Band 1,2 Beginning (5020,5021) 9th grade
Recommendations: Ability to play, or interested in learning to play, an instrument.
Course Description:
This course provides instruction in the basic principles of musicianship and standard band literature. Students will learn to play a standard band instrument in an ensemble setting. Expertise and appreciation is gained through performance of a wide variety of musical literature. Instruction of music theory is introduced and reinforced.
Band 3,4 (5320, 5321) 10th grade
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement.
Course Description:
Band Advanced is offered to students who have completed Band 1,2 or have had equivalent study of, knowledge of, or experience in music. Students will learn and perform advanced band literature in an ensemble setting. This course will focus on the development of technical skill, musical understanding, and core VAPA music standards. Students in this course will present frequent performances, which may include school and community events.
Band 5,6 (5325,5326)
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement.
Course description:
Band Advanced is offered to students who have completed Band 3, 4 or have had equivalent study of, knowledge of, or experience in music. Students will learn and perform advanced band literature in an ensemble setting. This course will focus on the development of technical skill, musical understanding, and core VAPA music standards. Students in this course will present frequent performances, which may include school and community events.
Marching Band Elective (5860) 9-12 Concurrent enrollment in band
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California's f (visual and performing arts) subject area requirement.
This course include instruction in performing marching activities. All students enrolled in the course must be concurrently enrolled in a band course. No physical education credit given.
Orchestra 1,2 (5335,5336) 9th grade
Not a College Preparatory Course. This course only counts as an elective towards graduation.
Course description:
The course provides students opportunities to participate in musical experiences that develop skills in orchestral playing. Students will learn and play quality, challenging orchestral literature in an ensemble setting with technical skill and musical knowledge and sensitivity.
Orchestra 3.4 (5337,5338) 10-12 grade
College Preparatory Course (P). This meets the UC's f (visual & performing arts) subject area requirement.
Course description:
This course continues instruction begun in Orchestra 1,2 and is designed to give students an opportunity to develop performance skills and improve their string technique. Students in this course will play a challenging range of orchestral literature representing a variety of cultures and time periods, and will develop their performance skills by presenting frequently in advanced-level ensembles. They will be able to sight-read moderately difficult music with accuracy and compose music in distinct styles. The opportunity to work with wind and percussion players as part of a full orchestra is also possible.