Concert and Symphonic Band
Band instruction is available on four levels, Beginner through Elite. We begin with students who don't know how to read music or assemble their instrument and help them progress to playing more and more complex and difficult music. All music types are explored: Swing, Modern, Traditional, Hymns, Praise, Marches, Sacred, and so much more. We offer opportunities for students to perform, as well as leadership opportunities for older students who assist the directors. Unlike public school bands who practice together daily, these kids are highly motivated and spend a great deal of time at home practicing, as well as performing for various family and home school gatherings. Many students perform in their church’s worship band as a result of their education at JNHSB.
Beginner Band
Instructor-Peggy Wilson. Fridays 2:00 – 2:55
Beginner Band is for students with little or no musical training on an instrument. To participate in Beginner Band, students must be at least 9 years old and attend an Instrument Fitting. The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see the different instruments under the direction of trained personnel. With the information gathered at this time, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing based on their aptitudes, abilities, and desire. See our Calendar page for more information on instrument fittings. Check our Schedule and Location page to check for directions.
If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting. List also your first, second and third choice of instrument. Every effort is made to ensure your child's success and enjoyment.
Note: Beginner Band Percussion students must have at least 1 year experience on piano/ keyboard or other band instrument within the past two years. Audition is required for percussion. Piano students will do well on our 4 ½ octave marimba, please audition for this!
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence book 1, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, and concert dress (see Guidelines and Rules).
Intermediate Band
Instructor-Peggy Wilson. Fridays 1:00 – 1:55
The Intermediate Band is available for those students who have played at least one year on an instrument. Last year's beginners will automatically be enrolled in the Intermediate Band unless they have changed to a new instrument or they are auditioning to get into the Advanced Band.
AN AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS SEEKING TO BE ENROLLED IN THIS BAND! All auditions will take place at Mt. Paran Church of God. See our Announcement page for details. (Session lasts about 1 hour).
Check our Schedule and Location page to check for directions.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence - Book 2, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress (see Guidelines) and instrument
Advanced Band
Instructor-Deborah Scarazzo Fridays 1:00 – 1:55
The Advanced Band is available for those students who have played at least two years on an instrument. A commitment to attend Bandtastic is required of all Advanced Band members. AN AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS SEEKING TO BE ENROLLED IN THIS BAND! STUDENT auditions will take place at Mt Paran North Church of God on the first day of class. See Announcement page for details. Audition results will determine chair placement as well as band placement. Advanced Band students are required to play the Middle school (gr 6-8) GMEA scales for audition, from memory this year! Also possible sight reading, and a vey short prepared piece. Go to www.gmea.org . At the top of the page, click on ‘Band Division’ then click on ‘All-State Band.’ Click on the middle school link, then download the scales appropriate to your instrument. If 9/10 grade, or 11/12 grade, click on those links and then download the scales for your instrument. Scales should be memorized.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence-Book 3, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress (see Guidelines and Rules) and instrument
Elite Band
Instructor-Deborah Scarazzo Fridays 12:00 – 12:55
The Elite Band, our highest level of band, is available for those students who have played at least three years on an instrument. AN AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS seeking to be enrolled in this band. A commitment to attend Bandtastic is required of all Elite Band members.
STUDENT auditions will take place at Mt Paran North Church of God on the first day of class from 11 to 1. Audition results will determine chair placement as well as band placement.
Elite Band students are required to play the GMEA 9th & 10th grade scales from memory. All first chair students should be able to play the 11th & 12th gr. scales from memory. Sight Reading and a short prepared piece is also required for the audition. Go to www.gmea.org . At the top of the page, click on ‘Band Division’ then click on ‘All-State Band.’ All students who are middle school age or in the 9th or 10th grade, must memorize the high school level scales to be a part of this band. If you are in the 11th or 12th grade, click on those links and then download the scales for your instrument.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, 42 Chorales for Band by Philip Gordon, Symphonic Warm-ups for Band by Claude T. Smith, Chromatic Tuner, another book to be announced, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress (see Guidelines and Rules) and instrument. |
