Ensembles

Course Descriptions and Overviews

Concert Band Green: A student will be placed in the Beginning Band/Lower Intermediate "Concert Band Green" class if he/she has never played a band instrument before or needs to strengthen his/her basic musical skills on an instrument. Students in this ensemble perform at least 2 times per year. 

Concert Band Blue: A student will be placed in either Concert Band class if he/she has had at least one or two years of successful playing experience and is capable of playing music at a more challenging intermediate level.  Students in this ensemble perform at least 5 times per year.

Intermediate Percussion Ensemble: A student will be placed in Percussion Ensemble if he/she is a Percussionist in 7th Grade or had at least one year of successful playing experience in Elementary or Middle School. Students in this class learn all about the Percussion Family of instruments as well as playing techniques of all instruments, percussion rudiments, Percussion Ensemble repertoire, and more.  This ensemble performs at least 3 times per year.

Advanced Percussion Ensemble: A student will be placed in Percussion Ensemble if he/she is a Percussionist in 8th Grade or had at 2 years of successful playing experience. Students in this class learn all about the Percussion Family of instruments as well as playing techniques of all instruments, percussion rudiments, Percussion Ensemble repertoire, and more.  This ensemble performs at least 7 times per year since they also play with Symphonic Band.

Symphonic Band: A student will be placed in the Advanced “Symphonic” Band after auditioning successfully for a position. In some cases where instrumentation warrants, a student may participate in the Advanced Band by invitation of the director.  Students in this class learn through the advanced band curriculum and perform at least 8 times per year. 

“Mustang Jazz” Jazz Band: Students in the band learn basic jazz improvisation and how to play a variety of musical styles including swing, rock, ballads, and Latin jazz.  Membership is by audition or invitation, depending upon instrumentation needs.  Instrumentation requirements for this band are saxophone, trombone/euphonium, trumpet, drum set, bass guitar, electric guitar, and piano.  The rehearsal and performance schedule is very demanding and rewarding, therefore members are expected to demonstrate 100% commitment to the group.  This class usually meets on Thursdays after school beginning the first week of October but this year, we will be meeting during Learning Seminar - 3rd period.