Instrumental Music

This ensemble is the highest level of band at St. John’s. Students may audition by approval of the director. These students not only perform at school and local competitions, they also travel to compete in national and international festivals.

This ensemble is the second-highest level of band at St. John’s. Students may audition for this group by the approval of the director. These students perform at school and local competitions and travel to compete in regional festivals in the spring.

This ensemble is the third level of band at St. John’s. Students in this band must have a level of playing that is beyond the beginning level but not yet ready for the challenges of the upper performing bands. Students in this band learn to improve their skills in order to be placed in the upper bands the following year. Concert Band students also have the opportunity to try other instruments in the brass class and low woodwinds.

This class is offered for new students and students who wish to pursue another instrument of study.

This class is offered for students who are not yet ready for an advanced performance band but who want to improve their overall skills in all levels of percussion, including snare drum, timpani and keyboard percussion. 

Students who are advanced beyond a beginning level may audition for String Ensemble. This group performs at concerts and other school and community events, such as the Mothers' Mass and Tea and Open House.

This class is offered to new students or novice students in their first or second year of study on violin, viola, cello or double bass.

This course is an elective for students who have been in the instrumental or vocal music program for at least two years and plan to study music after graduation. The course teaches the advanced elements of music theory as well as an introduction on producing music in the digital age. Approval from the instructor of their current performance group is required. 

This course focuses on the connection between music and the American culture. By studying the development of American music in a chronological fashion, students will better understand the events of American history and see the development and growth of American culture. Students are required to have successfully completed U.S. History. 

$500–$1,500 / year for four consecutive years

Music scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate notable achievement in instrumental (woodwind, brass, percussion and string) music. Scholarships from $500 to $1,500 are awarded each year, depending on a student’s audition.

Auditions are held in January and may be scheduled online after the application deadline.

Band Auditions

String Auditions

• Questions about Band Auditions? Email Ken Hammann.
• Questions about Strings Auditions? Alessandra Cuffaro.