OUR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PROGRAM

The Atascadero High School Instrumental Music Department offers the following courses.


Marching Band & Pageantry/Wind Ensemble

This is a course in the field of instrumental music, performance oriented, for winds and percussion. The first semester is dedicated to the development of marching drills, field show techniques, and parade performances. The second semester emphasizes a concert/wind ensemble approach to playing, rehearsing and performing music of all types. Performances through the school year include field show competitions, football games, pep rallies, concerts, festivals, parades and community events. There is mandatory preseason camp for Marching Band & Pageantry in the Fall, approximately two weeks before Labor Day weekend. [For our 2006-2007 AHS Handbook for Marching Band and Colorguard, click HERE.]

Prerequisite: Band Director's approval by audition.
Jazz Ensemble

This is a course in the field of contemporary jazz music, performance oriented, for winds and rhythm section instruments. Both semesters are centered in the learning and performance of the jazz idiom, covering styles and concepts ranging from the earliest forms of jazz, to the latest materials available. Students will be required and expected to participate in extra-curricular performances throughout the school year, including festivals, and community events.

Prerequisites: Current enrollment in Marching Band or Wind Ensemble. Band Director's approval by audition.


Percussion Class

The goal of this semester-long class is to give students of all ages and abilities a solid foundation in percussion techniques and performance practices.

Class units which will be covered include:

· Classification of percussion instruments
· Identification of percussion instruments
· How to read music and rhythmic notation
· The Snare Drum
· Multiple Percussion: Reading notation
· Keyboard Percussion: Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Bells
· Marching Instruments: Tenors, Snares, Bass Drums, Cymbals
· Bass Drum, Cymbals (Classical), and Accessories
· Latin American and World Percussion Instruments

Prerequisites: None. Course may be repeated for credit.


Colorguard Class

This is a one-year course in colorguard, which includes the teaching, practicing, and performing of students using flags, rifles, and sabers as well as other equipment. This course is centered on covering all fundamentals of flag and weaponry as well as basics for dance and other forms of physical expression. Students will participate in the marching band, performing as a unit in parades and field competitions and exhibitions.

Prerequisite: Audition and Band Director's approval. Course may be repeated for credit.


Non-Performing Concert Band

This is a one-year or one semester course in the field of instrumental music. This class is a non-performing group designed to allow students to learn a new instrument or to develop on an instrument they already play. The first semester centers primarily on the development of fundamental instrument technique as well as instruction in basic music theory. The second semester focuses on honing basic skills as well as the development of more sophisticated music performance practice techniques which will prepare the student for a performing class if he or she chooses to transition into that program. Instruments to be taught will be from the following families: keyboard (piano and mallet instruments), percussion (mallets, snare, ethnic, and more), woodwinds, brass, and strings. No guitar or electronic instruments will be taught. Most students will need to rent or purchase their own instruments.

Prerequisite: None. This class may be repeated for credit.