MUSIC PROGRAMS AT WILLARD
Music groups at Willard include Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Jazz Band, and Monday Jazz Band!
Orchestra (6th, 7th, 8th Grades)
- Rehearsals are daily, before school from 7:45-8:30am
- Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
- We study and perform the classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as modern (rock, etc) music. We develop our instrumental technique (tone, facility on the instrument), rhythms, intonation, blend and balance, articulation, and interpretation.
- Director Eric Wood, ericwood@berkeley.net.
Concert Band (6th Grade) and Symphonic Band (7th and 8th Grades)
- Rehearsals are daily, before school from 7:45-8:30am
- Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion
- We study and perform a variety of classical (symphonic) and contemporary (rock, pop, etc.) music for large band. We develop our instrumental technique (tone, facility on the instrument), rhythms, intonation, blend and balance, articulation, and interpretation of symphony music, rock, show tunes, and other styles.
- Concert Band Director Roland Brown, rolandbrown@berkeley.net
- Symphonic Band Director Bryan Marquez, bryanmarquez@berkeley.net
Jazz Band (7th and 8th Grades)
- Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Fridays from 3-4 pm
- Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums
- Jazz band members are selected from members of the band or orchestra who are interested in learning to play jazz. We study improvisation, rhythms, swing, articulations, and the history of this great American art form. We perform at Yoshi’s nightclub, the Freight and Salvage, and other venues in the area, as well as school concerts. Members of the Willard Jazz Band often go on to be a part of the renowned Berkeley High School Jazz program.
- Director Roland Brown, rolandbrown@berkeley.net
Chorus (6th, 7th, and 8th Grades)
- Rehearsals are daily, before school from 7:45-8:30am
- In chorus, we rehearse and perform a variety of choral music from various genres. We study vocal technique, reading music, choral part reading and singing, vocal exercises, music listening, some music theory, and performance. In addition to our Willard winter and spring concerts we perform at an athletic game every spring – this year perhaps a Giants game!
- Director Aimee Lubalin, aimeelubalin@berkeley.net