Class Information

The Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Bands and Orchestras will provide instruction in instrumental skills through the performance of increasingly challenging music literature. They are designed to be year long classes, and it is the MVMS expectation that students will stay in band or orchestra for the whole year.

Band Classes
*Please click HERE for our 2020-21 Band Handbook
(I will pass this out on the first day of school)

Beginning Band
Students may choose from: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium or baritone, tuba and percussion. (oboe, bassoon and French horn with director permission) This class is designed for beginning players who will learn the basic concepts of the instruments and performance skills. Students may continue in either Intermediate or Advanced Bands (based on teacher recommendation). Good Demonstration videos can be found at here.

Intermediate Band
This class is for advancing players who understand the basic concepts of the instruments and demonstrates a moderately high level of playing ability. We will build on previous skills, develop a better sound and play more difficult music. Opportunities include playing in the Washington State Jr. Honor Band, playing in the Solo and Ensemble Contest and playing in the Jazz Band.

Advanced Band
This class is for students who have shown they are ready for increasingly difficult musical challenges. Primarily open only to those students who have successfully completed Intermediate Band. Opportunities include playing in the Washington State Jr. Honor Band, playing in the Solo and Ensemble Contest, playing in the Jazz Band and Marching in the Maple Valley Days Parade!

Orchestra Classes
*Please click HERE for our 2021-22 Orchestra Handbook
(I will pass this out on the first day of school)

Beginning Orchestra
Students may choose from: violin, viola, cello, string bass
Beginning Orchestra is designed for new players who will learn the basic concepts of playing and performing on their instruments. It is also for students who have played in 5th grade orchestra in another district and are ready for a new challenge. There are many additional opportunities for kids ready for them, such as playing solos at concerts and performing at Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Intermediate/Advanced Orchestra
This is primarily designed for advancing players who understand the basic concepts of their instruments and demonstrate a moderately high level of playing ability. Focus is on continuing to develop tone, technique, and music reading. Students learn to read more complex rhythms, play in more keys and perform more challenging, fun music. There are additional opportunities for kids ready for them, such as playing in the Orchestra Festival, playing solos at concerts and performing at Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Maple View Middle School

Class Information