Band
In the classroom and at center stage, the band program at Wesleyan reflects the image of our God by creating order and beauty.
The beauty begins in lower school music classes and expands to academic and extracurricular opportunities for middle and high school students. Dedicated faculty cultivate the unique passions and talents in each student as they practice teamwork, dedication, and creativity in instrumental arts.
"Through the marching band, I became a better version of myself. Because of band, I am more confident, more passionate, and more committed to a group's success than my own."
Tengle Wang '24
K-4th
In kindergarten through fourth grade, students will learn rhythm and listening skills during music class, and they apply these skills using Orff instruments, like the xylophone.
Third and fourth grade students begin reading and applying musical annotation and start practicing the recorder.
Lower school students may also enroll in private music lessons.
5th-8th
Beginning in fifth grade, middle school students explore semester-long and full-year courses in band. Fifth grade students learn the fundamentals of the brass, woodwinds, and percussion families, and sixth grade students begin learning an instrument of their choice- flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion.
Seventh and eighth grade students with at least one year of experience may choose to enroll in advanced band to further refine their instrumental skills and strengthen their ability to play in coordination with others.
Middle school students may also join extracurricular band activities like marching band (fall) and pep band (winter).
9th-12th
Ninth through twelfth grade students at an intermediate or advanced ability level work to elevate their skills in symphonic band. Enrolling in this performance-based course requires previous band experience and a specific focus on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments.
High school students may also join extracurricular band activities like marching band (fall) and pep band (winter).