Beginning Band is taught to any sixth through eighth graders who have no experience playing an instrument. The course requires the rental or purchase of an individual instrument, which is facilitated by the band director. Instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and percussion. As students progress, other instruments will be available to them. This performance-based class will focus on technique, tone, tuning, and will build a foundation for students’ understanding of music and how to express themselves through playing an instrument. Students will demonstrate these concepts in two concerts, one at the end of each semester.

Intermediate Band is open to seventh and eighth graders who have completed Beginning Band, or to any sixth grader with prior approval. This class is a year-long class. Intermediate Band will require the continued rental or purchase of an individual instrument for their instrument. This performance-based class will continue building focus on technique, tone, tuning, and will build a foundation for students’ understanding of music and how to express themselves through playing an instrument. The students will perform two or three concert performances by the end of the year.

Advanced Band is open to seventh and eighth graders who have completed Beginning Band and/or Intermediate Band. Beginning Band students who show great progress and hard work on their instruments will be recommended for this class. This class is a year-long class. Advanced Band will require the continued rental or purchase of an individual instrument for their instrument. This performance-based class will continue building focus on technique, tone, tuning, and will build a foundation for students’ understanding of music and how to express themselves through playing an instrument. The students will perform three or four concert performances by the end of the year.

Symphonic Band is open to any Upper School student who has successfully completed at least two years of a band class or who can show music competencies equal to, or above, those who have completed that curriculum. This class is a semester course and will require continuing the rental or purchase of an individual instrument (except percussion) from the Middle School band classes. This performance-based class will continue to build upon the technical studies and musical competencies learned through the band curriculum and will have more frequent performance opportunities. Students may be asked to perform solo or with another performing group for a concert or Mass. Students will also have the opportunity to travel and perform in a variety of community settings with the goal of increasing connections with the Macon community.

The Marching Cavaliers are a fall sport that meet after the regular school day twice weekly to prepare the music for halftime of football games, pep rallies, parades, competitions, and other special occasions throughout the school year. This group is open to any 8th-12th grade student with at least one full year of a band class for wind players, and approval by staff for drumline and color guard. There are no auditions for the Marching Cavaliers, however, students wanting to be a part of the drumline and Color Guard will need to attend spring training camps in April. Information about the Marching Cavaliers will be available starting in late February.