Performing Arts

CONCERT BAND - GRADE 6

Beginning Band is for students with little to no experience in instrumental music. The course focuses on beginning music theory and basic instrumental techniques. Students, you will explore these concepts through performance, composition, and music history. This class will have occasional required evening performances.

CONCERT BAND - GRADE 7 & 8

This is a non-audition ensemble requiring previous band experience or a positive and willing attitude for learning. The course focuses on intermediate music theory and instrumental techniques. Students, you will explore these concepts through large and small group performance, composition, and music history. This class will have required evening and weekend performances.

JAZZ BAND

Jazz Band is an advanced ensemble designed as a year-long introduction to various jazz styles including swing, Latin, and rock music. Students, you can study each style through listening, performing, and improvising. Jazz Band will perform at various concerts and festivals around the Northwest. Jazz Band is an audition-based ensemble that builds upon Concert Band curriculum for a more diverse musical experience.

ORCHESTRA - GRADE 6

6^th Grade Orchestra is a full year commitment to a performance-based course which requires student participation in day and evening performances. Entry level orchestra is designed for any 6^th grade student with or without prior experience on violin, viola, cello, or upright bass. The grade level skills and concepts presented in the class include: basic music theory, history, tone production, string technique, and ear training. In addition, students will study home-practice strategies and the role of self-discipline in achieving high standards. Students will develop entry level technical proficiency, enjoyment, and musical understanding of stringed instruments. Listening and critical-thinking skills will be enhanced as students analyze their individual and group performances to explain.

ORCHESTRA - GRADE 7

Intermediate Orchestra is a full year commitment to a performance-based course which requires student participation in day and evening performances. Intermediate orchestra is designed to be taken after the completion of an entry level orchestra/ 6^th grade orchestra. This orchestra will further their development of basic skills and in addition, students will further their study with at home-practice using developed strategies and the role of self-discipline in achieving high standards. Grade level complex keys and rhythms will be introduced as students read more difficult music by the end of the year. Students should be independent players, meaning they can read and perform age-appropriate music without prompting from a teacher or a peer. Listening and critical-thinking skills will be enhanced as students analyze their individual and group performances implementing critiqued evaluation into new literature or individual skill practice.

ORCHESTRA - GRADE 8

Advanced Orchestra is a full year commitment to a performance-based course which requires student participation in day and evening performances. Advanced Orchestra is designed to be taken after the completion of an Intermediate Orchestra/ 7^th Grade Orchestra. Through grade level appropriate literature, students will increase their ability to apply the fundamentals of music. Students will learn vibrato, shifting, advanced rhythms, and bowings. Students will cognize music as a form of communication which will expand their ability to listen, analyze, discuss, and appreciate music. Students should be independent players, meaning they can read and perform age-appropriate music without prompting from a teacher or a peer. Students listening and critical-thinking skills will be enhanced as students analyze and critique their individual and group performances. Using this knowledge to investigate practice procedures that positively and productively effect their individual and ensemble rehearsal.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

This orchestra is a commitment to a performance-based course which requires student participation in day and evening performances. This class is open to all grade levels, but requires teacher permission and or student audition. Due to the advanced level of music, all players must meet or show the technical requirements set by the director before acceptance to the group. Additionally this course is to be taken in addition to the student’s grade level orchestra and not as a substitution. This group is for students who want a challenge and gain additional experience and technical skills while performing in a large ensemble. Students will learn advanced techniques in vibrato, shifting, and bowings. Their listening and critical-thinking skills will be enhanced as students analyze and critique their individual and group performances; defend or argue critiqued work to better enhance their art.