Saranac Community Schools

The Saranac 6th Grade Band 
is our beginning ensemble at Saranac Community Schools.  It consists  of any 6th  grade student that wishes to pursue the art of music through the playing of a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.  6th grade band is designed to give students a chance to explore their interests in music.  Fundamental techniques are taught as well as characteristics of musicianship.  These techniques ultimately lead students to greater independence on their instruments.  It is also designed to prepare students for musical study at the junior high level.  Students will receive instruction in fundamental music principles, performance and practice techniques, and individual playing skills.  Instruction for all music ensembles at Saranac Community Schools will be accomplished by exposing students to a variety of music literature through small and large ensemble playing.

The Saranac Junior High Concert Band 
consists of any 7th or 8th grade student that wishes to pursue the art of music through the playing of a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.  Fundamental techniques are taught as well as characteristics of musicianship.  We build on previous knowledge and students incorporate techniques that lead to greater independence on their instruments.  It is also designed to prepare students for musical study at the high school level.  Students will receive instruction in fundamental music principles, performance and practice techniques, and individual playing skills.  Advanced music principles are presented including: scale memorization, advanced rhythm studies, 20th century band literature, and program music.  The instruction for all ensembles will be accomplished by exposing students to a variety of music literature through small and large ensemble playing.

The Saranac High School Band 
consists of any student grade 9-12 that wishes to pursue the art of music through the playing of a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.  It is designed to give students a wide variety of musical experiences at a high level.  Marching band, concert band, pep band, jazz band, and solo & ensemble groups will be offered throughout the year.  The Marching Redskins perform at all home football games, several parades including the Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa Parade, and the Wyoming Park Invitational in October.  The SHS Concert Band performs several concerts throughout the year including the MSBOA District 10 Band Festival. The SHS Pep Band performs at various girl’s and boy’s varsity basketball games.  Students will receive instruction in fundamental music principles, performance and practice techniques, and individual playing skills.  This instruction will be accomplished by exposing students to a variety of music literature through small and large ensemble playing.

The Senior High Vocal Music
consists of any student in grades 9-12 that wishes to pursue the art of music through singing.  Fundamental techniques are taught as well as characteristics of musicianship.  We will build on previous knowledge and students will incorporate techniques that lead to greater vocal independence.  Students will receive instruction in fundamental music principles, performance and practice techniques, and individual singing skills.  The instruction for choir will be accomplished by exposing students to a variety of music literature through small and large group singing.  Our performances are a combination of large group pieces as well as student arranged small groups and solos.  We perform our own Fall concert in November, perform with the Jr/Sr High Bands for our Christmas Concert in December, and perform a Spring concert on our own in May.  Students also have the opportunity to audition and perform for CLUB in April.