LSM Performing Ensembles

Symphonic Band
Level 2/Grades 9,10,11,12
Credits: 1.00 - Full-Year

Symphonic Band is designed to give the students instrumental music experience by way of regular rehearsal and performance. Participation is open to all students with previous experience with a band instrument. However, the band placement audition and a seating audition may be required. Criteria for this audition may be obtained from the instructor. Students who elect Symphonic Band will be expected to participate in all scheduled concerts, which will number no less than three, and will be responsible for learning all music assigned by the instructor. All students are expected to keep a regular individual practice schedule of a minimum of forty-five minutes daily. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students’ progress will be monitored by performance and possibly written tests throughout the school year. (All members of the Symphonic Band are also members of the Spartan Marching Band and will be expected to participate in all marching band performances and rehearsals.)

Wind Ensemble
Level 1/Grades 9,10,11,12
Credits: 1.00 - Full-Year

Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the instructor
Wind Ensemble is an advanced instrumental performing organization where members are selected by audition only. Musical selections performed by the Wind Ensemble will be numerous and of a high level of difficulty, requiring a great amount of individual practice time. All students are expected to keep a regular, individual practice schedule of a minimum of sixty minutes daily. All members will be responsible for learning all music assigned by the instructor. Membership in this organization is limited by instrumentation, and students must have the permission of the instructor before selecting this course. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students' progress will be monitored by performance and possibly written tests throughout the school year. (All members of the Wind Ensemble are also members of the Spartan Marching Band and will be expected to participate in all performances and rehearsals.)

Concert Choir
Level 2/Grades 9,10,11,12
Credits: 1.00 - Full-Year

Concert Choir members cover a wide range of choral literature. The organization performs each year both in and out of school. Students who select this course will be expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances. As part of the requirements for Concert Choir, students will gain experience in the areas of sight-reading of vocal literature as well as sight singing by syllable. All students are expected to keep a regular individual practice schedule of a minimum of thirty minutes daily and will be responsible for learning all music assigned by the instructor. Regular and on-going evaluation of the students’ progress will be monitored by performance and possibly written tests throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble
Level 2 Grades 9,10,11,12
Credits: .25 - (one evening per week) Full-Year

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
The Jazz Ensemble is a musical organization in which students may perform the more contemporary forms of jazz and rock. It involves special instrumentation such as guitar, electric bass, piano, and drum set. A member of the Jazz Ensemble must be willing to participate in a very extensive performance and rehearsal schedule including a rehearsal one night a week for two hours as well as a section rehearsal once per week for one and one-half hours. Members will be responsible for learning all music assigned by the instructor. Membership is by permission of the instructor, and auditions may be required.

StudioSpace: Rock/Pop Ensemble
Level 2/Grades 9,10,11,12
Credits: .50 - One Semester

StudioSpace: Rock/Pop Ensemble provides guided ensemble experiences and instruction for those students interested in modern styles of music such as rock, pop, rhythm and blues, and fusion. The class is open to any student who has had basic performance experience on musical instruments that are typically found in modern music ensembles, such as voice, guitar, bass, drum kit, and keyboards, although other non-traditional instruments are also welcome. The class will cover topics such as rehearsal etiquette, practice techniques, and how to work in an ensemble setting. Students will develop an understanding of how different popular music styles are characterized, will learn how to perform in those styles, and will work to incorporate elements of those styles into original compositions. Students will also have the experience of presenting large-scale performances and/or concerts with all of preparation and practice that it entails. This class is offered as a half-credit, single semester elective. However, as an ensemble class, students may enroll in this class over multiple semesters as their schedules allow.

Regional School District 10

LSM Performing Ensembles