Beginning Band (Ages 10-12)
Instructor: Isaac Roorda
Class time: 1:00-1:50
Fee: $125.00 per student/year
Beginning Band is designed for students with at least one year of experience on a band instrument including, flute, clarinet, saxophone, brass instruments, and percussion. In this structured rehearsal environment, students will develop their skills through beginning- to intermediate-level foundational exercises and performance pieces. This course includes outside assignments, required recitals, and daily practice expectations. This class covers essential fundamentals, including beginning music theory, note reading, rhythm study, and proper instrument handling.
String Choir (Ages 10-12)
Director: Lisa Sparks
Class Time 1:00-1:50
Fee: $125.00
String Choir is designed for students with at least one year of experience on a string instrument. String Choir is a small ensemble of string instruments and is a structured rehearsal environment, students will develop their skills through beginning- to intermediate-level foundational exercises and performance pieces. This course includes outside assignments, a required recital, and daily practice expectations. Using a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods, this class reinforces essential fundamentals, including music theory, note reading, rhythm study, and proper instrument handling. This class does not replace private lessons. Students are required to take weekly violin, viola, or cello lessons with a private instructor.
Symphony Orchestra
Director: Andi Dykstra
Class time: 1:00-1:50
Fee: $150 per student per year
*With the exception of percussion instruments families are responsible for instrument purchase or rental.
This program is intended for ages 12 (as of 8/31/2026) through graduation. If a student would like to participate in the orchestra they must be able to read music and have at least one full year of private lessons in their particular instrument the year directly preceding the start of the program. Students with a gap in their studies of more than 1 month before the start of the program are not eligible to participate. Students are required to take private lessons during their enrollment in orchestra. Students should be reasonably comfortable playing in concert C, D, and G.
If a student meets the age requirement, can read music, has taken at least one full year of lessons in a particular instrument they are invited to register for the Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra will perform selections for both the Christmas and Spring concerts.
Orchestra Chair Policy
The Symphony Orchestra has implemented a chair policy for musicians registered for the Symphony Orchestra. The tradition of competing for chairs in an orchestra is a time-honored way to grow a group of musicians into a cohesive and internally functional band of artists. Chair auditions will be held at the first mandatory rehearsal.
A set of measures for each instrument group will be presented as the try-out piece for chair selection. Students enrolled in Symphony Orchestra will receive an email at the beginning of August with the audition selection to prepare for the audition.
Students will be ranked and chaired by the director. The director will have full discretion on placement. These are the criteria used for selection:
Accuracy of rhythm
Consistency in tempo
Accuracy in notes
Accuracy of pitch
Overall artistry
Leadership qualities (humility, diligence, respect and the ability to teach)
STRING ENSEMBLE
Director: Terry Bradley
Class time 12:00-12:50
Fee: $150.00 per student
Audition Only
Description:
This full year program is intended for ages musicians 14 (as of 8/31/2026) through graduation. If a student would like to participate in this group they must be registered in the Symphony Orchestra (with the exception of piano and harp who may be registered in choir only) and attend auditions. If a student would like to audition they must be able to read music and have at least two full years of private lessons in their particular instrument the year directly preceding the start of the program. Students with a gap in their studies of more than 1 month before the start of the program are not eligible to participate. The String Ensemble will perform selections for both the Christmas and Spring concerts.
Students are required to take private lessons during their enrollment in orchestra. In addition to instruments in the string family, this group invites harp and piano to audition for a chair. Audition date is TBD.
Skills recommended for all instruments:
~ Successful completion of Level 3 method/lesson (or equivalent) book for your chosen instrument.
~Confidently play 2-3 octave scale (depending on level) in the following keys:
C, D, G, F
*Not all teachers use method/lesson books to teach. Please ask your current private instructor what level you are if you are uncertain.
Audition: The beginning of August students registered to audition will be provided a set of measures from the selected piece to prepare for auditions. Musicians will also be asked to sight read at the audition. They may be asked to play scales appropriate to their stated level. These pieces will be difficult however the director is not looking for perfection. Simply bring your best to the audition with a willingness to learn and clear determination! Please note, how well a student performs in their symphony chair audition does play a role in acceptance into this group. The expectation is a student prepares for both auditions with the same care and attention to detail.
JAZZ BAND
Director: TBD
Class Time: TBD
Fee: $150.00
Course Description:
Jazz Band provides an in-depth jazz performance experience for advanced instrumentalists age 14 (as of 8/31/2026) and up with at least two years of experience on their instrument. Admission is by audition only. Students will rehearse and perform intermediate to advanced-level jazz repertoire in a structured setting. This is a graded course that requires daily practice. Enrollment is limited to a select number of students who play saxophone (alto, tenor, or baritone), trumpet, trombone, electric bass/string bass, electric guitar, drum set, and piano.
Additional Supplies and Cost: Each student is responsible for providing their own instrument, instrument supplies, and pencils. Electric bass and electric guitar must provide their own amps. Music will be loaned to students each semester and must be returned in excellent condition.
Prerequisite: Students must be registered for Symphony Orchestra and audition for a chair. Audition date is TBD. Please note, how well a student performs in their symphony chair audition does play a role in acceptance into this group. The expectation is a student prepares for both auditions with the same care and attention to detail.