists need to bring drums? - No, we will have percussion instruments and mallets. Students are encouraged to bring their own sticks.
Color Guard students should wear comfortable athletic clothes and shoes.
Are there scholarships? - As an organization, we don't offer any scholarships. However, sometimes we can help find a donor to sponsor a student. Email Mr. Hamilton if your child would be unable to attend without financial help.
How do we sign up? - The LBSMA is run as a contract class through the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department. They take care of enrollment and payments. Card, Check, and Cash are accepted.
You can pre-register online at Long Beach Parks and LB RecConnect
Or, you can register in person at the first class, cash or check only. Come 15-20 minutes before class starts.
Should we let you know we're signing up? - Yes! It would be great for us to know ahead of time who is coming and which instrument they play. Please complete this short Google Form once you know you're joining us. Student Information Form
All classes will be held at Wilson High School. Students will enter the gate near the McKenzie Family Music Studio, located on Park Ave. across the street from Blair Field.
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