The Ensembles
Traditional
The Symphonic Band meets everyday from 7:15 to 8:00 a.m. in the Mt. Eden High School band room. The ensemble rehearses and performs large group works, which allow for multiple musicians on a part. It is composed of students from the 9th through 12th grade. The ensemble doubles as the Pep Band and the Marching Band in a variety of functions during the school year.
The musicians are exposed to a wide variety of musical styles and degrees of difficulty. Our goal is to educate the students about past and present compositions and styles. Auditions may be held for parts and equipment selection.
*Students must participate in Symphonic Band in order to be eligible for Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble.
The Jazz Band meets for the entire first block on Mondays and Wednesdays, and half of first block on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It is composed of students from the 9th through 12th grade. The group rehearses and performs a variety of styles of jazz that may include, but is not limited to, Swing, Latin, and Blues.
This course incorporates jazz theory and improvisation, along with the fundamentals of jazz articulation and expression. Students must audition in order to be placed in appropriate sections.
The Orchestra meets during the second half of 1st Block from 8:55 to 9:35 a.m. It is composed of students from the 9th through 12th grade. The group rehearses and performs a variety of styles from classical to contemporary selections. This group is exposed to string compositions and full orchestra compositions which incorporate wind and percussion musicians.
The Wind Ensemble meets on Mondays (3:30-5:30pm) and Wednesdays (3:30-4:30pm) after school. It also meets during half of first block on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, after jazz band. Traditionally, a Wind Ensemble consists of a concise concert group with one musician per part. This requires the students to be more responsible for their parts and independent in performance ability. Advanced and intermediate students from the Symphonic Band are encouraged to participate in the ensemble, as well as continuing string musicians. Auditions may be held for parts and equipment selection.
The percussion ensemble meets Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Students are exposed to multiple percussion instruments, rhythm exercises, drumline marching, and sticking and hand technique. The drumline performs classical to contemporary literature. All students are encouraged to participate.
This class meets during second block from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. Students explore the beginning fundamentals of basic piano playing while learning keyboard technique and music theory. This is a beginner's piano class.