BANDS OF CAROLINA

Beginning, Intermediate, and Concert Bands rehearse for 1 hr 15 minutes each week.

Symphonic Band rehearses for 1 hr 30 minutes each week.

Jazz Band rehearses for 1hr 30 minutes (7 weeks per semester).

Minimum age 9 years old
A primary ensemble for students with little or no musical training on a woodwind or brass instrument.
Students will learn how to assemble their instrument, how to make a characteristic sound, basic musical concepts, and participate in a live performance twice a year.
Interested students should attend the Instrument Petting Zoo in either MAY, JULY, or AUGUST to acquire assistance with choosing an instrument.
PERCUSSION: Students that desire to play percussion are required to attend an Instrument Petting Zoo day so directors can assess their ability to keep a steady tempo and to test their basic note reading ability in the Treble Clef.

All new students to PMA will need to be assessed by the instructor for entry into the appropriate ensemble.

SYMPHONIC BAND

(8 – 12th grade)

For the highly motivated homeschool band student that performs at an advanced level.
Additional performance opportunities may exist beyond the PMA calendar.
Students are required to audition the first week in August for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sightreading.

Students from grades 6th – 12th that are S.C. residents will have the opportunity to audition for SCBDA Region and All-State Bands.

INTERMEDIATE BAND

For homeschool students who have played at least one year on their instrument and demonstrate a basic playing and note reading proficiency. This class will work on skills necessary to play in upper level bands while continuing to learn and reinforce fundamentals. Students may participate in this group for more than one year based on their ability.
Basic playing assessment in the first week of August. This will consist of a prepared solo, Concert Bb scale, and a basic note reading assessment for their instrument.

For the homeschool band student with more playing experience. (The pace is faster than that of Intermediate Band.)
Students are expected to already be able to read musical notation and rhythms at this level.
Students are required to audition the first week of August for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, sightreading, and basic note & rhythm reading assessment for their instrument.

SENIOR JAZZ BAND (8 – 12th grade)

A supplemental ensemble for the advanced student that wants to play jazz through a variety of different styles – blues, ballads, swing, and more.
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Piano.
This ensemble meets approximately 7 weeks each semester. It is imperative that students prepare music outside of rehearsal days.
A Jazz Ensemble Concert will take place at the end of the Spring Semester. (No formal Fall concert.)
An audition is required for placement into this ensemble the first week in August. Requirements TBA.