Program Overview

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General Information

The Redwood music department oversees instrumental music from grades 5-8, 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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(click to view)
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 the 5th grade Beginning Instrumental Music Exploratory. This track introduces students to the very first steps of learning a beginning band and a beginning string instrument.

5th Grade Beginning Instrumental Music Exploratory (Grade 5)

Students are introduced to beginning playing skills on one band instrument (baritone/euphonium, trumpet, clarinet, flute) for one half of the year, then one string instrument (bass, cello, viola, violin) for the other half of the year. This introductory experience is intended to give students a small smaple of the beginning band and orchestra classes in 6th grade at Redwood Middle School.

Redwood Middle School Music

Saratoga Union School District provides band and string orchestra classes from the beginning through multi-year experienced levels 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, 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.

Beginning Band (Grades 6-8)

For the beginning instrumentalist to receive primary instruction on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Instrumental techniques and musical practices are introduced and developed in class and during monthly in-school sectionals. Beginning Band concert performances (outside of the normal school day) occur toward the end of each semester.
  • Instructors: Jon Jow, Jemal Ramirez
  • Meets: During school day
  • 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 8, Color Guard Grades 6-8)

The Redwood marching band is made up of all 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

Beginning Orchestra (Grades 6-8)

Beginning Orchestra requires no previous experience playing an orchestra instrument. Students will learn the fundamental instrumental skills, ensemble playing techniques, and build habits to help them be successful in the future. The Beginning Orchestra participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)


Intermediate Orchestra (Grades 6-8)

Redwood students with one or more years of experience playing a string orchestra instrument may audition to be placed in one of three more advanced orchestras. Students in Intermediate Orchestra are given the opportunity to further develop playing techniques, enhance musicianship, and play in a group with their peers. The Intermediate Orchestra participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.
  • Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)

Advanced Orchestra (Grades 7 & 8, select 6th Graders)

Redwood students with one or more years of experience playing a string orchestra instrument may audition to be placed in one of three more advanced orchestras. Advanced Orchestra is an ensemble of auditioned students who rehearse continuously challenging music to develop independence and musical leadership. Students in this orchestra have shown their preparedness for more difficult music through diligent practice, and in some cases, private lessons. The Advanced Orchestra participates in various events and performs at district concerts annually.
  • Instructor: Isabel McPherson
  • Meets: During school day
  • Where: Redwood Orchestra Room (52)

Chamber Strings (Grades 7 & 8)

Redwood students with one or more years of experience playing a string orchestra instrument may audition to be placed in one of three more advanced orchestras.The Chamber Orchestra is Redwood's most advanced orchestra ensemble, made of auditioned students who rehearse high school-level orchestral and chamber music to enhance independence and musical leadership. These students are the leaders of the Redwood orchestra program, and have many years of diligent practice as well as private lessons (for many students) under their belt. The Chamber Orchestra 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 after school as well as other specified times for performances.
  • Instructor: Beth Nitzan
  • Accompanist: Music Staff
  • Meets: Monday & Thursday, 3:15-4:15
  • Where: Redwood Music Room (51)

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