Please read below and email or speak with me to discuss. Each person and situation is different and I would like to email or speak with students/parents before you sign up for US courses for next year.
Options for US Band classes
In the past, there has only been one period to take Arts and other electives classes. We called it C block. Next year arts classes could meet in a few different blocks (periods), though. I am not sure how it is going to work.
Band classes in the US do not meet every day. This gives students the chance to take a study hall, a 2nd Arts elective the other days (debate, programming, chorus, etc.), or 2 band classes!
| US Jazz Ensemble | Period TBA | Monday/Wednesday/Friday |
| US Band | Period TBA | Tuesday/Thursday |
The biggest adjustment for rising 9th graders is the fact that they must practice more outside of class than they did in 8th grade. US Band classes seem to move much faster because the music is more challenging, but mostly it is a function of having only 2-3 classes per week instead of the 5 we are used to having in MS Band. You will have to work about twice as hard next year in band than most of you have worked this year. Band seems easier to 8th graders because of the extra year of experience. As a 9th grader you will feel more like you did in 7th grade because you have the least experience again, but this time you only have 2 or 3 days of class to catch up with the upperclassmen!
General Recommendations from Mr. Grush
Students must earn 1.5 units of Arts credit to graduate. Each band class is worth ½ unit of credit. So, 3 band classes would fulfill your graduation requirement.
All rising 9th grade band students are strongly encouraged to try US Band or US Jazz class in 9th grade. Then decide for 10th grade if you want to continue.
If you enjoy band class and are willing to practice 3 days a week at home, you should take a band class in 9th grade. You can always try a second elective in 9th grade or take other courses than band in 10th grade.
If you really love band class and love to practice at home, consider taking both band classes.
If you do not enjoy band class this year and are not motivated to practice your instrument at home, you should try another elective. You are always welcome to come back to band later if you want.
However, in 20 years at CA I have seen only 2 students not take band in 9th grade and come back later. The lesson here – try a band class in 9th grade to decide whether you want to continue in 10th, 11th, or 12th.