Monte Vista High School offers the following Instrumental Music classes as part of its academic curriculum under the direction of Ed Cloyd & Sara Dasovich. Monte Vista Instrumental Music programs are supported by Monte Vista Keynoters, a non-profit 501(c) 3 parent booster group.

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Symphonic Band Grades: 9-12
The focus of this class is a continuation of intermediate/advanced instrumental techniques using a wide spectrum of intermediate/advanced wind band literature. This class includes a more in-depthstudy of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and connections to other disciplines.

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Wind Ensemble Grades: 9-12
Requires audition* or consent of instructor and previous music experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument or students developing a second instrument. The focus of this class is a continuation of advanced instrumental techniques using a wide spectrum of advanced wind ensemble literature. This class includes an advanced study of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and connections to other disciplines.

Orchestra Grades: 9-12
Open to all students with previous string experience. The focus of this class is to develop instrumental techniques, using a wide spectrum of string band literature. The class includes elements of music theory, historical and cultural context, and connections to other disciplines. A variety of orchestra literature will be covered.

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Chamber Orchestra (NEW Class from 2025-2026!) Grades: 10-12
Requires audition* or consent of instructor

The focus of this class is an introduction and continuation of advanced string instrumental techniques using a wide spectrum of orchestra literature. This class will include an advanced study of musical elements, historical and cultural context and connections to other disciplines. Participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory.

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PERCUSSION (CONCERT BAND) Grades: 9-12

The focus of this class is on auxiliary percussion. This class will include a more in-depth concentration on the different percussion instruments and incorporate skills, techniques and musical elements.

Jazz Band (B) Grades: 9-12
An intermediate jazz course that requires successful completion of audition* process. Students must have prior experience on a traditional jazz instrument: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, electric guitar or drum set. The class includes elements of jazz theory, historical and cultural context, and connections to other disciplines. Introduction and enhancement of improvisation skills and techniques will be covered.
 

Jazz Ensemble (A) Grades: 9-12
Requires successful completion of audition* process.  Class is considered an advanced jazz course and includes advanced elements of jazz theory, historical and cultural context, and connections to other disciplines. Advanced improvisation skills and techniques will be utilized.
 

Marching Band & Color Guard (Fall Semester) Grades: 9-12

All musicians welcome. Auxiliary by audition.

The focus of the class is to develop instrumental techniques, using a wide spectrum of marching band literature. The class will include elements of movement and performance skills. This group will represent the school at school, community and regional events.
Note: Marching Band/Color Guard is a Fall Semester course worth 5 credits. Students earn one semester of Fine Arts credit in 9th grade and can choose Fine Arts or PE credit in 10-12th grade. Find out more about Marching Band and Color Guard HERE
 

*Auditions are scheduled in mid-April. Please contact with your Middle School Music teacher for detail or contact our directors!

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Questions?
Ed Cloyd (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Bands, Concert Band, Marching Band) ecloyd@srvusd.net
Sara Dasovich (Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra) sdasovich@srvusd.net
Cathy Oshima (General inquiry) president@mvkeynoters.org