Beginning Band is open to sixth grade. This class is a single semester and will require the rental or purchase of an individual instrument. This process is facilitated by the band director at Mount de Sales. Instruments include flute, clarinet, trumpet, alto saxophone, horn, baritone, trombone, tuba and percussion. 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 a band instrument. The semester will culminate with a single performance.

Concert Band is open to any Upper School student who has successfully completed the Beginning Band course 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 the rental or purchase of an individual instrument (except percussion). This performance-based class will continue to build upon the technical studies and musical competencies learned though the beginning 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 band meets after the regular school day twice weekly to prepare music for pep rallies, football, and other special occasions throughout the school year. This group is open to any student with at least two full years of music instruction, including at least one semester on his/her chosen instrument, who is willing to audition for the band director. Performances include all home football games and most away games.

This class gives students the opportunity to explore playing the piano while learn the rudiments of reading piano music. This is a semester class which follows the Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course which works well for introducing older students to beginning piano. The class performs a small recital for family members at the conclusion of the course.