Ensembles
The instrumental music program offers 5 different classes that cater towards every ability level. Classes are structured with two levels of traditional band instruments, two levels of traditional orchestral instruments, and one extremely high level Symphonic Orchestra which combines the best of both band and orchestra together. Throughout the year, each and every orchestra performs in various concerts, and the advanced ensembles perform in school assemblies, as well as in annual GUSD Instrumental Music Festival. Each and every student contributes to the final outcome and is an important part of the program. Below are brief descriptions of each ensemble.
Jr. Orchestra
Includes: Strings
This is an introductory class for beginning-some experience students. Throughout the year, students learn to develop music reading skills, including rhythm, technique, and an introduction to musicality. Students will learn the parts of their instruments and how to handle them, as well as the basic fundamentals needed in order to progress. After completion of a year in this class, students can move on to Advanced Orchestra, unless directed otherwise by Mrs. Svetich.
Advanced Orchestra
Includes: Strings
This is a class for intermediate students who have either completed Jr. Orchestra, or who have auditioned and are placed in this class (2-3 years of experience). This ensemble further expands the knowledge of students, cementing their vibrato, and introducing them to shifting. Harder repertoire also calls for more practicing, and dedication to the program. Students in this class perform in most school assemblies as well as in Concerts and Festivals.
Includes: Strings
This is an introductory class for beginning-some experience students. Throughout the year, students learn to develop music reading skills, including rhythm, technique, and an introduction to musicality. Students will learn the parts of their instruments and how to handle them, as well as the basic fundamentals needed in order to progress. After completion of a year in this class, students can move on to Advanced Orchestra, unless directed otherwise by Mrs. Svetich.
Advanced Orchestra
Includes: Strings
This is a class for intermediate students who have either completed Jr. Orchestra, or who have auditioned and are placed in this class (2-3 years of experience). This ensemble further expands the knowledge of students, cementing their vibrato, and introducing them to shifting. Harder repertoire also calls for more practicing, and dedication to the program. Students in this class perform in most school assemblies as well as in Concerts and Festivals.
Concert Band
Includes: Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
Our Concert Band (beginning-some experience) teach students music literacy, artistic expression and how to gain proficiency in woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Basic theory, tone, and rhythm are taught in this class. The primary fundamentals are also instructed and cemented.
Wind Ensemble
Includes: Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
This ensemble is for students who have either completed a year of Concert Band or are more intermediate in their instruments. In this class, students learn various more intermediate skills, such as listening across the band, blending in order to produce the right sound, and balance, which is an essential part of any group. These young musicians are taught to learn and appreciate the various types and styles of music, including pieces that contain both classical and jazz. Expanding on range and improving their tone is also a big part of this ensemble.
Symphonic Orchestra
Includes: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
Our Symphonic Orchestra combines all of the instruments together into a traditional symphony and challenges the students greatly with advanced repertoire, numerous performance opportunities and competitions. Students are taught to hear across the orchestra, in order to accomplish the balance and blend needed in an orchestra. In addition to this, they are exposed to addtional Music Theory, which includes the learning of all the Major and Minor Scales, the different types of intervals, and ear training.
Includes: Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
Our Concert Band (beginning-some experience) teach students music literacy, artistic expression and how to gain proficiency in woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Basic theory, tone, and rhythm are taught in this class. The primary fundamentals are also instructed and cemented.
Wind Ensemble
Includes: Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
This ensemble is for students who have either completed a year of Concert Band or are more intermediate in their instruments. In this class, students learn various more intermediate skills, such as listening across the band, blending in order to produce the right sound, and balance, which is an essential part of any group. These young musicians are taught to learn and appreciate the various types and styles of music, including pieces that contain both classical and jazz. Expanding on range and improving their tone is also a big part of this ensemble.
Symphonic Orchestra
Includes: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
Our Symphonic Orchestra combines all of the instruments together into a traditional symphony and challenges the students greatly with advanced repertoire, numerous performance opportunities and competitions. Students are taught to hear across the orchestra, in order to accomplish the balance and blend needed in an orchestra. In addition to this, they are exposed to addtional Music Theory, which includes the learning of all the Major and Minor Scales, the different types of intervals, and ear training.
If interested in taking an instrumental music class at Wilson register for Concert Band or Junior Orchestra. If you are coming to Wilson with playing experience and you would like to try out for an advanced ensemble please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Svetich for an audition.
Above is a performance by Wilson's Symphonic Orchestra at the Disneyland Judges Invitation Competition 2015. Enjoy this Sleeping Beauty piece arranged by Merle J. Isaac.
Performances
The instrumental program has about 4 concerts a year. Students participate in two themed Concerts of "Halloween" and "Holiday," one classical themed Concert, "Festival," and the final show of the year "Pops." Students are allowed input on current/popular songs/movie music they would like to perform for the final concert of the year. In addition to the 4 main concerts the advanced classes perform at school assemblies and Southern California Music in the Parks or Forum Festivals/Competitions. Students of the advanced classes showcase their talents early in the morning by performing for professional music judges then get to enjoy a well deserved day at a theme park. Past scores have consistently earned the program "Superiors" and "Excellents" and many 1st place trophies.
Practice is Important!!!
Practice is an essential part in the development of musical knowledge in a student. Each school class is a rehearsal, meaning that students are to practice at home in order to perfect the part assigned to them and be ready to put it all together in order to create beautiful music the following day. Below is the required amount of practice minutes for each member of an ensemble/orchestra. Practice Records are due Every Friday, signed by a parent or guardian, and are worth 20% of the student's grade.
Jr. Orchestra |
Concert Band |
AT LEAST 50 Minutes/Week |
AT LEAST 50 Minutes/Week |
Advanced Orchestra |
Wind Ensemble |
Symphonic Orchestra |
AT LEAST 90 Minutes/Week |
AT LEAST 90 Minutes/Week |
AT LEAST 180 Minutes/Week |