Bands @ Ligon

Beginning Band Classes 

Primarily offered to sixth-grade students, classes are divided into 2 sections, Woodwinds and Brass Classes. Instruments taught initially in beginning band are flute, clarinet, trumpet, french horn, and trombone. With the director’s recommendation, students may move to other instruments later in the year (alto saxophone, oboe, bassoon, euphonium, horn, tuba, and percussion).  Emphasis is on the acquisition of basic musical skills and systematic progress rather than performance; however, band classes perform several concerts. No prior music experience is necessary for the beginning band, however many of our students have some piano, guitar. or drums experience. Each beginning band student will need to provide their own instrument, instrument cleaning supplies, and band book. Evening Performances Required 1 each quarter.

Symphonic Band  (A Magnet Concert Band)- for students with previous experience in Elementary Band or equivalent. Emphasis is on refining basic skills learned previously and mastering techniques. Placement Audition or Band Director/ Private Teacher recommendation Required. Evening Performances Required, 1 per quarter. This course is designed for the advanced rising 7th and 8th-grade students with at least 1-5 years of experience. Learning the fundamentals of your instrument to perform as a band using elements of music such as style, dynamics, tempo, timbre, balance and blend, and articulation. Learn to work together as a collaborative ensemble to achieve both individual and group success.  Placement Audition, or Teacher recommendation Required. Evening Performances Required, 1 per quarter.

Wind Ensemble-(Honor Magnet Concert Band)

Auditioned Honor Ensemble Concert Band. This course is designed for advanced students with at least 1-5 years of experience. The skills required are characteristic tone, advanced scales Concert G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Chromatic, and understanding dotted 8th, 16th note rhythms, multiple meters, and mixed meter. A placement audition is Required . Evening Performances Required, at least  1 per quarter.

Ligon Jazz Ensemble ( Honor Magnet Jazz Band)

​Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble providing students an opportunity to learn and perform the language and style (Swing, Rock, Ballad and Latin/Afro Cuban) in a “Big Band” setting. Students will also explore beginning concepts of jazz improvisation, knowledge of chords and jazz history.  Students auditioning for Jazz Band must first be enrolled in a regular band class to learn the basic fundamentals and techniques for playing their instrument.  A placement audition is required. Evening Performances Required several per quarter.

"Ligon Little Blues"  Jazz Band ( Magnet Jazz Band)

​The Ligon Little Blues will be a Jazz Band open to all band and jazz band instruments and will begin at a younger entry point for jazz, latin, and rock music. At least one year of band experience is required. Students will also explore beginning concepts of jazz improvisation, knowledge of chords and jazz history.  Students who would like to join the Ligon Little Blues must first be enrolled in a regular band class to learn the basic fundamentals and techniques for playing their instrument.  Evening Performances Required several per quarter.