Beginning Brass
Beginning Brass is a class comprised of trumpet and trombone players. These sixth grade beginning band students meet daily, working to master fundamental brass technique as well as basic music reading skills. Students in the beginning brass class perform twice each year with the beginning woodwind students, once in December and once in May. In the spring, students may be invited to audition for a position in the percussion section. At the end of their first year, beginning brass students will be asked to exhibit their mastery of beginning scales, rhythms, and music terminology in the form of a cumulative written exam and/or playing test.
Beginning Woodwind
Beginning Woodwind is a class comprised of flute and clarinet players. These sixth grade beginning band students meet daily, working to master fundamental woodwind technique as well as basic music reading skills. Students in the beginning woodwind class perform twice each year with the beginning brass students, once in December and once in May. In late October clarinet players at the top of the woodwind class may be invited to audition for alto saxophone. Some woodwind students may also be invited to audition for a position in the percussion section. At the end of their first year, beginning woodwind students will be asked to exhibit their mastery of beginning scales, rhythms, and music terminology in the form of a cumulative written exam and/or playing test.
7th Grade Band
7th Grade Band is divided into 2 separate classes with a similar make-up of woodwind, brass, and percussion players in each class. Student meet daily and perform twice each year as a single ensemble, once in December and once in May. In the fall, brass students at the top of the class may be invited to audition for horn, baritone, or tuba. In the spring, clarinet players at the top of their section may invited to audition for bass clarinet. At the close of their seventh grade year, musicians in the 7th Grade Band will be asked to demonstrate their mastery of seventh grade scales, rhythms, and music terminology in the form of a cumulative written exam and/or playing test.
8th Grade Band
8th Grade Band meets daily and has 2 traditional performances in December and May. Additionally, the 8th Grade Band performs with the Sun Valley High School Marching Band in late October at the last home football game of the season. This performance is an opportunity for students to see the musical opportunities that await them in high school band. This band typically performs in March at the South Central District Band Festival at Wingate University. At the close of their eighth grade year, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of eighth grade scales, rhythms, and music terminology in the form of a cumulative written exam and/or playing test.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble that meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30 - 8:20 am. Auditions take place in the late Fall and rehearsals usually begin shortly after Winter Break. Instrumentation is limited to: Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Piano, Guitar/Bass, and Drum-set/Auxiliary. The SVMS Jazz Band has many performances throughout the school-year, including a formal concert for parents in May.
Pep Band
Pep Band is an optional performing ensemble comprised of 8th graders. This group performs for special events and Pep Rallies during the school-day.