Program Overview

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General Information

The Redwood music department oversees instrumental music from grades 4-8, as well as the choir and color guard/dance program for grades 6-8.
Interested in seeing the various ensemble trajectories of each part of our program? Click on the image below to learn more!
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The success of any music program does not happen without your generosity and support. Please head here to find the Saratoga Music Boosters SUSD Music Program Contribution Page.

Elementary School Instrumental Music

Saratoga Music Boosters (SMB) funds support two elementary school instrumental programs: string orchestra and beginning band.  Students who have class in the morning before school are taken to their respective schools by bus before regular class begins.  All groups perform annually at Fall & Spring district concerts as well as at SMB’s Pancake Breakfast in May.

Elementary School String Orchestras (Grades 4 & 5)

Students may start on one of four string orchestra instruments: violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  Depending on a student’s experience in playing a string instrument, he or she may be placed in one of two levels of string groups to most appropriately match his or her musical growth.

Elementary School 5th Grade Band (Grade 5)

Students may play in the SUSD Beginning Band program.  Students may choose to start on one of the "big four" instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet and baritone. These establish important playing habits for students to successfully transition to a second instrument for their second year of instrument study if they so choose.
  • Instructors: Jon Jow, Isabel McPherson & Staff
  • Meets: During 5th grade in-school music time

Redwood Middle School Music

The Saratoga Union School District provides one before-school band period, two periods of band, and two periods of 6th Grade Music Exploratory during the school day at Redwood Middle School. SMB helps fund the following additional programs outside of school: Marching Band, Color Guard & Dance, Sectionals, Jazz Band, String Orchestras, and Choir. All groups perform annually at Fall & Spring district concerts as well as at SMB’s Pancake Breakfast in May. Advanced groups, choir, marching band and color guard also perform at other events including community events, concerts and music competitions/festivals with other schools and districts.

Music Exploratory (Grade 6)

All Redwood students in the 6th grade are given a year of 6-week exploratory blocks in which they are introduced to small segments of possible electives that they may choose in 7th and 8th grades.  Music exploratory includes topics on basic music notation and reading, percussion rudiments, music in film, color guard basics, music as a communicative and artistic medium and more.
  • Instructor: Jon Jow
  • Meets: 6th Grade Exploratory periods during normal school day
  • Where: Redwood Music Room (51)

A Period Bands ("Griffin Band") (Grades 6 & 7)

For the intermediate instrumentalist with primary instruction on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Instrumental techniques and musical practices are advanced in class and during monthly in-school sectionals. Intermediate band concert performances (outside of the normal school day) occur toward the end of each semester.
  • Instructors: Jon Jow, Jemal Ramirez, Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: A Period before normal school day, 7:25-8:10 AM
  • Where: Redwood Music Room (51)

Band 7 & Band 8 (Grades 7 & 8, Auditioned Grade 6)

For students with significant experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Open to 7th and 8th graders as an elective choice. Strong 6th grader musicians who are interested in taking band as their in-school elective in place of the exploratory wheel may also audition for placement into Band 7. During years that it is offered, Symphonic Band is our most advanced, audition-only ensemble. Both bands perform multiple times throughout the school year. Marching band season occurs at the beginning of the fall and continues directly into a concert and chamber music focus for the remainder of the school year. Class meets daily during school.
  • Instructors: Jon Jow & Jemal Ramirez
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Music Room (51)

Marching Band (Band Grades 7 & 8, Color Guard Grades 6-8)

The Redwood marching band is made up of all 7th and 8th grade band students and all color guard students (some of which also serve as the I.D. unit).  Marching Band season runs approximately from September until the beginning of December, with one additional possible marching band performance in the Spring. Registration helps cover the costs of instructors, supplies, competition fees and transportation.
  • Instructors: Jon Jow, Jemal Ramirez, Isabel McPherson & Marching Band Staff
  • Meets: Weekly rehearsals during A Period during marching season
  • Where: Redwood Middle School

Woodwind & Brass Sectionals (Grades 6-8)

Redwood band students further develop their skills in instrument-specific sectionals under the instruction of an instrumental specialist and refine music and concepts currently being worked on in band.  Registration helps cover the costs of teachers and classroom supplies.
  • Instructors: Music Staff
  • Meets: During band class periods
  • Where: Redwood Middle School

Percussion Fundamentals (Grades 6-8)

For students brand new to music interested in playing concert band (and eventually marching) percussion, or for students with some musical experience on other instruments who are interested in learning the fundamentals of concert percussion as well. Contribution helps cover instruction and classroom supplies.
  • Instructor: Sean Clark
  • Meets: TBA
  • Where: TBA

Percussion Ensemble (Grades 7 & 8, Auditioned Grade 6)

Includes all current band students who have had at least one year of concert percussion experience. Advanced Percussion Ensemble further develops skills, knowledge and musicianship learned in concert band and the Percussion Fundamentals class. This group performs at marching competitions as well as at district concerts. Contribution helps cover instruction and classroom supplies.
  • Instructor: Sean Clark
  • Meets: TBA
  • Where: TBA

Jazz Band (Grades 7 & 8)

Music students in the 7th and 8th grade who are also in another primary performing ensemble such as band or orchestra may audition for a chance to be in the Redwood Jazz Band.  Students are given the opportunity to learn techniques and styles of instrumental jazz playing, including improvisation on their own instruments. Contribution helps cover instruction, uniforms, and classroom supplies. *Please see the jazz band flier for more information.
  • Instructor: 
  • Meets: TBA
  • Where: TBA

Adagio (Intermediate-Advanced) Strings (Grades 6-8)

Redwood string students audition to be placed in one of four string groups. Students in Adagio are given the opportunity to refine playing techniques, enhance musicianship, and play in a group with their peers. The Adagio String Orchestra participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.
  • Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)

Presto (Advanced-Intermediate) Strings (Grades 6-8)

Redwood string students audition to be placed in one of four string groups. Students in Presto are given the opportunity to further develop playing techniques, enhance musicianship, and play in a group with their peers. The Presto String Orchestra participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.
  • Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)

Vivace (Advanced) Strings (Grades 6-8)

The Vivace Strings is an advanced ensemble of auditioned students who rehearse continuously challenging music to develop independence and musical leadership. The Vivace String Orchestra participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.
  • Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)

Chamber (High School Level) Strings (Grades 7 & 8)

The Chamber Strings is our most advanced orchestra ensemble, made of auditioned students who rehearse high school-level orchestral and chamber music to enhance independence and musical leadership. The Chamber Strings participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.
  • Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)

Choir (Grades 6-8)

For any student who loves to sing! Choir performs various times throughout the semester at concerts as well as in competition.  Class meets Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 as well as other specified times for performances.
  • Instructor: TBA
  • Accompanist: Music Staff
  • Meets: TBA
  • Where: TBA

Color Guard & Dance (Grades 6-8)

Redwood’s flag and dance team. For all students, male and female, beginner to advanced. The Color Guard initially performs and competes with the marching band in the fall. Focus begins with marching band flag and I.D. shield choreography performance and moves to additional choreography and performance following marching season.
  • Instructor: TBA
  • Meets: TBA
  • Where: TBA