Bands of Carolina & Strings of Carolina

ENSEMBLE DESCRIPTIONS
Our classes meet Thursdays during the traditional school year.
Students receive 14 weeks of instruction each semester + 2 Concerts per year.

(Jr. & Sr. Jazz Bands meet 7 weeks per semester + a Spring Concert)

BAND

Beginning Band: (Minimum age 10 years old)

  • Pre-requisite for Beginning Band: General Music w/Recorder, previous private lessons in piano, or previous private lessons on the intended band instrument.
  • For students interested in learning a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in a group setting.
  • Students will learn how to assemble their instrument, make a characteristic sound, learn basic musical concepts necessary to play with others in a group, 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 in order to be considered for this instrument in band. Directors will assess their ability to keep a steady tempo, basic note reading abilities, and test coordination and listening skills. (Drum Set is not used in Beginning Band. Students begin on the foundational instruments: bells and snare drum.)
  • Band students will need to provide their own instruments and a method book (Essential Elements Book 1).

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

Intermediate Band:

  • For students who have played at least one year on their instrument and demonstrate a basic playing and note reading proficiency. This class will continue to work on skills necessary to play in upper level bands while reinforcing fundamentals. Students may participate in this group for more than one year based on their readiness to advance.
  • Basic playing assessment in August. This will consist of a solo from their Essential Elements Book 1, Concert Bb scale + arpeggio, and basic note reading assessment for their instrument.
  • Essential Elements Book 1 will be continued in the Fall and Book 2 may be acquired in the Spring.

Concert Band:

  • For 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, and know their fingerings.
  • Students are required to audition in AUGUST for possible placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, 7 scales, and sightreading. Admittance into this ensemble is determined by the instructors.

Symphonic Band:

  • For the highly motivated band student (grades 8 – 12) that performs at an advanced level.
  • Additional performance opportunities may exist beyond Symphonic Band and the PMA calendar.
  • Students are required to audition in AUGUST for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sightreading. Admittance into this ensemble is determined by the instructors.

Jr. Jazz Band:

  • This ensemble meets 7 weeks per semester and presents one joint concert in Spring semester with the Sr. Jazz Band.
  • Designed for the motivated Concert Band student or experienced younger rhythm player.
  • The class focuses on foundational jazz techniques for playing swing and the blues, basic improvisation, and ensemble performance for the style.
  • The goal is to emphasize musical growth, build confidence, and nurture creativity in a fun environment.
  • Instrumentation consists of Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, Keyboard, Bass, Guitar, and Drum set.
  • Wind players are required to add the jazz audition solo to the Concert Band audition requirements in August. Material will be available mid-May.
  • Rhythm players will be required to complete a short audition in August as well. Material will be available mid-May.

Sr. Jazz Band:

  • This ensemble meets 7 weeks per semester and presents one joint concert in the Spring semester with the Jr. Jazz Band.
  • For the highly motivated homeschool band student (grades 8 – 12) that performs at an advanced level.
  • Instrumentation consists of Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, Keyboard, Bass, Guitar, and Drum set.
  • Students are required to audition in AUGUST for placement into this ensemble. Audition requirements TBA in mid-May.


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

STRINGS

Private String Lessons:

Violin and Viola minimum age: 3 years old
Cello minimum age: 5 years old

NEW EARLY STRINGS LESSON OPTIONS

11 private lessons and 3 group lessons each semester
-or-
11 private lessons each semester

  • Group lessons will consist of like instruments and meeting times are listed on the Class Schedule. All lessons and classes will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
  • Early String Lessons are private instruction that focus on helping build a firm foundation in technique and understanding of your instrument. Instructors will help students learn the basics of their instrument and promote their growth in an encouraging environment.
  • Students should attend the Instrument Petting Zoo for a string fitting in May, July, or August. This is a time for your child to try out various string instruments and be sized correctly. Under the guidance of instructors, every effort is made to ensure your child’s success. If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting.
  • STUDENTS MUST REGISTER AND ATTEND GROUP CLASSES IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FULL SOC CONCERT.

Private String Lessons

  • Private String Lessons consist of 11 private lessons each semester. Regularly scheduled private lessons will be arranged between the instructor and the parent. All lessons will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
  • Designed for students with Intermediate to Advanced levels of musical training on a string instrument.
  • Private String Lessons are private instruction that continue annually for students. Instructors are able to go into greater detail with technique, help build confidence, and sharpen skills.
  • All Private String students will have the chance to perform in an end of semester recital.

Intermediate Strings:

  • For the string student that is able to read music. Students will gain more experience playing with others.
  • This ensemble will have a mixture of violin, viola, cello, and bass.
  • Instructors highly recommend students continue private instruction outside of this class to support the musical growth of the player – either with an outside instructor or with PMA instructors if space is available.
  • The pace is more moderate than that of Chamber Strings.
  • Students are required to audition in AUGUST for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sightreading.

Chamber Strings:

  • For the highly motivated string student (grades 8 – 12) that performs at a more advanced level.
  • Students are required to continue private instruction outside of this class to support the musical growth of the player – either with an outside instructor or with a PMA instructor if space is available.
  • Students are required to audition in AUGUST for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sightreading.

Home school students from grades 6th – 12th that are S.C. residents will have the opportunity to audition for SCMEA Region and All-State Orchestra.