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Instrumental Music
Through the study of instrumental music and playing in ensembles, students learn countless lifelong skills that help them develop into intelligent, creative leaders. Students learn leadership, organization, dedication, and teamwork, and also develop an interactive awareness of what is occurring around them through ensemble playing. In Dysart, our instrumental program curriculum is designed to develop skills and understand the aesthetics of music, achieve instrumental competency, develop a proficient level of reading music, explore and perform a variety of literature, and help students understand their role within an ensemble.
Instrumental Courses Offered In High School
Concert Band
Offered: 9-12th Grade
All High Schools
Students will study, rehearse, and perform a range of music styles across various levels of complexity. Beginning with foundational skills, students will focus on ear training, tone production, intonation, and instrument techniques through different genres. As they progress to intermediate levels, they will deepen their understanding of music theory, terminology, and refine their technical skills. The program culminates in advanced studies, where students will engage in more sophisticated ear training and performance techniques across traditional and popular band genres. This comprehensive approach ensures students develop both their musical abilities and a rich appreciation for musical forms.
*Leveled Ensembles include: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble
Marching Band
Offered: 9-12th Grade
All High Schools
Marching Band is a performance-based music course that combines advanced instrumental musicianship with precision marching and visual performance skills. Students will develop musical technique, leadership, teamwork, and discipline while preparing and performing field shows, pep band music, and community performances. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will strengthen their musical proficiency, physical coordination, and commitment to excellence.
Color Guard
Offered: 9-12th Grade
All High Schools
Color Guard is a performance-based course that combines dance, movement, and equipment techniques with musical interpretation and visual performance. Students will develop skills in flag, rifle, and sabre work, choreography, teamwork, and performance excellence while participating as an integral part of the marching band program. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will build confidence, discipline, physical coordination, and artistic expression.
Jazz Band
Offered: 9-12th Grade
All High Schools (May be offered as a club at some campuses)
Jazz Band is a performance-based music course that focuses on the study and performance of jazz and contemporary music styles. Students will develop advanced instrumental techniques, music literacy, improvisation skills, and ensemble performance through the study of swing, blues, Latin, rock, and other jazz-related genres. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will strengthen their musicianship, creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression.
Orchestra
Offered: 9-12th Grade
Valley Vista HS
Orchestra is designed for students who are interested in playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass). Orchestra is a performance-based music course designed to develop students’ skills in string instrument technique, music literacy, and ensemble performance. Students will learn proper instrument care, posture, bowing and fingering techniques, rhythm reading, and music fundamentals while performing a variety of musical styles. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression.
AP Music Theory
Offered: 9-12th Grade
SRHS, VVHS
AP Music Theory is a rigorous, college-level course designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of music through the study of theory, composition, and aural skills. Students will develop proficiency in music notation, harmonic analysis, part writing, sight-singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and music composition. Through listening, performance, and analytical activities, students will strengthen their musicianship and gain a deeper understanding of how music is constructed. The course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory Exam and may provide opportunities to earn college credit.
Guitar 1-6, Studio Guitar
Offered: 9-12th Grade
All High Schools
Guitar is a performance-based music course that introduces students to the fundamentals of guitar playing and musicianship. Students will develop skills in proper playing technique, music reading, chord progressions, strumming and picking patterns, and performance practices through the study of a variety of musical styles. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will build confidence, creativity, and musical proficiency while developing an appreciation for guitar literature and ensemble playing
Piano 1-6
Offered: 9-12th Grade
All High Schools
Piano is a performance-based music course that develops students’ keyboard skills, music literacy, and overall musicianship. Students will learn proper piano technique, music reading, rhythm, scales, chords, and accompaniment patterns while performing a variety of musical styles. Through individual and group instruction, practice, and performance opportunities, students will build confidence, creativity, and musical proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of music theory and keyboard performance.
Instrumental Courses Offered in K-8 and Middle School
Band
Offered in 5-8th Grade
Band is a performance-based music course designed to develop students’ skills in instrumental technique, music literacy, and ensemble performance. Students will learn proper instrument care, tone production, rhythm reading, and music fundamentals while performing a variety of musical styles. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression.
Orchestra
Offered in 5-8th Grade
West Point, Freedom, Ashton Ranch
Orchestra is designed for students who are interested in starting a string instrument for the first time (violin, viola, cello, string bass). Orchestra is a performance-based music course designed to develop students’ skills in string instrument technique, music literacy, and ensemble performance. Students will learn proper instrument care, posture, bowing and fingering techniques, rhythm reading, and music fundamentals while performing a variety of musical styles. Through rehearsals, performances, and individual practice, students will build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression.