Monte Vista High School offers the following Instrumental Music classes as part
of its academic curriculum under the direction of Ed Cloyd & Sara Dasovich

Events and expenses are funded by Keynoters through parent donations
and fundraising

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Symphonic Band
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-depth
study of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and connections to other disciplines.

Anticipated annual events for this class:
- Winter Concert
- Large Ensemble Festival*
- Spring Concert
- Graduation Ceremony Performance

*Offsite event; expenses covered by requested annual donation.
 

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Wind Ensemble
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.

Anticipated annual events for this class:
- Winter Concert
- Large Ensemble Festival*
- Area Band Festival
- Music in the Parks*
- Spring Concert
- Graduation Ceremony Performance

*Offsite event; expenses covered by requested annual donation.

 

Orchestra
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.

Anticipated annual events for this class:
- Winter Concert

- San Francisco Symphony trip*
- Music in the Parks completion*
- Spring Concert

*Offsite event; expenses covered by requested annual donation.

 

Jazz Band (B)
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.

​Anticipated annual events for this class:
- Winter Concert
- Folsom Jazz Festival*
- Woodcreek Jazz Festival*
- Spring Concert
- Jazz Showcase Concert*

*Offsite event; expenses covered by requested annual donation.

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Jazz Ensemble (A)
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.

Anticipated annual events for this class
- Lincoln Field Show Competition*
- Winter Concert
- Folsom Jazz Festival*
- Woodcreek Jazz Festival*
- Reno Jazz Festival (overnight trip, fee required)
- Spring Concert
- Jazz Showcase Concert*

*Offsite event; expenses covered by requested annual donation.

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