Symphonic Winds (8th-12th)
Symphonic Winds is the top performing ensemble at George Walton Academy. Students in this group are members by audition. They play the most challenging literature in the world of band and perform in several concerts throughout the year. Members of the Symphonic Winds are typically upper school students except for very talented 8th graders who would be invited to audition.
The main goals of this ensemble are to continue cultivating advanced concepts of music making, ensemble performance, and music theory at a level that will prepare students to have success in college bands.
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Concert Ensemble (7th-12th)
The GWA Concert Ensemble class focuses on developing the intermediate wind player. Our primary goal is to develop and apply the skills and techniques that instrumentalists need to contribute to a developing ensemble sound. This class is meant to be a prerequisite to the Symphonic Winds class. Literature of various styles and method books will be used to develop these skills and techniques. Students are expected to practice several times a week outside of class. Students will complete written, listening, and individual playing assignments to demonstrate growth in the specific musical and technical concepts focused on in the Concert Ensemble Class.
Jr. Bulldog Band (6th Grade)
The GWA Jr. Bulldog Band class provides continuing development for the beginning instrumentalist. Our primary goal is to develop and apply the general skills and techniques that instrumentalists need to grow as a performer in an ensemble. This class is meant to be a prerequisite to the Concert Ensemble class. Literature of various styles and method books will be used to develop these skills and techniques. Students are expected to practice weekly for a minimum of 20 minutes a day outside of class. Students will complete written, listening, and individual playing assignments to demonstrate growth in the specific musical and technical concepts focused on in the Jr. Bulldog Band class.
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Bullpup Band (5th Grade)
The GWA Bullpup Band is our beginning band for 5th graders. Students that elect to participate in band will learn the basics of a wind instrument (trumpet, clarinet, flute, etc.) and the basics of reading music. The main goal of this class is to provide students with an introductory-level understanding of music through instrumental music performance (band) with the opportunity to continue building skills into 6th grade and beyond.
In this class, students will perform for events such as Grandparent’s Day, as well as at program-wide Christmas and spring concerts. Students learn a variety of skills in this class, such as practice, responsibility, and discipline.
Percussion Theatre (7th-12th)
The GWA Percussion Theatre class will focus on developing the intermediate and advanced percussionist. Our primary goal is to develop the array of skills and various techniques that percussionists need to perform in various ensembles. Literature of all styles and various method books will be used to develop these skills and techniques. Students will complete written, listening, and individual playing assignments to demonstrate growth in the specific musical and technical concepts focused on in the Percussion Theatre class.
This class also has the added benefit of access to percussion staff who come in and work with these students during class time. On occasion, they work one-on-one with these students and help them further their skills.
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