Music Ensemble Electives

Orchestra

All orchestra classes are year-long. • All grades • Placement is based on audition and/or SPS teacher recommendations.

Cadet Orchestra: This class is for students with limited or no experience on their instrument. It is also an excellent place for students wishing to change to a different orchestra instrument including those frequently not offered in the Elementary Instrumental Music program such as Viola and Double Bass. The emphasis in this class is on basic technique and music reading, proper tone production, posture, intonation and rehearsal practices. This class focuses on orchestra as an ensemble as opposed to the individual instrument approach featured in the Elementary Instrumental Music Program. Instruments offered: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass (upright bass not bass guitar).

Concert Orchestra: This class is for students with more experience playing in orchestra. This class has increased technical demands and the music performed requires higher level skills. The emphasis on music reading shifts from note reading to artistic interpretation of the written music. Instruments offered: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass (upright bass not bass guitar). Admission to this class requires permission from the instructor.

Band

All band classes are year-long • All grades • Placement is based on audition and/or SPS teacher recommendations.

Cadet Band: This class is for students with limited or no experience on their instrument. It is also an excellent place for students wishing to change to a different band instrument including those frequently not offered in the Elementary Instrumental Music program such as Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Tuba and Euphonium. The emphasis in this class is on basic technique and music reading, proper tone production, posture, intonation and rehearsal practices. This class focuses on band as an ensemble as opposed to the individual instrument approach featured in the Elementary Instrumental Music Program. Instruments offered: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet / Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium / Baritone, Tuba and Percussion (percussionists are expected to play bells and a variety drums).

Concert Band: This class is for students with more experience playing in band. This class has increased technical demands and the music performed requires higher level skills. The emphasis on music reading shifts from note reading to artistic interpretation of the written music. Instruments offered: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet / Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium / Baritone, Tuba and Percussion (percussionists are expected to play bells and a variety drums). Admission to this class requires permission from the instructor.

Jazz Band: This class is for students with strong music reading and technical proficiency on their instrument. The class will explore various styles of both traditional and modern jazz in the setting of a standard swing band. Students will learn theory in order to practice improvisation.