Since 1984 - Music

Music

Play. Perform. Create. Belong.

Music is everywhere at RSA.

As our largest department in both student enrollment and course offerings, the RSA Music Department is a thriving community of musicians with opportunities for students at nearly every level of experience and across an extraordinary range of musical traditions.

Students can find their place in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, Latin Jazz, Percussion, Mariachi, and Orchestra, developing technical skill, musicianship, ensemble awareness, and performance experience while exploring music across genres and cultures.

But music at RSA extends well beyond the large ensemble. Students can develop individual musicianship through Piano and Guitar, while those interested in understanding the structure and language behind the music can challenge themselves through AP Music Theory.

That breadth gives RSA musicians something special: the freedom to explore. A student might discover an entirely new musical tradition, learn a second instrument, move into increasingly advanced ensembles, or find that the place they truly belong is somewhere they never expected.

Throughout the program, students learn that great musicianship requires much more than playing the right notes. It requires discipline, listening, precision, collaboration, creativity, perseverance, and trust. Every rehearsal asks students to contribute individually while becoming part of something larger than themselves—and every performance gives them the opportunity to share what they have built together.

Marching Band

And then there is Marching Band and Colorguard - one of the most visible, dynamic, and celebrated expressions of the RSA Music program.

Marching Band brings together musicianship, movement, precision, endurance, visual design, and extraordinary teamwork. Students don't simply learn music—they build an entire production. Music must be memorized, movement must be precise, formations must continually evolve, and every performer must understand how their individual contribution fits into the larger whole.

Integral to that experience is RSA's extraordinary Colorguard, whose performers bring an additional dimension of movement, artistry, athleticism, and visual storytelling to the field. Through choreography and equipment work, Colorguard transforms music into movement, adding color, emotion, drama, and visual impact to the Marching Band's performances.

But Colorguard's artistry extends beyond the field. The ensemble also performs independently from the Marching Band, giving its members opportunities to develop their own performance identity while showcasing the unique combination of dance, precision, musicality, athleticism, and expressive movement that defines the art form.

Together, Marching Band and Colorguard create something much larger than any individual performer. Musicians and visual performers must rely completely on one another—developing discipline, leadership, resilience, responsibility, confidence, and an extraordinary sense of ensemble.

It is demanding. It is exhilarating. And when the music, movement, color, and energy come together under the stadium lights, it is unmistakably RSA.

That last sentence is the one I'd keep. “It is unmistakably RSA.” That's branding language you could actually repeat elsewhere on the website when something represents the program particularly well.

Music Program Classes:

Concert Band: Concert Band is open to any student demonstrating Level II proficiency or higher. Students in this course will further develop their skills in reading music, performance and music theory. This class is designed to provide instruction for accomplishing Level IV of this Fresno Unified course of study and appropriate California Music Standards. Regular practices, public performances and competitions after school, at night and/or on weekends may comprise activities of this group and are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor. Marching band experiences and performances may comprise a portion of the activities of this group.
Brass Ensemble: This class concentrates on the techniques of brass instruments as they relate to the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and/or Orchestra. Problems of rhythms, key signatures, proper breathing, correct embouchure, and all other aspects of brass musicianship are addressed. The class performs as a separate ensemble or as a section within other performing groups. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Wind Ensemble: This course is designed for the sequential study of the literature, rehearsal, and performance techniques of the band on the highest level achievable. It is a performance organization of students of high achievement and talent. Marching band experiences and concert performances will comprise a portion of the activities of this group. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Percussion: The Percussion Ensemble class is where percussionists from all performing groups (i.e., Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, Steel Drum Band, Concert Band and Marching Band) develop their skills. Basic through advanced techniques of performing on various percussion instruments will be taught along with reading music, ear training, and rhythmic dictation. Other skills that will be emphasized include teamwork, setting up efficiently, and composing short rhythmic phrases.
Latin Jazz: Latin Jazz Ensemble is an advanced instrumental performance group that explores the repertoire of Afro-Caribbean music including mambo, cha cha, Mozambique, bolero, guaguanco, Latin jazz, etc. In addition to the techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students learn the theory and history of the music studied and performed. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Jazz Band: Jazz band teaches students how to play jazz music, improvise and perform in an ensemble. Students will learn the instruments needed to play jazz music, jazz harmonies and articulation and know about jazz history and theory along with other art forms through the music.
Mariachi: The goal of Mariachi de Mi Tierra at Roosevelt High School is to develop students as confident, skilled musicians while representing our school and community with pride and professionalism. This is a performance-based class where students are challenged to grow musically, support one another, and work together as a team and family.

