Faculty
Mr. Joseph Martin, Band Director
Mr. Gregory Milewski, Band Assistant
See Course Flowchart here.
Marching Band / Symphony Band (This is an all-year course.)
9 10 11 12
Any student who has played an instrument for at least one year can participate. There is a mandatory band camp July 30th to August 3rd from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Notre Dame Prep. A $100 band fee will apply. In the Marching Band, concentrated instruction is given in the fundamental aspects of music performance while marching in formations. Participation at all scheduled performances is required, i.e. all home football games, marching invitational, Open House, Parades, etc. At the end of the marching season this class becomes the Symphony Band and performs on the Christmas Concert. The central focus is directed to the knowledge, preparation and performance of the finest band literature of all styles and periods.
Participation at all scheduled performances is required, i.e. Band Festival, Spring Concert, etc. The NDP Bands have performed in many parades such as the Rochester Christmas Parade, the Pontiac Christmas Parade, the Michigan Mackinaw Memorial Day Parade, the Magic Kingdom Parade in Orlando, Florida, and in the 2004 New Years Day Parade in London, England, and at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii on July 4th, 2016. The Marching Band will be performing in Orlando, Florida from February 16 to February 23, 2019. Contact Mr. Martin for more information.
Honors Jazz Ensemble (This is an all-year course.)
9 10 11 12
Registration for this class requires approval of the director.
This is a performance class, which requires a high level of sight-reading. We play a great variety of music at many performances in and out of school. Concentrated instruction is given in the fundamental aspects of interpretation and performance of a variety of styles, theory of chords and scales leading to creative improvisation. Participation at all scheduled performances is required, i.e. school functions, private functions, Christmas parties, fundraisers, Big Band Dinner Dance, etc.
(ONLY OFFERED AFTER SCHOOL AS 9th PERIOD)
Intro to Instrumental Music 1 (This is a one semester course) Fall
9 10 11 12
This course is designed to teach students how to play an instrument. This is not a performance-based course. The idea of this course is to teach students how to play an instrument of their choice. Instrument choices are Guitar, Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba. Students need to provide their own instruments.
This one-semester course fulfills the .5 art credit required for graduation.
This course cannot be repeated for credit.
Electronic Music Exploration (This is a one semester course) Spring
9 10 11 12
This course is designed to teach students how to create music using modern electronics, i.e. iPad, iPod, iPhone, computers, synthesizers, wind controllers or any electronic device that makes noise or music. This is a creation-based course. Students will explore how to organize noise to create music. No experience is necessary.
This course focuses on:
Playing different types of electronic instruments
How to interface the instruments
The basics of audio mixers
The basics of recording
The basics of sequencing
The basics of producing
How to distribute the student's music
Beginning Band (This class meets every other day for a full year)
6
This course is designed to teach students how to play an instrument. Instrument choices are Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba or Percussion. Students need to provide their own instruments.
This course focuses on: How to assemble your instrument. How to care for your instrument.
The proper techniques to produce a good sound. How to read music, How to play basic songs.
Basic music theory and history.
Intermediate Band (This class meets every day) One semester or Full Year
7, 8
Any student who has played a band instrument for at least one year can participate. The central focus is directed to the knowledge, preparation and performance of the finest band literature of all styles and periods. Participation at all scheduled performances is required, i.e.
Irish Concert, Spring Concert, etc.
Advanced Band (This class meets every day for a full year)
7, 8
Any student who has played a band instrument for at least two years can participate. The central focus is directed to the knowledge, preparation and performance of the finest band literature of all styles and periods. Participation at all scheduled performances is required, i.e.
Festivals, Irish and Spring Concerts, etc.
Honors Credit
Honors credit is given to any band student who can play from memory the proficiency 1 and 2 requirements of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. This consists of scales and the basic music theory test. Participation at Solo and Ensemble Festival is required. A list of these requirements can be found at www.ndpma.org/band.