6th and 7th Grade
Beginning Band
Available Instrumentation: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba
This entry-level course is for students looking to get a start in music. Students will cover basic instrumental skills that will put them on the track for Intermediate Band the following year or the 8th grade ensemble if entering 8th grade. Students will perform at a minimum of two recitals (winter and spring) during the school year.
Beginning Strings
Available Instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
This entry-level course is for students looking to get a start in orchestral music. Students will cover basic string skills that will put them on the track for Intermediate Strings the following year or the 8th grade ensemble if entering 8th grade. Students will perform at a minimum of two recitals (winter and spring) during the school year.
Intermediate Band
Available Instrumentation: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba
This mid-level course is for students that have at least one year of music preparation. Students will cover intermediate level instrumental skills that will put them on the track for the 8th Grade Ensemble. Incoming students must audition for the music director before placement into the class. Students will perform at a minimum of two recitals (winter and spring) during the school year.
Intermediate Strings
Available Instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
This mid-level course is for students that have at least one year of music preparation. Students will cover intermediate level string skills that will put them on the track for the 8th Grade Ensemble. Incoming students must audition for the music director before placement into the class. Students will perform at a minimum of two recitals (winter and spring) during the school year.
Percussion Ensemble
This combined beginning and intermediate level course is for those students looking to play both melodic (bells, vibes, marimba) and non-melodic (snare drum, bass drum, cymbals) percussion. Students will perform at a minimum of two recitals (winter and spring) during the school year. The track for this course is to be placed in the 8th Grade Ensemble by the student's 8th grade year.
8th Grade
8th Grade Ensemble
For many students, this course is the first time to get to work together with many different instruments. Students must have completed any of the 6th and 7th grade courses and/or be admitted to the class after an audition with the music director. Students will be expected to practice at least 15 minutes per day in preparation for this class. Students will perform at two concerts (winter and spring) as well as one local competitive festival. This course is in preparation for the high school music classes that are offered at New West which are The New Music Ensemble, New West Ensemble, and Concert Choir.
