Band & Orchestra
Antioch CCSD 34 believes band and orchestra are important parts of a well-rounded education. Instrumental music provides students with opportunities to develop creativity, confidence, discipline, collaboration, and self-expression. Through individual growth and ensemble performance, students build musicianship, strengthen their talents, and experience the pride of creating music together.
Band & Orchestra Teachers
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K-5 Band & Orchestra
Beginning Band
Beginning Band is for students in 4th or 5th grade who are new to playing a Band instrument. This introductory course teaches the basic skills needed to learn a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Students learn to read music, learn music vocabulary, and the fundamentals of their specific instrument and how to perform in an ensemble.
Rehearsals are held at Antioch Upper Grade School (AUGS) at 7:30 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. Bus transportation is available for 4th and 5th grade Band students traveling to Antioch Upper Grade School. Concerts are held in the AUGS Gymnasium.
5th Grade Band
5th grade Band is for 5th grade students who are in their second year of playing their Band instruments. This course continues to enforce the skills learned in Beginning Band, while also reinforcing the fundamentals of performing in a conducted ensemble. Students in 5th grade who are looking to join Band for the first time are able to register for Beginning Band and then are moved up to 5th grade Band in January.
Rehearsals are held at Antioch Upper Grade School (AUGS) at 7:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bus transportation is available for 4th and 5th grade Band students traveling to AUGS. Concerts are held in the AUGS Gymnasium.
Beginning Orchestra
Beginning Orchestra is for students in 1st through 3rd grade who are new to playing an instrument. This introductory course teaches the basic skills needed to learn a string instrument. Students learn to read music, learn music vocabulary, and the fundamentals of their specific instrument and how to perform in an ensemble. Each elementary school has their own Beginning Orchestra and students rehearse and perform at their home schools.
Intermediate Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra is for 2nd and 3rd grade students who are in their second and third year of playing their instruments. This course continues to enforce the skills learned in Beginning Orchestra, while also teaching the basics of performing in a conducted ensemble. Rehearsals are held in individual school gymnasiums once a week at 7:30 AM. Transportation to rehearsals is the responsibility of your family. Concerts for Intermediate Orchestra are held in the AUGS gymnasium.
Cadet Orchestra
Cadet Orchestra is for 4th & 5th grade students who are in their first or second year of playing their instruments. This course teaches the basic fundamental skills of string instruments and performing in an ensemble. Rehearsals are held at Antioch Upper Grade School (AUGS) at 7:30 AM once per week. Bus transportation is available for 4th and 5th grade students traveling to Antioch Upper Grade School. Concerts for Cadet Orchestra are held in the AUGS gymnasium.
Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra is for 4th & 5th grade students with two or more years of playing experience. This course reinforces all of the previously taught instrument and ensemble skills, while simultaneously teaching more advanced techniques. Rehearsals are held at Antioch Upper Grade School (AUGS) at 7:30 AM twice per week. Bus transportation is available for 4th and 5th grade students traveling to Antioch Upper Grade School. Concerts for Concert Orchestra are held in the AUGS gymnasium.
6-8 Band & Orchestra
6th Grade Band
6th grade Band is an Encore course for students who have participated in Band during their 4th/5th grade year. This is also the last year to sign up as a new band member. New members will work with Mr. Frank until they are ready to join the full band with Mr. Bajek. 6th grade Band students rehearse daily during the school day and will perform four concerts per year, and are encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. A detailed study of rhythms, scales, percussion rudiments, and musical concepts will be applied in this course.
7th Grade Band
7th grade Band is an Encore course for students who have participated in Band during their 6th grade year. 7th grade band students rehearse daily during the school day and will perform four concerts per year, and are encouraged to audition for the ILMEA Jr. High Honor Band in September and participate in the Solo & Ensemble Recital in February. A more detailed study of rhythms, scales, percussion rudiments, and musical styles will be applied in this course.
8th Grade Band
8th grade Band is an Encore course for students who have participated in Band during their 6th and 7th grade years. 8th grade Band students rehearse daily during the school day and will perform five concerts per year, and are encouraged to audition for the ILMEA Jr. High Honor Band in September and participate in the Solo & Ensemble Recital in February. An extended study of rhythms, scales, percussion rudiments, and musical concepts will be applied in this course, with the intent of preparing students for high school band.
Jazz Band
The AUGS Jazz Band is one of two extracurricular jazz bands offered at AUGS. Students audition in October to be a part of the mixed-grade level ensemble, some of whom play on a secondary instrument. The AUGS Jazz Band rehearses every Thursday from 3-5 PM and performs in six concerts throughout the school year.
Warrior Jazz
Warrior Jazz is open to all students and instruments at AUGS. It provides an introductory experience to the world of jazz music. Students meet every Monday from 3-4 PM and perform in three concerts per year.
6th Grade Orchestra
6th grade Orchestra is an Encore course for students who have participated in orchestra at least during their 4th & 5th grade years. Previous experience is required. 6th Grade Orchestra students will perform four concerts per year and are encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. A more detailed study of rhythms, scales, string techniques and musical concepts will be applied in this course.
7th Grade Orchestra
7th grade Orchestra is an Encore course for students who have participated in orchestra at least during their 6th grade year. Previous experience is required and previous elementary school experience is highly recommended. 7th Grade orchestra students will perform four concerts per year, and are encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. A more detailed study of rhythms, scales, string techniques, and musical concepts will be applied in this course.
8th Grade Orchestra
8th grade Orchestra is an Encore course for students who have participated in orchestra during their 6th & 7th grade years. Previous experience is required and previous elementary school experience is highly recommended. 8th Grade orchestra students will perform four concerts per year, and are encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. A more detailed study of rhythms, scales, string techniques, and musical concepts will be applied in this course
Orchestra Winds Ensemble
Orchestra Winds Ensemble is a select group of band students who collaborate with the string orchestra to perform full orchestral works. This ensemble plays an essential role in two major concerts each year, adding depth and power to the orchestral sound through woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentation. Orchestra Winds rehearses with Mr. Bajek once per week from 3-4 PM.