Instrumental Music

String Orchestra - Grades 6-8 (Prerequisite: some prior experience is required)

Orchestra is a one-year course for string players and 1 piano player in grades 6-8. It is designed to give experience in rehearsing and performing music from many genres including classical, popular, and film music. Both individual technique and ensemble skills are developed throughout the year. This group attends Southern California Orchestra Festivals, performs in school and district concerts, as well as performs throughout our community. As an active performing ensemble, student participation in all performances is required. Rental of an instrument and reasonably priced performance attire are necessary.

There is a suggested donation to cover the costs of performances, travel expenses, and competition. Scholarships and fundraisers are available. Private lessons are highly recommended in order to accel.

Please contact Mr. Fontaine with audition questions: ffontaine@losal.org.

Concert Band (Beginning) - Grades 6-8

Concert Band is a one-year instrumental course where students learn a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Students will rehearse daily, which will culminate with performances at our school and at district concerts. As part of our commitment, participation in all performances is required. No previous experience is necessary and the band is open to all students. Rental of an instrument and reasonably priced performance attire are necessary.

Outside of class, rehearsals and events are minimal but required. There is a small, suggested donation to cover the costs of performance and competition. Scholarships and fundraisers are available. Private lessons are recommended in order to excel.

Symphonic Band (Intermediate) Band - Grades 7 & 8

This training ensemble is for 7th and 8th-grade band students. This is the ideal class for those students who have performance experience or have completed Concert Band. There is no audition required and students of all levels are welcome. Rental of an instrument and reasonably priced performance attire are necessary. Outside of class, rehearsals and events are minimal but required. There is a small, suggested donation to cover the costs of performance and competition. Scholarships and fundraisers are available. Private lessons are recommended in order to excel.

Wind Symphony (Advanced Band) - Grades 7 & 8

The McAuliffe Wind Symphony is a visible and competitive performing ensemble. Admission into this advanced ensemble is based on an audition consisting of a prepared solo piece, 12 major scales, and sight-reading. This ensemble does have instrumentation limits and various sections of “popular” instruments might be filled to capacity. As an active performing ensemble, student participation in all performances is required. Rental of an instrument and reasonably priced performance attire are necessary. There is a suggested donation to cover the costs of performances, travel expenses, and competitions. Scholarships and fundraisers are available. Private lessons are highly recommended in order to accel.

Please contact Mr. Fontaine with audition questions: ffontaine@losal.org.

Jazz Band - Grades 6-8 (Prerequisite: Audition is required and will take place in April or May.)

This course is for students in grades 6-8 who are proficient on their instruments and are interested in performing jazz big band music, rock, and other popular styles of music. Students in this performing ensemble must have the technical facility and range necessary to perform in a musically rigorous and competitive environment. Jazz band members are required to participate in afternoon rehearsals once per week as well as attend additional outside rehearsals, festivals, and performances as indicated on the schedule given out at the beginning of each semester. As an active performing ensemble, student participation in all performances is required. Rental of an instrument and reasonably priced performance attire are necessary. There is a suggested donation to cover the costs of performances, travel expenses, and competition. Scholarships and fundraisers are available. Private lessons are highly recommended in order to accel.

Please contact Mr. Fontaine with audition questions: ffontaine@losal.org.