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.

(Senior Jazz Band meets 7 weeks per semester.)

BAND

Beginning Band: (Minimum age 9 years old)

  • To participate in Beginning Band, students must be at least 9 years old.
  • For homeschool 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.

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 on August 6th. This will consist of a prepared solo, Concert Bb scale, and a basic note reading assessment for their instrument.

Concert Band:

  • 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 on AUGUST 7th for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, sightreading, and basic note & rhythm reading assessment for their instrument.

Symphonic Band:

  • For the highly motivated homeschool band student (grades 8 – 12) that performs at an advanced level.
  • Additional performance opportunities may exist beyond the PMA calendar.
  • Students are required to audition on AUGUST 7th for placement into this ensemble. The audition will consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sightreading.

Senior Jazz Band:

  • This ensemble meets 7 weeks per semester and present one independent concert in May of the Spring semester.
  • 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 on AUGUST 7th for placement into this ensemble. Audition requirements TBA.

 

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

STRINGS

Private String Lessons:

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

Bass minimum age: 7 years old

Early Strings Private Lessons

  • Early String Lessons consist of 10 private lessons and 4 group 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 on Thursdays.
  • 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.
  • All Early String students will have the chance to perform in an end of semester Recital and Group Concert.

Private String Lessons

  • Private String Lessons consist of 10 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 on Thursdays.
  • Designed for students with Intermediate to Advanced levels of musical training on a string instrument.
  • Private String Lessons are private instruction that continues 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 on AUGUST 7th 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 on AUGUST 7th 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 SCMEA Region and All-State Orchestra.