Instrumental Music at Alta Sierra

The first year of middle school can be a very exciting, but intimidating, time of your life. It may not seem as though participating in band, orchestra, colorguard, jazz, and percussion could really make that much difference in the overall experience, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For most of our students, these ensembles are where you make friendships that will last a lifetime. These classmates become the people you can lean on when you’ve had a rough day and need someone to talk to.

This is where we create amazing musical experiences that change lives forever. We’re excited to have you join us!

How To Join

When you register for classes at Alta Sierra, make sure instrumental music (Band, Orchestra, Percussion) is one of your three elective choices, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Want even more music? Instrumental music students can also add Jazz Band as a 2nd music elective!

Interested in Dance-Colorguard? Contact Taylor Tucker (TaylorTucker@cusd.com) for more information!

Music Class Options @ Alta Sierra

Band - The ASI Bands serve over 125 students and include all woodwind and brass instruments. These ensembles perform at concerts, festivals, football games, and often join with the percussion. Students are placed in one of three ability-based ensembles: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Intermediate Band.

Orchestra - The Alta Sierra Orchestra program serves over 90 students in grades 7 & 8. Students are placed in one of three (3) co-curricular ability-based orchestras at Alta Sierra: Advanced Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, & Intermediate Orchestra. Our orchestras perform several times per year at concerts and festivals.

Percussion - Do you have a good beat, love the drumline, or already play the piano?? Then percussion is for you! Unlike elementary school, Percussion becomes a separate class that has its own designated percussion teacher, once you get to middle school! The Alta Sierra Percussion Program serves over 50 students in grades 7 & 8 and is highly competitive. Students are placed in one of two (2) co-curricular ability-based classes at Alta Sierra: Beginning Percussion, and Advanced Percussion. We still perform with the bands at concerts, but also begin to dive into percussion-only studies and performances. If ‘percussion’ isn’t listed on the elective sheet, just choose any of the ‘band’ classes, and we will get you placed correctly! No prior drumming experience is necessary!

Jazz Band - Students in Jazz Band will continue to develop their musicianship skills with an emphasis on improvisation, jazz literature, and style. Members of this ensemble must be concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Percussion, or an Orchestra, as Jazz Band builds on the skills learned in those classes. Exceptions are occasionally made for students with extensive prior experience on guitar or piano. If you have questions, please email Tommy Fredrickson.

Dance-Colorguard - The Alta Sierra Dance Colorguard program serves over 30 students in grades 7 & 8. They perform both with and without the band, as well as compete in dance competitions a stand-alone dance unit. Colorguard takes place during your PE class and is offered during 7th period. Prior dance experience is helpful, but not mandatory. If you have friends who love dance, be sure to recommend this program to them! It doesn’t take up an elective slot, because it happens during PE!

Can you participate in a music class and sports?
Absolutely! The music classes meet during the school day, so they do not conflict with sports. Each year, a large percentage of music students also play sports in every season!

Can I take music and another elective?
Yes! But only if your second elective is another performing arts class like Jazz Band. Just sign up for Zero-Period or Lunch PE and you can open up a spot in your schedule to take another elective course!

What if my student has very little experience with their instrument?
No problem! We start with the school year with the very basics of music and playing their instrument. While we move quicker than an elementary music class, we will be sure that your student learns everything they need to know!

Is Band/Orchestra/Percussion a regular class?
Yes. Band, Orchestra, and Percussion classes meet every day during school and students receive a grade just as they would in a math or science class.

What if we don’t own an instrument?
No problem! Several music shops around Clovis & Fresno have band and orchestra instruments available for rental or purchase. We also have a limited amount of school-owned instruments that can be checked out.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Directors! We’re always happy to help!