Symphonic Band

The JAMS Symphonic Band offers instruction in beginning ensemble technique as well as individual musicianship skills. Emphasis is placed on fundamental techniques in woodwind, brass, and percussion performance practice. The Symphonic Band performs at the annual JAMS Holiday and Spring Concerts.
Prerequisites:

• One year previous instrument instruction (or discretion of director)
• Proficiency of the following major scales: C, F, B-flat, E-flat, G, D, A
• A 3-minute solo demonstrating technique and musicianship
• Sight-reading will be provided
• Grade level: 6 - 8

Concert Band

The JAMS Concert Band emphasis is placed on intermediate ensemble techniques as well as individual musicianship skills. Students are strongly encouraged to provide their own instruments, since school instruments are limited and generally reserved for beginning students. Performances include the annual Holiday and Spring Concerts as well as the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Festival.
Prerequisites:

• One year previous band/ensemble experience (or discretion of director)
• Proficiency of the following major scales: C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat, G, D, A, E, B
• A 3-minute solo demonstrating technique and musicianship
• Sight-reading will be provided
• Private lessons highly recommended
• Grade level: 6 - 8

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble offers instruction in advanced ensemble technique as well as individual musicianship skills. Students are strongly encouraged to provide their own instruments, since school instruments are limited and reserved for the beginning students. This group focuses on the performance of traditional band literature as well as the practice of music theory and music history. Performances include the annual Holiday and Spring Concerts, the all-district performance Stairway of the Stars, and the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Festival.
Prerequisites:

• At least two years previous band/ensemble experience (or discretion of director)
• Proficiency of the following major scales: C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat, G-flat, C-flat, G, D, A, E, B, F-sharp, C-sharp, chromatic
• A 3-minute solo demonstrating technique and musicianship
• Sight-reading will be provided
• Private lessons highly recommended
• Grade level: 6 - 8

JAMS Jazz Band

The JAMS Jazz Band is one of the most visible performance ensembles at JAMS. Under the direction of Russ Mullen, the ensemble performs at various functions and venues throughout Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area.

Although not an official class, the members of the JAMS Jazz Band rehearse on a weekly basis before and after school. Music repertoire includes standard jazz, latin jazz, rock, swing, and big band literature.
Prerequisites:

• Current enrollment in Concert Band or Wind Ensemble and discretion of directors.
• Participation by audition.