Symphonic Band is designed to foster performance confidence, aesthetic perception, creative expression, responsible citizenship, and an awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of music through the performance of concert band literature. Symphonic Band is a high school level advanced band. It is structured to accommodate the advanced musicians at the highest level. Students must practice their instruments regularly to perform at their highest ability level.

As a music performance organization, student participation in all rehearsals and performances scheduled inside or outside of the school day is required. The Symphonic Band is an elite band and has an extensive performance schedule. Symphonic Band performances include formal concerts, community concerts, membership and participation in Pep Band, and adjudicated music festivals.

Additionally, Symphonic Band musicians are invited to audition for all-state honor ensembles and the musical pit orchestra. All activities outside of the daily class period will be scheduled and posted well in advance of the event.

Students are evaluated on participation, citizenship, rehearsal behavior, and testing and performance of the assigned exercises and music on their instrument as well as their contribution to the total ensemble. Students may also be evaluated via tests and quizzes on the objectives below. For further details students should refer to the Carlmont Instrumental Music Handbook.

Course Objectives

The student will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how sound is generated and modified
2. Demonstrate an understanding of musical terminology
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music in the areas of music theory, style, dynamics, articulation, rhythm, and form
4. Demonstrate an understanding of proper tone production on wind and percussion instruments
5. Listen to and respond to music accurately and intellectually
6. Communicate musical ideas effectively through the use of standard music notation
7. Demonstrate sight-singing and ear training techniques
8. Identify some of the expressive elements in the music of different cultures and ethnic groups
9. Describe some of the social and historical situations which influence the composition, style, and performance of music
10. Demonstrate an awareness of the various facets of the music profession
11. Regularly apply appropriate practice technique
12. Perform appropriate levels of written music
13. Perform chromatic and two octave major scales in all major keys