BEGINNING BAND
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 6-8 Year Course
Anyone can be successful and can play an instrument that is appropriate for that individual. No musical experience is required. Students will be provided instruction in the development of fundamentals of posture, tone production, breathing, instrument care, music reading, rhythm, musical terms and symbols, and proper performance techniques are taught.
Band students must either provide their own instruments or rent them from a local music store. Instrument rental fees range from $20 to $30 per month. Band students will also be expected to attend all band functions, which may include occasional morning and afternoon practices, evening performances, and school performances.
CONCERT BAND
Prerequisite: Knowledge of instrument and music/Audition
Grade: 7-8 Year Course
This course is open to students who have completed one full year of beginning band. Music fundamentals, tone production, and music theory are reinforced in the classroom environment, and students have various opportunities to perform at school, civic, and state sponsored festivals. The knowledge of 7 scales is required.
SYMPHONIC BAND
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation required/Audition
Grade: 7-8 Year Course
This course is open to all students who have completed one year of beginning band and/or concert band. Advanced Band enrollment is contingent on a student’s dedication to his/her personal musical development. Challenging wind ensemble literature is presented to the students. Private lessons and district solo and ensemble participation is strongly encouraged. School and civic performances are a requirement.
JAZZ BAND
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation required/Audition
Grade: 7-8 Year Course
Jazz Band consists of students in concert or advanced band who show an interest in the study of jazz music. The basics of Jazz music (history, improvisation, theory, literature) is taught throughout this course. Selection is based on auditions that take place at the end of each year. Students in Jazz Band will participate in school, civic, county, and district festivals and performances. Jazz students are required to attend numerous performances throughout the year.
GUITAR I
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 6-8 Semester Course
This course is designed for students interested in learning to play the guitar. The goals are to teach students proper playing technique and basic musical skills. Different styles of music will also be addressed to gain better understanding of the guitar and its role in music.