De La Salle and Carondelet Bands

Just like anything worth your time, being in the DLS/CHS Band takes effort. However, we have a spot for ALL students, regardless of your current musical level. Our biggest wish is for all students to achieve consistently and enjoy the learning process. Every aspect of our program is designed to foster and encourage musical and personal maturity.

YES! In fact, most of our students are involved in sports or other co- curricular activities. We encourage you to participate in a variety of co- curricular activities. No matter what activities you pursue, you must keep an accurate schedule and iron out any conflicts that may arise. We have a systematic approach to help you with this, but it is up to you to keep your schedule straight, for the good of the band and for the good of your other activities. With a little give and take, most things work out just fine. We have students involved in every sport on campus. Additionally, any college or university in the country will attest to the fact that the busiest students are the most successful students. Again, structure and discipline work!

No! This is perhaps the greatest misconception to incoming students and parents. Band is a commitment, just like anything of worth, but does not prevent you from participation in other DLS/CHS classes, activities, and co- curriculars. Time commitment is limited to class, home practice, and performances. Further, our organization on campus has a great success rate in everything from GPA to college placement. Structure and discipline work!

During the fall marching band season (September – December), we have most of our out-of-the-regular-school-day events. These events are built into the curriculum, and are considered the “homework”, similar to any other class. We are a non-competitive marching band and operate under the same basic structure as most high schools. However, we do spend significantly LESS time outside of the school day than other schools. Therefore, we expect maximum effort and commitment to our schedule, with conflicts to be worked out as specified. Band camp is held two weeks prior to the first week of school. During band camp, we try to learn a large portion of the pre-game show. We work hard during this time and have as much fun as we dare! It is also a great social time for the band. Band Camp is a mandatory part of the class curriculum.

Performances – Home Football game performances occur on Friday or Saturday evenings. The Marching Band season will conclude in December (depending on Varsity football). We start with Concert Band concurrently with Marching Band in late September. In January we switch to Concert Band for the remainder of the school year.

Yes. Marching Band is a “unit” in our curriculum, just as all other classes have curriculum dividing the year into units (ie., studying Shakespeare in English). Marching Band is part of our music curriculum and total music experience at DLS. ALL band students are in marching band during first semester. It is a tool we use to stress the fundamentals of music skill and discipline. It also teaches teamwork, pride, long and short-term goal setting, personal management skills, self confidence, leadership, and many other invaluable lessons and skills. It is an essential part of the spirit of our school. These are all skills that are highly sought after in college applications and job applications. Being a part of this caliber group makes a significant statement toward your future. Students who play a double-reed instrument will be encouraged to be part of the Marching Band on another instrument, part of the front ensemble or percussion. Please speak to the director ASAP about your options!

ABSOLUTELY! BAND STUDENTS CLEARLY STAND OUT! In fact, most college admissions departments seek out music students, as they recognize all that is involved in our academic discipline. Our graduates are attending some of the top universities and colleges in the country. Most of our students stand out when compared to non-music students, and every year we have graduates earning scholarships based on their music participation and academic merit.

Yes! The band program takes a significant tour every 3-4 years, with a “mini-tour” on the off years. The Marching Band travels to one overnight football game in the fall, which gives us a great opportunity to bond with each other and meet students from high schools throughout California.

As some examples:

• In 2005, the Concert Band traveled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall.
• In 2008, the Concert Band traveled to Boston to perform at the Heritage Band Festival.
• In 2012, the Concert Band traveled to Chicago to perform at Chicago Symphony Hall.
• In 2014, the Concert Band traveled to D.C. to perform at the Kennedy Center.
• In 2015, the Concert Band traveled to Orange County to perform at Segerstrom Concert Hall.
• Other destinations have included San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

The list continues!

A smaller-instrumental ensemble selected by audition that studies and performs traditional and contemporary jazz music written for “big band.” The Jazz Band performs concerts at DLS, as well as festivals held throughout the Bay Area during the academic year. Students who wish to participate in Jazz Band must audition for the Director. If admitted into the Jazz Band, students must also be concurrently enrolled in Concert/Marching Band class (except if you play bass, piano or guitar).

Performances! Practice! Band is a group performance class. Performance situations can’t be recreated around each individual student. These growth experiences occur infrequently and are very important to the development of the student. Since we depend on each other so much, it is a great loss to miss anyone, and therefore all performances are required. The contribution of each student is critical and irreplaceable. You will receive a performance schedule well in advance. If changes occur in the schedule, you will be notified immediately.

We highly recommend students to take private lessons, or group lessons. Students who truly excel academically are usually involved with private lessons. Successful music programs typically have a large percentage of their students studying privately. The frequency of lessons varies greatly. Some students take an hour private lesson weekly, some half-hour, every other week, etc. It is not necessary to study with the most expensive private lesson teacher in the area! We have a great number of advanced college students teaching our students and doing a superb job. Please email Mr. Colon if you need a recommendation or list of potential private teachers in the area. Students who do not study privately are highly encouraged to seek extra help as often as needed.

The school helps with larger, more expensive instruments. Tubas (marching and concert), Euphoniums (Baritones), percussion, etc. are some. We do encourage students to purchase a good quality instrument for concert performances. Often students will play these instruments for the rest of their lives in one capacity or another: community groups, churches, etc.! It is worth owning a good instrument.

Yes, just about everything uniform related is provided for students.

All ensembles have several concert performances per year, as well as community performances. The calendar of performances is typically ready the first week of September and is also published on the DLS website.

French Horns, Low brass (Tuba, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone), and Low Reeds (Bassoon, Bass Clarinet) are typically our biggest area of need. Please see our directors prior to making this decision for an embouchure test to make sure it will be a positive change. We highly recommend students who switch instruments to take private lessons or group lessons.

Please see above. The most important item is to choose an instrument you love, but choosing a “rarer” instrument will increase chances of auditioning for All-State, County Honor Band, etc.

The most important thing parents can do to fully support students is providing the ingredients for success in all academic endeavors. In music, some of these are: private lessons, good instruments, praise and encouragement, patient ears, and most importantly, attend all events and performances. The band program relies heavily on parent volunteers for many things. Volunteering when available is greatly appreciated. In general, band students are fun and inspirational group of young people, fun to be around. Our volunteer parents have a wonderful time volunteering with our students, and many oftentimes become great friends!