Pullman High School

Concert band is open to any student grade 9-12 who plays or wishes to play a traditional band instrument. However, students with no prior experience with their instrument or with significantly sub-average skills will be expected to take private lessons in order to achieve a level of proficiency necessary to perform with the band. The class time is spent playing all genres of music, ranging from rock tunes (in pep band) to concert literature and full orchestral arrangements. Opportunities exist to play outside of class such as concerts, field trips, festivals, football and basketball games, assemblies, parades and community events. Participation in these events is required but at the instructor’s discretion, based on performance skill. Musical concepts such as intonation, balance, blend; phrasing, rhythm, musical style and music theory will be explored during rehearsals and performances. All students are required to purchase a T-Shirt and ASB card. 

Offered: Full Year/Semester

Prerequisite: Enrollment in Concert Band

The Jazz Band is a select instrumental ensemble. The class does NOT meet daily and only .25 credit is awarded per semester. This group performs many times throughout the year and at various festivals around the Northwest. Attendance at these events is required and the ensemble also participates in all pep band events. Students must audition to become a member of this group. Students in Jazz Band are required to take Concert Band to continue broadening technical & musical foundation. All students are required to purchase ASB card. Contact the instructor concerning audition materials and prerequisites.

Offered: Full Year/Semester

Prerequisite: Grades 10-12 - Audition required

Blue Orchestra is open to string players only (violin, viola, cello and string bass) and must have five or more years playing experience. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of musical concepts (intonation, balance, phrasing, blend, rhythm, style). Rehearsal and performance of orchestral literature of a wide variety of styles will be required along with the study of music theory. Each year, the orchestra participates in either a festival or a tour in order to have the opportunity to represent PHS outside of Pullman.

Gray Orchestra is open to string players only (violin, viola, cello and string bass) and must have four or more years playing experience, grades 9-12. No audition is required. Students in this ensemble will gain skills necessary to move into the Blue Orchestra such as shifting, vibrato and more advanced bowing techniques such as sautille. Students participating in Gray Orchestra will be exposed to a wide variety of musical concepts (intonation, balance, phrasing, blend, rhythm and style). Students will perform regularly throughout the year and will attend a festival or tour either in Pullman or out of town.

Offered: Full Year/Semester

This course provides beginning guitar instruction in playing and reading chords, chord symbols, picking, strumming patterns, reading musical notation, theory and playing chord progressions and a variety of guitar styles. This class provides opportunities for students to explore their musical aspirations through Folk, Rock, Blues and Classical guitar. No previous musical experience is necessary.

Offered: Full Year/Semester