Welcome to Instrumental Music at Rancho-Starbuck Intermediate School!  Please explore our page to learn more about our outstanding band, strings, and drumline programs.  Don't forget to use the tabs at the top of the page to access our calendar, videos, and much more!

Sincerely,

Mr. Cameron Miller, Director

Email Address: cmiller@ljsd.org

2026-2027 Course Offerings

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is offered to students who already understand the basic foundation of their instrument and provides the opportunity to excel in their primary instrument.  This class consists of the most proficient wind and percussion students.  Audition is required of every musician for the entry of this ensemble.  Wind Ensemble has approximately eight performances throughout the school year at various events including community occurrences, school concerts, and competitive festivals.

Concert Band

Concert Band is designed for 7th grade students who have no instrumental music experience or one year of experience on a musical instrument and provides the opportunity to learn and develop on their primary instrument.  Concert Band has approximately five performances throughout the school year at various events including school concerts, and competitive festivals.

Jazz Band Red

"Jazz Red" is offered to students who are interested in exploring the Jazz genre and its styles, forms, and principles.  Students do not need to have prior Jazz experience to audition for this ensemble.  Audition is required of every musician for the entry of this ensemble.  "Jazz Red" has approximately three performances throughout the school year at various school concerts.

Jazz Band Gold

"Jazz Gold" is offered to students who already understand the basic foundation of their instrument and provides the opportunity to explore the Jazz genre and its styles, forms, and principles.  Jazz experience is preferred for this ensemble.  Audition is required of every musician for the entry of this ensemble.  "Jazz Gold" has approximately ten performances throughout the school year at various events including school concerts, and competitive festivals.

String Ensemble

Beginning Strings is designed for students who are continuing their journey from the elementary level or picking up a string instrument for the first time. This course focuses on developing foundational techniques for violin, viola, cello, and double bass while introducing students to the dynamics of ensemble playing. Beginning Strings has approximately three performances throughout the school year, including both Winter and Spring concerts.

Drumline

Drumline is an after school ensemble that competes in the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) circuit around the Southern California area.  This ensemble consists of the most proficient percussion students.  Audition is required of every musician for the entry of this ensemble.  Drumline auditions are in September and are open to all students, regardless of their elective.  Rehearsals are year-round after school and one Saturday per month.  Competition season is from February through April and all competitions take place on the weekends.

All courses are performance based and require mandatory participation at all performances.  Curriculum focuses on the study of musical elements and concepts including rhythmic notation, pitch accuracy, tone production, technique, intonation, phrasing, articulations, dynamics, style, expression, and interpretation.

Of Note...

All Academic Instrumental Music Classes (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Beginning Strings) are graded courses and carry full academic weight.  Grades are based upon attitude, improvement, attendance (rehearsals & performances), and individual performance tests.  Private lessons are not required, but highly recommended for all students.