Instrumental Music Courses
Physical Education Waiver for Visual and Performing Arts Students
For students who intend to participate in Visual and Performing Arts Instrumental Music or Vocal Music courses, The King's Academy will make available a waiver for one semester of Physical Education during the 7th - 10th grade years to allow for continuity in VPA courses. This waiver will be available each year during 7th - 10th grade. The waiver is applicable at The King’s Academy only and is not transferable to other schools, should the student transfer.
Blue Band (Grade 6)
The purpose of all 6th grade VPA classes is to give the student an introduction to the different disciplines of art offered at TKA. The hope is that an interest will be sparked within each student so that they will continue pursuing that interest at TKA. The 6th grade Blue Band meets four days a week, and is a year-long course. It is designed to be an introduction to participation in concert band. Students will develop music reading skills on a band instrument, and will be prepared for participation in the junior high Gold Band.
Gold Band (Grades 7-8)
The class is designed for junior high students with intermediate to advanced performance level. Students will incorporate easy- to medium-level literature in their repertoire and will perform publicly each semester. Students will be required to own or rent an instrument for this course. For percussion students, school owned equipment is available. Students will need to own their own drumsticks and mallets as well as a practice pad. Class fees apply. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Band 6 or teacher approval. Students must be able to read music.
Knights Brigade/Wind Ensemble (Grades 9-12)
The class is designed for students with intermediate to advanced performance level. Students will incorporate medium – difficult level literature in their repertoire and will perform publicly each semester in field show competitions, school sports rallies, pep band and concerts. Competitions will be included in the schedule as well as playing at sporting events. Students will be required to own or rent an instrument for this course. Class fees apply. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Gold Band or teacher approval. Admission is determined by audition. Students must be able to read music. Summer band camp is required.
Knights Brigade/Percussion Ensemble (Grades 9-12)
The class is designed for students with intermediate to advanced performance level. Students will incorporate medium – difficult level literature in their repertoire and will perform publicly each semester in field show competitions, school sports rallies, pep band and concerts. Competitions will be included in the schedule as well as playing at sporting events. Students will be required to own their own practice pad, mallets and drum sticks for this course. Class fees apply. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Gold Band, or teacher approval. Admission is determined by audition. Students must be able to read music. Summer band camp and drum camp is required.
Jazz Band (Grades 7-12)
This course is designed for students with a serious interest in music. Jazz Band will perform jazz standards, swing music, big band tunes, ballads, and contemporary popular and rock music. Jazz Band members are required to participate in Marching Band and Pep Band as well as all Concert Bands. The band will participate in contests and festivals, mostly during the spring semester. They will perform at some school and community events to promote the school and school spirit. There will be time required outside of school for performances. Prerequisites: Student must be enrolled in Band (unless they play a rhythm instrument). Student must also audition and have consent of the Director.
String Orchestra (Grades 7-12)
This class is an advanced level performance group open to all stringed instruments. Students will receive advanced training in music theory, as well as perform a variety of repertoires from classical to contemporary pieces. Students will perform as least twice per semester. This course may be repeated for additional credit. Students will be required to own or rent an instrument for this course. Class fees apply. Prerequisites: Previous string instruction, and teacher approval.
