Instrumental Music

Year Course: Grades 6-12

The beginning Blue Band 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 intermediate Gold Band.  Students will incorporate beginning- to medium-easy-level literature in their repertoire and will perform publicly each semester. Students playing wind instruments 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.

Year Course: Grades 6-12

The intermediate Gold Band class is designed  for  students with intermediate 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.  
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Blue Band or teacher approval. Students must be able to read music. 

Year Course: Grades 7-12

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. 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Gold Band or teacher approval.  Students must be able to read music. Summer band camp is required. Admission is determined by audition.
Note: Class fees apply

*Course meets UC/CSU eligibility

Year Course: Grades 7-12

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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Gold Band or teacher approval.  Students must be able to read music. Summer band camp is required.  Admission is determined by audition.
Note: Class fees apply.

*Course meets UC/CSU eligibility

Year Course: Grades 6-12

Knight Club Jazz Band will perform jazz standards, swing music, big band tunes, ballads, and contemporary popular and rock music.  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. Traditional instruments in school jazz band include saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm (piano, drums, bass, and guitar). 
Prerequisite: Admission is determined by audition.
Note: This class meets Z Period only. 

*Course meets UC/CSU eligibility

Year Course: Grades 6-12

This orchestra provides performance experience for intermediate string players who play one of four orchestral string instruments: violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students learn how to make music as an ensemble. Repertoire will include arrangements of music for string orchestra representing various music periods and styles. Students will be required to own or rent an instrument for this course. 
Prerequisites: One year or more previous ensemble experience and weekly private lessons are required. Admission is determined by audition. 

Year Course: Grades 6-12

This orchestra provides performance experience for advanced string players who play one of four orchestral string instruments: violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students will perform a range of moderate length orchestral works, symphonic movements, and concert pieces at 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. 
Prerequisites:  Two or more years of playing experience, including at least one year of ensemble playing experience, teacher approval, and weekly private lessons are required. Admission is determined by audition. 

*Course meets UC/CSU eligibility