Ensembles

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COURSES AT ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL

WIND ENSEMBLE
Prerequisite: Audition; Instructor Consent

Wind Ensemble is an advanced-level course for wind and percussion instrumentalists that successfully complete the audition process. Students work for mastery of music reading skills and sound performance fundamentals. Study of standard and contemporary wind band literature of varying styles is covered. The course also focuses on the development of leadership skills through sectionals and small ensemble opportunities. Offsite performances and workshops/sectionals required of all members.

CONCERT BAND
Prerequisite: Audition may be required; minimum one year prior instruction; ability to read music

Concert Band is an intermediate-level performance class for wind and percussion students with a minimum of one year playing experience on their instrument and the ability to read music. The class focuses on developing fundamental music skills including basic instrumental techniques and performance practices as it relates to various idioms of selected band literature. Most incoming 9th grade students are placed in this ensemble.

JAZZ BAND
Prerequisite: Audition required; enrollment in Wind Ensemble

Jazz Band is an advanced-level course for jazz musicians designed to offer the qualified instrumentalist the opportunity to study and perform a variety of jazz styles and further develop jazz skills. Instrumentation is limited to one player to a part and concurrent enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Orchestra is a perquisite for participation. The various styles and trends of jazz are studied and understood through performance and active listening. Students will work for mastery of music reading skills, develop a jazz vocabulary, jazz theory and performance skills. All students enrolled are required to participate in all performances.

JAZZ LAB
Prerequisite: Audition required; enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Concert Band

Jazz Lab is an intermediate-level course designed to offer the qualified instrumentalist the opportunity to study and perform a variety of jazz styles and further develop jazz skills. Instrumentation is limited to one player to a part and concurrent enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Concert Band is a perquisite for participation. The various styles and trends of jazz are studied and understood through performance and active listening. Students will work for mastery of music reading skills, develop a jazz vocabulary, beginning jazz theory and performance skills. All students enrolled are required to participate in all performances.

STRING ORCHESTRA

Prerequisite: Prior experience playing a string instrument.  Lessons encouraged.

String Orchestra  is a course in covering a wide range of orchestral styles of music of varied styles and periods. Students must possess the ability to perform at the high school level. At times, the group will perform as a full orchestra with the addition of wind and percussion players from the AHS Bands. A number of concerts will be performed each year for the general public and at music festivals. This class is open to students who already play a string instrument, but with teacher permission a student who wishes to learn to play an instrument may be considered.