COURSE OFFERINGS
Our band classes include Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion instruments; each class is a year-long course.
1) Beginning/Intermediate Band (no experience required)
2) Symphonic Band d (1+ years of experience/placement audition required)
3) Jazz Band (offered after school only as an extracurricular – sign up in the fall) Students must participate in Beginning Band or Symphonic Band in order to be eligible for Jazz Band. Auditions will be held for impacted spots (usually piano and drum set)
ISPE – HOW TO TAKE BAND AND ANOTHER ELECTIVE
Many of our music students need to make space in their schedule for both band and a second elective. In order to do this, band students are eligible to fulfill their PE requirement outside of school hours if they apply for “ISPE” or Independent Study PE. This opens up a free period in their schedule so they can take band AND another elective. The option to take two electives is only available to band students because we are considered a “speciality program.” Band students applying for ISPE need to be in an individualized sport (ie: martial arts, tennis, swim, dance, ballet) but do not need to be performing at a "pre-olympic level" to be considered for this program. Band students wanting to take a second elective can take ISPE due to an "impacted schedule." The window to apply for ISPE opens Feb. 12th and closes March 15th. Click here for more information about ISPE!
INSTRUMENT CHOICES
Students enrolled in Beginning Band will make their instrument selection in the fall. Part of the curriculum of the class is to hear and learn about the different instruments before making an informed choice. Students will choose from: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Students will have the option to rent, purchase or use a school-owned instrument. No prior experience is needed to join the beginning band!!
EXTRA-CURRICULAR COMMITMENTS
Participating in the music program includes a time commitment both during and outside of school. It is important to know that there will be evening concerts and possible field trips throughout the school year in which your student will participate. Performances are a highlight of the year for our band students and their families! All of these dates are announced at the beginning of the school year so you can plan ahead.
MEET AND GREET “AUDITIONS”
Any student who already plays a band instrument and is interested in participating in the Symphonic Band (advanced band) will need to make an appointment and attend our “Meet and Greet” on Thursday, May 2nd in the Oak Crest band room (G8). The Meet and Greet is a great time to meet Ms. Gold and showcase your playing ability in an informal audition setting. Students who are not quite ready for Concert Band may be placed in the Beginning/Intermediate Band where they can develop their skills further in preparation for Symphonic Band. To sign up for a meet and greet audition please click here.
Please be sure to fill out the online application to declare your intent to be in our Music Program! Application deadline is Feb. 28th.
For more information about our program, please visit Ms. Gold’s website:
oakcrestmusic.weebly.com. and watch this promotional video about band in the north-end of SDUHSD!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Gold at: [email protected]