BAND * ORCHESTRA * CHOIR

BAND

Note: For all band classes, students must provide their own instruments or may use available school instruments under the WCSD instrument loan plan. Students studying percussion are required to procure a practice set that includes a practice pad and a set of bells. Students are required to purchase the prescribed band and/or percussion method books.

Beginning Band: A 6th/7th or 7th/8th grade class offering 6th grade students or students who may not have chosen band in 6th grade an opportunity to experience instrumental music. This class is limited to woodwind and brass instruments and in some cases percussion. Prerequisite: None.

Intermediate Band: A 7th grade instrumental technique class focusing on the continued development of performance skills on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. This class also provides an ideal opportunity to learn a new instrument. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Beginning Band or have the approval of the teacher.

Advanced Band: An 8th grade advanced ensemble/instrumental technique class balancing the development of performance skills on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments with a focus on concert repertoire. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Intermediate Band or have teacher approval.

Jazz Ensemble (Excel): An essentially 8th grade advanced ensemble/instrumental technique class for a limited number of players of saxophone, trumpet, trombone and‚ rhythm section instruments (under special circumstances, 7th grade students may be considered for placement). Repertoire includes traditional and contemporary jazz literature. This group performs independent of, as well as in conjunction with the Advanced Band. Prerequisite: Teacher approval/all students must also be enrolled in a commensurate concert ensemble.

ORCHESTRA

Note: For all orchestra classes, students must provide their own instruments, or may use available school instruments under the WCSD instrument loan plan. All music and books are provided in class. 

Beginning Orchestra: A 6th/7th or 7th/8th grade class offering students in the 6th grade or students who may not have chosen orchestra in 6th grade an opportunity to experience instrumental music. This class is limited to violin, viola, cello, and bass. Prerequisite: None.

Intermediate Orchestra: A 7th grade instrumental technique class focusing on the continued development of performance skills on orchestral string instruments. This class also provides an ideal opportunity to learn a new instrument. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed 6th grade orchestra or have the approval of the teacher.

Advanced Orchestra: An 8th grade advanced ensemble/instrumental technique class balancing the development of performance skills on orchestral string instruments with a focus on concert repertoire. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Intermediate Orchestra or have the teacher's approval.

Golden Strings: (Excel) An ensemble of 7th and 8th graders (with occasional 6th grade students with prior experience) which focuses on eclectic styles such as fiddle, rock and jazz.  Students must also be concurrently enrolled in their ability level class.