Instrumental Band Director
Band - Grade 5
Grade 5 band is made of students beginning instrumental studies. It will focus on proper tone production, reading music notation, pitch recognition, posture, ensemble awareness, and instrument care. Students will be scheduled for individual and/or small sectional rehearsals and full ensemble rehearsals. Participation in the program is not mandatory but is highly recommended to students who have shown ability playing the recorder in the instrumental awareness class in grade 4.
Band - Grade 6
Grade 6 band is designed to continue individual growth of student instrumentalists through selected band music for fall and spring performances. Emphasis is placed on individual development as a musician, through lessons and sectional rehearsals. All band rehearsals and lessons will take place during the band/chorus period. New instrumental students are encouraged to participate.
Band - Grade 7 & 8
The middle school band program is designed to further develop skills of instrumentalists preparing them for a future in the senior high bands. School emphasis is placed on the development of the individual's skill level through music for fall and spring performances. Instrumental lessons are included as part of this course are scheduled during the school day. All grade 7 students who have played band in grade 6 are strongly encouraged to participate.
TAHS Senior High Concert Band Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
The TAHS concert band concentrates on the intensified study and performance of standard band repertoire that represents various composers, genres and historical periods. The focus of the student's learning experience is on the continued development and application of instrumental musicianship. Participation in all public performances is required, as is regular lesson attendance. Participation in the high school marching band is highly recommended but not required as part of concert band. Students opting our of marching band should obtain the director's approval prior to scheduling concert band. Members of this groups who are enrolled in grades 10, 11 and 12, are eligible for the Pennsylvania Music Educator's District, Region, All-State and All-Eastern bands. Prerequisite: Teacher signature is required.
- In-School Instrumental Lessons are a required element of Concert Band
- Students taking both chorus and band will receive a total of one credit
TAHS Jazz Band Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
The jazz band is composed of musicians who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, guitar and percussion instruments. Music is selected from various styles of jazz including swing, Latin, pop, rock, fund and ballads. A brief overview of jazz history and appreciation, ear-training and interpretation/improvisational skills will be presented throughout the year. Many performances are held through the school year and are mandatory (approximately 15). Members of this group who are enrolled in grades 10, 11 and 12, are eligible to audition for the Pennsylvania Music Educator's District, Region, All-State and All-Eastern jazz bands. This is an auditioned group and auditions are held in the spring.
- In-School Instrumental Lessons are a required element of Jazz Ensemble.