Class Descriptions / Ensembles

CONCERT BAND - 1st period

The Concert Band is open to all students who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments and who want to continue to improve their skills an expand their knowledge of music.  This is the class in which all incoming 9th grade musicians should enroll in for their first semester.  A year in Concert Band satisfies the Fine Arts graduation requirement, but students often take this class or Wind Ensemble every year they are in high school.  It is highly recommended that students in the Concert Band also participate in the marching band – the Triton Marching Alliance – as part of a complete musical experience during fall activities.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA - 3rd period

This class is open to all string players that wish to take orchestra.  This group performs combined with the Chamber Orchestra class, and is generally made up of students that have 2 years or less high school level playing experience.  Class activities focus on fundamental technique and general musicianship concepts.  This class is excellent for students switching to a new string instrument, and those students that are new to San Clemente HS.

WIND ENSEMBLE - 4th period

The Wind Ensemble is a class for the most advanced wind and percussion students in the program as determined through testing.  Students who enroll in Wind Ensemble for the first semester must have the director's permission.  The Wind Ensemble performs advanced high school and college level music.  

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA - 5th period

The Chamber Orchestra is an advanced class determined through testing.  Students are required to play from a testing packet, which is available in May.  The packet includes scales in multiple octaves, a prepared piece demonstrating tone, vibrato, shifting, and bowing technique.  Students also demonstrate sight-reading during testing. 

JAZZ BAND - 7th period (winter/spring)
Jazz Ensemble begins at the conclusion of the marching season.  Auditions for the 7th period class are in mid November.  During the spring concert season, the Jazz Ensemble participates in festivals, and concerts.  Membership is generally limited to the percussion section, saxophones, brass, and piano.

PIT ORCHESTRA - 7th period (winter/spring)

Every spring the Fine and Performing Arts department of presents a major musical theatrical production.  Past shows have included The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, and Oklahoma. The Pit Orchestra performs the musical accompaniment for the performers on stage as they sing and dance.  Usually only 15 to 20 members, the orchestra may require auditions for sections which have several interested students.  The Pit Orchestra rehearsal schedule requires attendance at several after school rehearsal, at technical and dress rehearsals, and all performances.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES - 7th period (winter/spring)

Any musician enrolled in any of the performing ensembles may participate in the Percussion Ensemble The members of this ensemble rehearse and perform advanced level percussion repertoire.  Because more instruction concerning advanced concert percussion techniques can be taught in this Ensemble than in the concert ensemble classes, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Concert Band percussionists are strongly encouraged to participate.

PAGEANTRY - 7th period

The Pageantry Ensemble brings music to life through performance in a competitive format.  Commonly referred to as the color guard, the Pageantry ensemble presents a visual art form which incorporates spinning flags, rifles, sabers, and other various pieces of equipment, while performing to varied range music. Dance is also featured and integrated into the routines.  Students participate and compete in state, regional, and international events, through the Southern California School and Band Association (SCSBOA), Winter Guard Association on Southern California (WGASC); Winter Guard International (WGI); and Bands of America (BOA). Each semester a new artistic program is conceived and developed, allowing students the opportunity to enter a world of performance and entertainment; a place where pageantry involves an array of equipment, movement, and skill. The Pageantry ensemble is truly the “Sport of the Arts.”

TRITON MARCHING ALLIANCE / BAND PE - 7th period (fall)

The Triton Marching Alliance, the Marching Band and Pageantry, is a competitive varsity level team.  The band performs at all home football games and numerous field show competitions throughout Southern California during the fall marching season.  In addition, the Band has performed at a number of other places including Walt Disney World in Florida, Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, the parliament building in British Columbia, and on the steps of the state capital building in Sacramento.  The Triton Marching Alliance is a unique musical ensemble because it combines the elements of musical performance and dance expression (Pageantry) with a competitive and physical activity.  Due to the large number of students involved and the time spent performing for large crowds at football games and competitions, students in the marching band enjoy unique opportunities that are not available in the other instrumental music classes.

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