Programs

The Hopkins Middle School Instrumental Music Program is considered to be one of the best in the state of California! It has a long tradition of success and raising successful musicians. Whether a student has had years of experience playing an instrument, or just wants to start learning about music, Hopkins has a class that will help the student grow as a musician. There are 4 levels of band, 2 levels of orchestra, 2 jazz bands, as well as several opportunities to play in smaller ensembles.

Participating in music is much more than just picking up an instrument and playing along on some favorite tunes. Music reaches across all areas of the curriculum, including math (counting and subdividing rhythms), foreign language (many terms are written in Italian, German, or French, as well as English), history (music reflects the environment and times of its creation), and even physical education (coordination of fingers, hands, arms, etc.). Music also creates a family atmosphere where students can have fun learning and make new friends as well. Students who participate in music always have a special connection to it throughout their lives. Read more on Student Testimonials and Parent Testimonials to get the perspectives of alumni and others.

The Band and Orchestra students at Hopkins enjoy many performance opportunities. These include an annual trip and music festival competition in Disneyland taken by our Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Advanced Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble, and a music festival competition as part of a trip to California’s Great America by our Concert Band and Intermediate Orchestra. All ensembles perform at a Winter Concert, a Spring Concert, California Music Educators Association Festivals, and much more. Students who pursue music develop the skills of displaying their talents in front of large audiences. Such skills will carry over into many other fields. Colleges also look very favorably on students who participate in instrumental music. (Read more information related to this.)