Band & Orchestra

Wind Ensemble (9-12)
Prerequisite: At least two years of band experience.

This group meets on alternate days with the jazz band during “zero” hour. In order to join the Wind Ensemble, students must show a certain level of proficiency on their instrument, demonstrated by playing their major scales, a full-range chromatic scale, and sight reading at a high level. They must also play with tone that is characteristic of their instrument, part of which is playing on the correct mouthpiece and reed for their level.

It is recommended that these students take private lessons on their instrument, but is not required. Those students that work hard and practice diligently will find that they can become outstanding musicians far beyond the typical high school level. Students in this group can expect more performance opportunities and responsibilities and are expected to fulfill their commitments to this ensemble. Commitment to this group requires additional weekly practice time. Other commitments include performing at all mandatory concerts, playing at open house, participating in band festivals, and maintaining a high level of responsibility in band as well as in all other classes. The best students make the best musicians!

Chamber Orchestra (7-12) 

Prerequisite: One year of orchestra or private lessons; please indicate on your registration form the instrument your student plays. 

It is recommended that these students take private lessons on their instrument, but is not required. Those students that work hard and practice diligently will find that they can become outstanding musicians far beyond the typical high school level. Students in this group can expect more performance opportunities and responsibilities and are expected to fulfill their commitments to this ensemble. Commitment to this group requires additional weekly practice time. Other commitments include performing at all mandatory concerts, playing at open house, participating in band festivals, and maintaining a high level of responsibility in band as well as in all other classes. The best students make the best musicians!

Jazz Ensemble (9-12)

Prerequisite:  Two years of band experience and consent of instructor; requires concurrent enrollment in Wind Ensemble.

The Jazz Ensemble focuses on America’s music – Jazz! Open to 9-12 graders by audition, students in this group will begin the year with the basics of improvisation and theory. They will learn how imitate the Jazz Masters by first playing simple melodies by ear to develop their jazz language. In addition, they will play a wide variety of written jazz standards and will work to develop a mature and polished sound as an ensemble. Commitments for this group include all required school performances, jazz festivals, and “gigs” for special functions around town. These students must also maintain the highest level of musicianship on their instruments by practicing regularly at home and working hard to develop this new style of playing and improvising.

Symphonic Band

Prerequisite: One year of band experience

Symphonic Band is Charter’s Intermediate level band designed for students with at least one year of previous musical experience. Symphonic Band affords the student the opportunity to learn cooperation, responsibility and self-discipline through musical expression in a group activity.  With a full year of music under their belt, the students in this group prepare for Wind Ensemble by working on increasingly difficult and varied concert music. Students will learn fundamental knowledge of band instruments and rudimentary skills in ensemble playing through focus on tone production, note reading, balance, blend, intonation, rhythm, articulation, and music literature.  Also included are opportunities for public performance, school service, and the encouragement for students to attend community cultural events. 

Cadet Band

Prerequisite: None

The class is split into 3 instrument families: BRASS, PERCUSSION and WOODWINDS. Each of these focuses attention on detailed concepts related to sound production and playing technique unique to that set of instruments. In doing so, Cadet students at Charter gain a far more thorough understanding of their instrument than in a traditional band setting. Starting with the very basics of music, the Cadet band works its way through the Essential Elements method book into more complex literature later in the year. Emphasis is on the learning of fundamentals including tone, pitch control, time, effective breathing, correct embouchure, and effective practice habits.  This class is recommended for students at all grade levels who have zero or limited experience playing a band instrument.

Instruments offered in Cadet Band:

BRASS        WOODWINDS                                       
Trumpet      Flute
French Horn    Clarinet
Trombone    Alto Saxophone
Baritone/Euphonium    Oboe/Bassoon (Private instruction required)
Tuba

PERCUSSION (keyboard & snare drum only)

Beginning Strings (6-12)

Prerequisite: None
Starting with the very basics of music, the Beginning Strings works its way through the Essential Elements method book into more complex literature later in the year. Emphasis is on the learning of fundamentals including tone, pitch control, time, effective hand position, bowing technique, and effective practice habits. This class is recommended for students at all grade levels who have zero or limited experience playing a stringed instrument.

Instruments offered in Beginning Strings:
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
DOUBLE BASS

Michael Harrison
mharrison @cdacharter.org