Band Course Description

The Junior High Band class offers instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the
skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing
position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. This class is ideal for those who
were unable or only partially able to participate in an instrumental music class during other school experiences.
The Junior High Band class may also be ideal for those already with experience but who may need a review and
reinforcement of music reading, playing fundamentals and technique that are vital for lasting musical
development. All students in 7 th and 8 th grade level are welcome. These groups will perform in the Winter and
Spring Band Concerts. No audition is required for placement in Junior High Band – all that is necessary is the
desire and motivation to study a musical instrument!

Prerequisite: Completion of Junior High Band OR by audition (see below).
Senior High Band is for students who already have an understanding of basic music reading, instrument
assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and sound tone production. Instruction offers
continued focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills, and more advanced music
literacy. Similarly, select students may have the opportunity to transition to instruments that may not
have been offered in previous school experiences, the director can make recommendations. Students
and their families provide their own instruments. This group will perform in the Winter and Spring Band
Concerts. Placement in Senior High Band is by audition that includes the following requirements:
 Two or more years of experience (or discretion of director)
 Concert Bb & Ab Major Scales
 Chromatic Scale (Brass & Percussion – 1 octave; Woodwinds; (2 octaves where
appropriate)
 Understanding of whole, half, quarter, eighth and dotted half rhythms
 Understanding of 4/4-, 2/4-, and 3/4-time signatures
 A short solo piece demonstrating level of proficiency – No pop or jazz selections!