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Student playing saxophone

Instrumental Music

Through the study of instrumental music and playing in ensembles, students learn countless lifelong skills that help them develop into intelligent, creative leaders.   Students learn leadership, organization, dedication, and teamwork, and also develop an interactive awareness of what is occurring around them through ensemble playing. In Dysart, our instrumental program curriculum is designed to develop skills and understand the aesthetics of music, achieve instrumental competency, develop a proficient level of reading music, explore and perform a variety of literature, and help students understand their role within an ensemble. 

Instrumental Courses Offered In High School 

Student playing snare drum.
Colorguard student twirling flag.
VVHS students in playing instruments in marching band.

Concert Band

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

All High Schools


Students will study, rehearse, and perform a diverse range of music styles across various levels of complexity. Beginning with foundational skills, students will focus on ear training, tone production, intonation, and instrument techniques through different genres. As they progress to intermediate levels, they will deepen their understanding of music theory, terminology, and refine their technical skills. The program culminates in advanced studies, where students will engage in more sophisticated ear training and performance techniques across traditional and popular band genres. This comprehensive approach ensures students develop both their musical abilities and a rich appreciation for diverse musical forms. 


*Leveled Ensembles include:  Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

Marching Band 

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

All High Schools   


Students will learn marching techniques for the field, parades,and pep band techniques.

Color Guard  

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

All High Schools   


Students will learn basic body movement techniques, rhythmic musicianship, flag choreography, rifle choreography, and visual drill through various styles of marching band literature.

Jazz Band

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

All High Schools (May be offered as a club at some campuses) 


Students will focus on learning musical skills and techniques around various genres of jazz literature. Students will learn improvisational skills and basic jazz theory concepts.  

Orchestra

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

Shadow Ridge HS, Valley Vista HS


Students will study, rehearse, and perform various styles of orchestral music. Students will learn ear training, tone production, intonation, and instrument techniques through various genres.

AP Music Theory 

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

SRHS, VVHS 


Students will learn to recognize, understand and describe the instrumentation and processes of music heard or presented in a score. Students will master aural skills and sight-singing skills through written, creative, and analytical exercises.

Guitar 1-6, Studio Guitar

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

All High Schools


Students will learn the fundamentals of playing a stringed instrument, build a strong foundation in reading music, notation, and performance skills. Students will perform a variety of genres of guitar literature, as well as explore music throughout history and various cultures.  

Piano 1-6, Studio Guitar

Offered: 9-12th Grade   

All High Schools


Students will learn the fundamentals of playing a keyboarding instrument, build a strong foundation in reading music, notation, and performance skills. Students will perform a variety of genres of piano literature, as well as explore music throughout history and various cultures.  


Instrumental Courses Offered in K-8 and Middle School

Students playing flutes.
Students playing bucket drums.
Students playing ukuleles.

Band

Offered in 5-8th Grade

West Point, Freedom, Ashton Ranch


Orchestra is designed for students who are interested in starting a string instrument for the first time (violin, viola, cello, string bass). The primary focus for this class is on basic instrumental skill development and music reading.

Orchestra

Offered in 5-8th Grade

West Point, Freedom, Ashton Ranch


Orchestra is designed for students who are interested in starting a string instrument for the first time (violin, viola, cello, string bass). The primary focus for this class is on basic instrumental skill development and music reading.

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