Students will study traditional Mexican music, including Bolero, Ranchera, and Son, while learning about mariachi history, culture, musical elements, rehearsal techniques, and performance practices. Students will have opportunities to perform on campus and throughout the community while exploring educational and career opportunities in music.

Our goal is to build strong musicians and responsible young people through music, teamwork, discipline, cultural appreciation, and a shared passion for mariachi.

Orchestra (Beginning & Intermediate): A mixed ensemble class of beginning and intermediate string players in which proper orchestral technique, ear training skills, music theory, and appropriate rehearsal/performance disciplines will be taught throughout the year. This class is open to all students interested in playing and performing an orchestral string instrument who are committed to hard work and performance opportunities. This performance-based class will include concert literature and solo and ensemble music. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Symphonic Orchestra: A highly select group of string players performing the finest in orchestral literature, in which proper orchestral technique, ear training skills, music theory, and appropriate rehearsal/performance disciplines will be taught and maintained within the group. This performance-based class will include A/AA concert literature and solo and ensemble music. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Guitar (Beginning & Advanced): Beginning Guitar is designed to provide instruction in beginning guitar technique which includes basic music theory (music reading, chords, etc.), finger picking, playing in groups, and care of the guitar. Advanced Guitar studies the theory (chord building and song writing) of folk, classical, jazz, and pop styles. The course is designed for students who understand and can demonstrate basic elements of music and who utilize proper guitar performance techniques. Each student will be expected to work/perform at his or her own best effort level and make steady progress. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Piano I and II: The Piano I course is designed to teach students basic music skills and beginning piano technique and style. Students will learn the fundamentals of music theory and ear training skills. Music history and appreciation are included throughout the course. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor. The Piano II course is designed to teach students to learn piano technique suitable to their ability level. They will study piano literature from all musical periods and develop a more complete understanding of the fundamentals of music theory. Ear training and sight reading will also be part of the course. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor.
Colorguard (PE Credit): Colorguard brings movement, color, and visual artistry to the excitement of instrumental music. Performing both as an integral part of the Rough Rider Marching Band and as a featured ensemble at special performances, our Colorguard combines dance, precision, flag work, and choreography to create dynamic visual experiences. Students develop performance skills, teamwork, discipline, and confidence while learning to tell a story through movement. With energy, creativity, and unmistakable Rough Rider spirit, Colorguard transforms music into something audiences can both hear and see.
Marching Band (PE credit): Marching Band is open to any student demonstrating Level II proficiency or higher of this Fresno Unified course of study and appropriate California Music Standards. Students in this course will develop their skills in reading music, performance of band instruments and basic music theory. Regular practices, public performances and competitions after school, at night and/or on weekends may comprise activities of this group and are scheduled according to the progress and abilities of the group as determined by the instructor. Students enrolled in this course will meet the PE State Standards and District requirements for physical education. Students will fulfill the required minutes of physical education (400 minutes every 10 days) through both class participation and the completion of an Activity Log which demonstrates physical activities completed outside of the class period. ---This course will address all eight PE content standard areas and will meet all instructional minute requirements in alignment with CDE regulations.
AP Music Theory (not offered every school year): Class will concentrate on the elements of chord construction and music composition and applying these features to the creation of original works in a small musical form. Small ensembles will be combined to play student's own works. Units in conducting and music history are also included. To review specific AP course credit, visit www.collegeboard.org; see counselor for information.