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).

Director: Mrs. Maxwell
Minimum age 9 years old
A primary ensemble for students with little or no musical training on a woodwind or brass instrument.
Students interested in playing percussion will benefit from prior piano lessons. Percussion requires the student to read both musical notation and rhythms.
Students will learn the basics of producing a sound, learning to read musical notation and rhythms, and how to play together as a group.
Private lessons and Music Theory are not required but are encouraged.
Students should attend an Instrument Petting Zoo on August 10th. This is a time for your child to see, hear, and try various traditional band instruments. Under the guidance of our instructors, every effort is made to help choose an instrument that will support their musical development.

SYMPHONIC BAND

(8 – 12th grade)

Director: Mr. White
A primary ensemble for the highly motivated homeschool band student that performs at an advanced level.
Students are expected to practice at least 4 – 5 days a week outside of Thursday rehearsals.
Additional performance opportunities will be available outside of the core ensemble for those interested.
An audition is required for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sight reading.

INTERMEDIATE BAND

Director: Mrs. Maxwell
A primary ensemble for homeschool band students that have played at least one year on their instrument either in an ensemble or in private lessons, and demonstrate a basic playing 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.
No audition is necessary. New students to PMA will need to be assessed by the instructor for entry into this ensemble.

Director: Mrs. Maxwell
A primary ensemble for homeschool band students 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 should practice at least 3 – 4 days a week outside of Thursday rehearsals.
Additional performance opportunities will be available outside of the core ensemble for those interested.
An audition is required for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sight reading.

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 7 weeks each semester. It is imperative that students prepare music outside of rehearsal days.
An audition is required for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo and sight reading.