All classes will be held on each school campus
Rent your instruments from ALF! Rental Information HERE
Rentals open Aug. 5th-August 26th, Pickup Wednesday 8/28 3:15-5:30 @ Lanterman Auditorium
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IMPORTANT REGISTRATION DATES
Monday, August 5th: ALF Instrument rentals open
Thursday, August 15th: Parent Informational Q&A via ZOOM @ 6:30pm
Thursday & Friday 8/22 & 8/23: Band & Orchestra Assembly for students, during school hours, at each school
*Teachers will take their classes to the assembly at scheduled time during school hours
Monday, August 26th: ALF Instrument rentals CLOSE at 5pm
Wednesday, August 28th: Instrument Rental Pick-Up 3:15-5:30 @ Lanterman Auditorium (must pre-order, orchestra students must come in person to ensure proper sizing)
September 3rd: Classes begin
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Need help choosing an instrument? Check out our Instrument Selecting, Buying & Renting guide!
Questions? Email lcusd@encorepasadena.com
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​ATTENDANCE
Please be on time for your classes and prepared with your instrument, book and a pencil. In the event you need to miss one of your classes we offer multiple options to make up for missed classes.
>Attend Another Class: Attend your class at a different school location (Tell your student if you need to pick them up a little early!)
>Attend a Make-Up Class: There are a few makeup classes scheduled throughout the year, you may choose to attend these in addition to, or instead of, attending rehearsal at another
location.
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CONCERT BAND & ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS
Please ensure your students are prepared to meet the registration requirements listed above for these courses before registration, if they have not participated in beginning ensemble but have taken private lessons to meet the requirements they can join and will be asked to demonstrate their skill. Teachers will be checking that students meet standards during the first week of class.
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When will students audition to be in Concert Band & Orchestra? Students will be tested in groups during the first week of class.
What happens if I don't pass the requirements? The parent will be contacted privately to discuss next steps and alternative options based upon the individual student.
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PERCUSSION AUDITIONS
Due to a disproportionately large number of students choosing percussion as their instrument, this section has the prerequisite of one year of piano lessons (or other instrument) and is selected by audition only. The percussion section will be a maximum of 3 chairs, but may be smaller depending on the size of the ensemble. This is common practice, ensuring a balanced ensemble and providing the best learning experience for all students in the program. Why piano? Because piano is a percussion instrument! Learning piano first is beneficial for those planning to join a band’s percussion section because it develops essential musical skills like reading both treble and bass clefs, understanding rhythm and timing, and enhancing hand coordination. The techniques and skills gained, such as hand independence and precise timing, are directly transferable to other percussion instruments like drums, marimba, and xylophone. Additionally, piano education provides a solid grounding in music theory and overall musicianship, making it easier for students to adapt to and excel in the percussion section of a band. If your child is interested in percussion, we encourage them to study piano OR join the band playing another instrument for their first year so they will be better equipped to audition for percussion in their second year!​
When are PERCUSSION auditions?
To play percussion in Beginning Band you must submit a percussion audition video of yourself playing a 45 second piece on piano to lcusd@encorepasadena.com no later than Thursday, August 22nd. We are looking for students with a good sense of rhythm and hand coordination. We will make selections and communicate them with parents privately so you can rent or buy a BELL KIT if selected. Results will be sent by Friday, August 23rd at 5pm. If you do not make it in percussion we encourage you to choose a different instrument for the first year to learn the musical foundations needed to succeed in percussion!
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To join percussion in Concert Band we require having passed percussion last year or one year of instrument study and the submission of an audition video playing a 45 second solo on piano or any band instrument to lcusd@encorepasadena.com no later than Thursday, August 22nd. ​​
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PERFORMANCES
The performance and rehearsal dates at Lanterman Auditorium are December 10th & 11th 2024, and May 6th & 7th 2025. A specific schedule for each day will be shared a minimum of one month before the performances.
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PRACTICE and ATTITUDE
We understand that students may not always be able to practice, but for maximum enjoyment of these courses it is best for students to play their instruments every day, if even just one song! This regularity will help them to build the habit of playing and to gain familiarity with their instrument. Students in Concert Band and Orchestra should be playing a minimum of 15 minutes a day, 4 to 5 days a week. This is not a requirement, but is strongly suggested to get the most out of the class.
Students are not required to like every piece of music or classroom activity, but they are asked to demonstrate a cooperative attitude and the spirit of teamwork for the good of the group as a whole.
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Questions? Email lcusd@encorepasadena.com