Ensembles and Courses

Beginning Band


Beginner Band is open to students with either no previous or limited experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. A variety of performances throughout the year allows for meaningful musical experiences. Students will learn the basics of good tone production, rhythm, and melodic notation. Teamwork, problem solving, and working toward a common goal are also emphasized. The instruments offered  in this class are:  flute, clarinet, french horn, and saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Students interested in percussion must audition for Mr. Johnson. A maximum of 12 students will be selected to play percussion. Students will learn how to read music while learning proper tone and technique on their chosen instrument. 

Instrument selection will occur in the spring of 4th grade. Attendance at all concerts are mandatory.



Intermediate Band


Students will build  upon the skills learned in Beginning Band. Intermediate Band emphasizes fundamentals such as scales, rhythm, and tone production.  Higher-level music in a variety of styles and genres will be played as well as continued instruction and reinforcement of music fundamentals and playing technique. These skills will be honed while preparing music for fun performances throughout the year. Teamwork, problem solving, and working toward a common goal are strongly emphasized. Attendance at all concerts and sanctioned after school rehearsals are mandatory.



Advanced Band


This course is designed for the more experienced band student. Meaningful musical experiences are offered through a variety of performances and competitions. Festival, contest, and travel opportunities are provided throughout the year. Teamwork, problem solving, and working toward a common goal are strongly emphasized. Symphonic Band will focus on advanced musical concepts, individual instrumental skill development, and advanced band literature. Attendance at all concerts and sanctioned after school rehearsals are mandatory.



Jazz Band


Jazz Band provides an opportunity for students to study and perform in the instrumental jazz idiom.  Admission into Jazz Band is based on auditions; director approval and concurrent enrollment in Advanced Band is required.  Students will learn jazz terminology and explore music in a variety of jazz styles.  Students will also explore the art of improvisation which is the root of jazz. The Parker Performing Arts School Jazz Band requires an increased level of commitment by students who have consistently demonstrated superior levels of knowledge, enthusiasm, self-direction, and skill. All members (except guitarists and pianists) are required to be enrolled concurrently in another band or orchestra class the entire year.  These skills will be honed while preparing music for performances throughout the year. Grades are based on participation, learning activities, assessments and home practice. Attendance at all concerts and sanctioned after school rehearsals are mandatory.



Beginning Guitar


This semester course is designed for students with no previous guitar experience. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar at a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become a successful guitarist. Areas of concentration include: correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat-picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, finger-picking styles, musical forms, and improvisation.