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 Plum Senior High School Band

Program of Studies:  High School Band

Concert Band

Grades 9-12; Level 2; 1 Credit (Year) 
The concert band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games, parades, 
band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are essential 
elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include participation in 
summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many styles and types is 
rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become a member of the 
band, a student must demonstrate to the band director an acceptable degree of proficiency on a band 
instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development either through private study or 
instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be recommended for a 
variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Allegheny-Kiski Honors Bands, PMEA 
District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz Band, Small 
Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team. 
PREREQUISITE: Audition 

Symphonic Band

Grade 10-12; Level 3; 1 Credit (Year) 
The symphonic band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games, 
parades, band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are 
essential elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include 
participation in summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many 
styles and types is rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become 
a member of the symphonic band, a student must demonstrate to the band director a high degree of 
proficiency on a band instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development, either through 
private study or instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be 
recommended for a variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Allegheny-Kiski Honors 
Bands, PMEA District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz 
Band, Small Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team 
PREREQUISITE: Audition 

Jazz Ensemble

Grades 9-12; Level 3; 1 Credit (Year) 
Jazz Ensemble will perform at a variety of school and community functions. All styles of jazz music are 
explored with an emphasis on jazz improvisation (theory and harmony), jazz history and listening. Students 
playing instruments that are utilized in a standard big band format may participate (saxophones, trombones, 
trumpets, bass guitars, piano, drums, and percussion). Students will also explore jazz combo literature. Jazz 
students of exceptional ability may audition for PMEA District and All-State Jazz Ensembles. 
PREREQUISITE: Audition and scheduled membership in intermediate, concert, or symphonic bands. 

Beginning Winds

Grades 9-12; Level 1-2; 1 Credit (Year) 
Students will learn basics of woodwind and brass instruments including flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, oboe, 
bassoon, bass clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Students will gain basic knowledge and 
playing proficiency on each instrument. Students will form an ensemble with an instrument learned in 
Beginning Winds and perform in class. Students who excel may have the opportunity to perform in spring 
concerts with Intermediate Band or Concert Band. 
It is recommended, but not required, that students have some prior music-reading knowledge prior to taking 
this class. 

Contact Us

Mrs. Bethany Loy
Band Director
Plum Senior High School
A.E. O'Block Jr. High School
loyb@pbsd.net
Mrs. Erin Marion
Band Director
Elementary School Band
marione@pbsd.net

Plum Senior High School

900 Elicker Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
(412) 795-4880
www.pbsd.net