Under the generous support of Mr. Ritchie, Notre Dame students are invited to participate in a wind ensemble playing clarinet or flute. These students practice twice a week after school and perform in three annual concerts each year.

Recorder Class
4th Grade Students have an hour of recorder class each week, split into two half hour sessions.

Beginning Band (Level 1)

Beginning Band (level I) class offers instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. Beginning Band may also be ideal for those already with experience but who may need a review and reinforcement of music reading, playing fundamentals and technique that are vital for lasting musical development. This group will perform in the Christmas, Mid-Year, and End-of-Year Concerts.

• Open to all fourth through eight graders
• Instruments taught: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion
• Private lessons not required but recommended 

The Intermediate Band (level II) is for students who already understand basic music reading, instrument assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and sound tone production. Instruction offers continued focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, and music literacy. This group will perform in the Christmas, Mid-Year, End-of-Year Concerts, and graduation ceremony.

• Open to all fifth through eighth graders
• Instruments taught: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/baritone, and percussion
• Private lessons encouraged, but not required

Advance Band (level III) is the top level performing instrumental groups at Notre Dame. Advance Band is composed of students on all the major woodwind and brass instruments as well as student percussionists. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in an ensemble-focused setting. Membership in the advanced groups is selective as advanced reading, musicianship and student responsibility are required. This group will perform in the Christmas, Mid-Year, End-of-Year Concerts, and graduation ceremony. 8th Grade graduates who participate in Advance Band may also be invited to play a solo at the graduation ceremony.

• Admission to this group is by audition only (or director’s discretion).
• Must be able to play concert F, Bb, Eb, and Ab scales (memorized preferred)
• Instruments accepted in group: piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/baritone, tuba, and percussion.
• Private lessons highly recommended, but not required