Band

Zero (0) years of experience.

This ensemble is for middle school wind and percussion instrumentalists who are new to their instrument. If your student plays a stringed instrument, they should register for Beginning String Orchestra. Students entering the 6th grade or MSA who are interested in learning the fundamentals of playing a band instrument will be placed in Beginning Band. If your student has one or two years of experience on their instrument, they will be placed Concert Band.  Beginning Band will be utilizing the method books Sound Innovations Book 1 and 2. This ensemble performs music that is rated at a difficulty level or .5-1.5. Students who receive a C or higher at the conclusion of the year will be placed in Concert Band for the next school year. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee. 

Two (2) to four (4) years of experience.

This ensemble is for the intermediate instrumentalist.  Wind Band utilizes the method book Sound Innovations - Ensemble Development Intermediate Band. Students will sight-read and perform music at the MSHSL level III, while addressing the theoretical and technical musical concepts appropriate with the National Performing Arts Educational Standards for grades 6-8. These standards address topics such as solo/small ensemble/large ensemble rehearsal and performance, theory, terminology, and composition. 8th and 9th grade students who receive a B+ or higher at the conclusion of the year will be placed in Wind Ensemble the next school year. 7th and 8th grade students, as well as some 9th grade students with a B or lower, will remain in Wind Band the next school year. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

Four (4) or more years of experience

This ensemble is for the advanced instrumentalists. Wind Ensemble utilizes the method book Sound Innovations - Ensemble Development Advanced Band. Students will sight-read and perform music at the MSHSL levels of Class II and above, while addressing the theoretical and technical musical concepts appropriate with the National Performing Arts Educational Standards for grades 9-12. These standards address topics such as solo/small ensemble/large ensemble rehearsal and performance, theory, terminology, and composition. Wind Ensemble does compete in the MSHSL Large Group Contest as well as the MSHSL Solo/Small Ensemble Contest. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

PSEO students only

This online course is specifically for those advanced instrumentalists who are PSEO and cannot meet the attendance requirements due to their daily schedule. Through the use of the online subscription rehearsal program, SmartMusic, and online class assignments, instrumentalists will cover the same material as the curricular course (see Wind Ensemble). Students are required to attend rehearsal when possible as well as check in with the director as often as possible. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.

This extracurricular ensemble is designed to expose and develop students interest in Jazz Music. All instruments and abilities are welcome to join. This ensemble rehearses once a week before school on Thursdays and will perform twice throughout the school year.