Leadership
Jan G. Dupre, Director
Beginner Band
4th Grade Beginner Band: Music Class during the school day
5th-8th Beginner Band: Day/Time TBA
At the beginning level, five basic band wind instruments will be demonstrated: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. All beginning band students will be required to play a wind instrument for the first year of study and all students will be introduced to percussion instruments. At the end of the first year of study, those students who have made significant progress on their wind instruments will have the opportunity to audition to move in to the percussion section for the next level of study in Advanced Band I. Students will have the opportunity to try-out each instrument before making their selections. Parents and students are asked to make a commitment for at least a year so students can develop basic skills, and Mrs. Dupre can make an adequate evaluation.
Class Scope:
- Teach the beginning fundamentals of playing an instrument
Introduction to Music Theory - Provides performance opportunities at two concerts – Christmas and Spring
- The Repertoire includes standard concert band music, seasonal, sacred, and pop/jazz
- Beginner Band Registration Form
Advanced Band I
Open to all students 4th grade through 8th grade with an intermediate level of proficiency on their instruments with at least one year of instrumental music instruction. Monday and Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Class Scope:
- Intermediate instruction on individual instruments
- Music Theory
- Reading Skills
- Scales and Fundamentals
- Broaden repertoire
- Provide numerous performance opportunities within the student body and community
- Introduction to Jazz
- Provide students with the training and skills necessary to enter and participate in high school music programs
Advanced Band II
Open to all students 4th grade through 8th grade with an advanced level of proficiency on their instruments with at least two years of instrumental music instruction. Adv. Band II placement based on playing level. Tuesday and Thursday, 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Class Scope:
- Advanced instruction on individual instruments
- Music Theory
- Reading Skills
- Audition preparation
- Broaden repertoire
- Provide numerous performance opportunities within the student body and community
- Provide opportunity for participation in All Parish Honor Bands and Music Festivals
- Provide opportunity for instruction in jazz band and jazz combos
- Training and teaching student instrumentalists to serve the Church and School as pastoral musicians
- Provide students with the training and skills necessary to enter and participate in high school music programs
Friday morning is used for extra practice on an as-needed basis, i.e., section rehearsals, individual instruction, make-up instruction, jazz combo/band rehearsals in the spring.
Annual Performances
- Christmas Concert & Spring Concert
These concerts are the premier performances for both the Beginner Band, Advanced Bands and Jazz Ensemble. Concerts are traditionally held in St. George Church. Printed programs are provided for the concerts and experienced student volalist are usually invited to perform with the Band at the concerts.
- School/Church Programs and Events with Band Participation:
St. George Fair
Grandparent’s Day Program
Christmas Concert for the 3rd & 4th grade
Career Day Performance for 6th, 7th, 8th grade
Spirit Day
Talent Show
Accomplishments and Honors:
- Performing at the Parish Fair, Grandparent’s Day, Spirit Day, Talent Show, Student-body performances
- Performing Christmas and Spring Band Concerts incorporating joint efforts of the Performing and Creative Arts departments
- Participating in All Parish Ensembles
- Participating in nationally recognized festivals
- Loyola University Jazz Festival, University of North Texas Jazz Festival
- Receiving outstanding soloists & musician awards at festivals
- Training and teaching student instrumentalists to serve the Church and School as pastoral musicians
- Providing students with the training and skills necessary to enter and participate in high school music programs
Parent Support:
The St. George Instrumental Music Department is supported by parent volunteers from the Performing and Creative Arts Committee. Volunteers routinely help with equipment set-up for performances, chaperones for performances, provide refreshments/supplies for concerts, assist with decorations/programs for concerts.