Middle School

In the sixth grade students choose a musical focus--vocal or instrumental. Students who choose band focus on learning to play a concert band instrument: flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, or percussion. Students who accept this challenge work hard both inside and outside of class and perform at the Christmas concert and at the end-of-year program. It is exciting to see the progression for these students as they reap the rewards of their labor.

In the seventh and eighth grades music becomes an elective. Students may participate in both band and choir if they so choose. In band, students take the individual musicianship developed in sixth grade and work toward becoming an ensemble. This band attends the ACSI festival and participates in the Carowinds Festival of Music. Starting in seventh grade students who excel on their instrument are encouraged to audition for the Western North Carolina Bandmaster’s All-District Band.

Upper School

The Upper School band is an elective group of about 30 students who meet for band as a period in their schedule. This band focuses on tone, tuning, ensemble playing and being part of the community. In addition to school performances, this ensemble participates in several festivals and usually takes one trip each year.