At Wilson, we are proud to offer music classes for every student, regardless of their prior experience or skill level.
San Francisco Heritage Festival, April 2024
These courses are for students that play violin, viola, cello, or bass. The courses are listed in order from least to most advanced.
This course is designed for students with some prior experience playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. However, no audition is required. The Intermediate Orchestra performs three concerts each year and also hosts a holiday recital for the special education classes each December. After completing Intermediate Orchestra, students will have the skills needed to audition for String Orchestra or higher.
Students with multiple years of playing experience are encouraged to audition for the String Orchestra. The String Orchestra performs in four concerts each year as well as a performance festival field-trip to either Disneyland, Knott’s or Six Flags. Audition requirements include 2 two-octave major scales, a prepared solo or excerpt, and sight reading.* Upon completion of String Orchestra, students are encouraged to audition for Symphony Strings.
This course is designed for students who are ready to perform the skills required to by advanced level literature. This group combines with Advanced Chamber and Symphonic Winds to form our Wilson Symphony Orchestra. Tuesday evening rehearsals are required for Symphony Strings. Symphony Strings performs four concerts, a local festival, and a weekend trip festival to San Diego/San Francisco. Audition requirements include 2 three-octave major scales, a prepared solo or excerpt, and sight reading.*
This course is filled by invitation only. Students can be invited to chamber strings after at least one year in Symphony Strings.
These courses are for students that play flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion (mallets, drums, auxiliary). Jazz Band also incorporates piano, bass, guitar, and drumset. An audition is required for Marching Band, Symphonic Winds, and Jazz Band. Audition link below.
No experience is needed to join Band 1-2. Students can choose from the following instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion. By the end of the year, students will be reading and performing music as if they had been doing it their whole life. After completing Band 1-2, students can advance to Band 3-8 and/or Marching Band!
Students who have multiple years of middle school band experience, or have completed Band 1-2, can enroll in Band 3-8. No audition is required, just sign up. In Band 3-8, students will expand their individual skills while learning fun, up-beat music. Student who are successful in Band 3-8 can audition for Symphonic Winds, Marching Band, and Jazz Band.
Oh my! There's too much to tell you about in this little space. Visit the separate Marching Band page, linked here, for all the details.
Symphonic Winds is the most advanced concert band at Wilson. An audition is required. Symphonic Winds students perform at local festivals as well as an annual destination festival (usually San Francisco, San Diego, or similar.) Select members of the Symphonic Winds will have the privilege of performing alongside the top string players to create the Wilson Symphony Orchestra.
Learn to play swing, latin, and rock style music in the Wilson Jazz Band. Auditions take place each Spring and are open to all instruments, not just saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. This is the one band class that includes guitar, bass, piano, and drumset as well. Audition by May 1. Instructions Linked Here!
If you have any questions about the courses, email Mr. Hamilton or Mrs. Ellis.
Thursday, November 14th at 6:30 pm in the band room (501) Park Ave.