Instrumental (Percussion) Ensembles I and II are open to all percussion students. Class I is for all freshman and any students who are new to band. Class II is the advanced level class. Entry to Class II requires successful completion of Class I. During the fall, both of these classes combine as part of the Marching Mustangs. For Marching Mustangs, Class I is mainly the "pit" (off the field percussion) and Class II is mainly the "battery" (on the field percussion). Members combine with the Concert and Symphonic Band classes to perform as a marching band during the fall quarter. Concert sessions entail a study of instrumentation fundamentals and techniques at individual, ensemble and full band levels. Participation in other performing groups is encouraged. An active concert schedule of 4-5 full or joint concerts or festivals (in addition to the fall marching and winter pep band schedules) is maintained. Students will study how music interrelates with the other arts. Both classes focus on all styles of music including music to be performed with the Concert Band and Symphonic Band, traditional percussion ensemble literature, and contemporary rock, jazz, and Latin. Students learn fundamental techniques on all basic percussion instruments including the keyboards, learn basic harmony and theory concepts, and learn some of the history of the instruments.
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