Lakota East Band Course Descriptions

Many of the courses listed require an audition for admission to the course. Auditions may include, but are not limited to the following: 

Instrumental  performance of selected scales, a prepared piece and sight-reading. Please read the following course descriptions carefully before making your selection.

Many colleges and universities now require the successful completion of course work in the Fine Arts for unconditional admission. Please check with your guidance counselor concerning this situation. Students enrolled in any instrumental music course may become involved in Marching Band, which is an optional eighth-period class receiving .25 academic credit and which may require equipment and/or uniform fees.

All Instrumental students will initially sign up for “Band”. After the Audition process has taken place, students will be placed into the appropriate ensemble.

This is a band open to all incoming Freshman. This entry level high school ensemble will reinforce and refine the fundamentals of playing an instrument while performing a variety of band literature. There will be occasional after school/evening rehearsals, evening concerts and involvement in both O.M.E.A. Solo & Ensemble contest and O.M.E.A. Full Band contest.

Prerequisite: Recommendation of 8th grade Director, audition and approval from instructor.

Freshman Jazz Ensemble 2 semesters / 1 credit / Fee Required

The Freshman Jazz Ensemble is a select performing group in which different styles of jazz will be performed and improvisation will be emphasized. There will be many opportunities to perform in both the school and the community.

Concert Band 2 semesters / 1 credit / Fee Required

A Band open to all instrumentalists, the class allows the fundamentals of instrument playing to be reinforced and refined. A variety of band literature will be performed at a level appropriate to the students’ abilities. There will be an occasional after school or evening rehearsals with concerts and O.M.E.A. band contests.

Prerequisite: Audition, Approval of instructor

Symphonic Band 2 semesters / 1 credit / Fee Required

This is an advanced ensemble. Repertoire includes various types of band literature: pop, transcriptions, standard band works, marches and other appropriate works from various styles and periods. There will be continued emphasis on technique and performance standards. There will be occasional after school and evening rehearsals and concerts and involvement in O.M.E.A. contests.

Prerequisite: Audition, Approval of instructor

Prerequisite: Audition, Approval of instructor

Jazz Band 2 semesters / 1 credit / Fee Required

This is a select ensemble with “big band” instrumentation. This band will perform jazz literature more advanced than that of freshman year, but not as advanced as Jazz Ensemble. The Jazz Band will explore improvisation and be required to perform some evening and weekend concerts. Members must first be enrolled in a Lakota High School concert band.

Prerequisite: Audition, Approval of instructor

Jazz Ensemble 2 semesters / 1 credit / Fee Required

This is a highly select ensemble with “big band” instrumentation. The ensemble will perform advanced jazz literature and explore soloist improvisation. Several weekend and evening performances are required. Members must be enrolled in a Lakota High School concert band.

Prerequisite: Audition, Approval of instructor

Marching Band 1 quarter / .25 credits / Fee Required

This band is open through audition to all instrumentalists and auxiliary members. Members rehearse throughout the summer, with a mandatory week of band camp, and Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. once school begins. Activities include parades, football games, band contests and other band activities. The class focuses on performance skills and concludes in early November.

The auxiliary is part of the Marching Band program. It enhances the visual program through dance and flag work. Tryouts are in the Spring.

Prerequisite: Audition, Approval of instructor