Concert Bands

Beginning Band

Beginning Band is for 7th graders who have no experience on a band instrument (or ANY instrument!). It is a full year elective. Students are introduced to the instruments of the band and will learn the basics of their new instrument and basic music theory. Students will perform in at least two concerts on campus during the school year. Students who only have experience on PIANO should register for this class. **Beginning Band students are often included in Concert Band depending on enrollment.**

Concert Band (Intermediate)

Concert Band is designed for 7th and 8th graders with 1-3 years’ experience on their instrument. It is a full-year elective. Students must have completed at least one year’s study on a band instrument (or have director’s approval). Students currently in the Advanced Elementary Band are automatically qualified to enroll in this class. The class concentrates on teaching students the many aspects of performance and playing in band on a daily basis by using method books and performance literature. Students will perform in at least two concerts on campus during the year. They will also travel to the local CMEA Band Festival and participate in a festival as part of a day trip to Great America in Santa Clara, CA.

Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble (Advanced)

Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble are for 8th graders who have played 3-4 years on their instrument. Each is a full-year elective, and the student must have instructor consent to enroll. Special accommodations can be made for 7th graders who are advanced on their instrument. Both the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble perform at very high levels and guide students to a new level of musicianship. Students have many local performance opportunities during the year. They will also travel to Anaheim, CA (Disneyland) for a music festival, as well as participate in a local CMEA Band Festival. Wind Ensemble is a very advanced band class, which performs at the highest level possible for middle school students.