The developing musician needs ensemble experience for both the skill building that takes place and the attitudes about making music that the band director and fellow band members can convey. This curriculum helps students to meet a minimum standard of playing which is required before playing in the band can be a successful, rewarding experience. Studied Published band arrangements and compositions are selected by the instructor. These works are usually full band arrangements that are performed at public concerts. The selections change each year, based upon the needs of the students.
Vocalization helps students with pitch placement, especially for brass instruments.
Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. The band learns and performs a wide variety of music representing diverse genres and cultures. Good posture, playing position and embouchure are reinforced. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. Students learn how to create their own variations and participate in carefully structured exercises in basic improvisation in pentatonic and major keys, as well as playing by ear.