Instrumental Music
The instrumental music program offers classes (course descriptions listed below) and private instruction for beginners and advanced students. The annual Mennonite regional orchestra festival provides an opportunity to perform with musicians from other schools.
Instrument rental and recommended supplies can be found through Quinlan and Fabish. Select the instructor's name, then go to rent an instrument or purchase the supplies (maintenance supplies, extra reeds, etc.).
Instrument Rental and Supplies with Quinlan and Fabish
Beginning Instruments (grades 5–6)
All 5th grade students will be enrolled in Beginning Instruments as a required class. Students may choose to participate in either Beginning Orchestra or Beginning Band. Instruments and lesson books will be provided by the school for all 5th grade students.
6th graders will have the opportunity to join Beginning Orchestra or Beginning Band if they wish (instrument rental info will be provided). Students will have the opportunity to try out the instruments and determine which instrument they want to learn during the first few weeks of school. More information on this process will be sent separately.
Instrument choices for Beginning Orchestra include violin, viola, and cello. Instrument choices for Beginning Band include flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion. During the first year, students will learn basic playing technique for their instrument, note reading and rhythm skills, ensemble skills, and general musicianship. Students will participate in two concerts during their first year.
Middle School Band and Middle School Orchestra (grades 6-8)
These ensembles meet during the school day as elective classes and are open to students who have had at least one year of instruction on their instrument. Students will continue to build upon previously learned skills and will participate in 4 concerts during the school year. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in the annual ISSMA Solo and Ensemble and Organizational Contests.
Families can rent instruments from Quinlan and Fabish or from Bethany, but should have their instrument lined up by the first week of school. New students planning to participate in Middle School Band or Orchestra should contact Kevin Miller(jkmiller@bethanycs.net) to can enroll you in the class.
Bruin Jazz Ensemble (grades 9-12)
The jazz ensemble, Bruin Jazz, introduces students to a uniquely American style of music, and meets before school at 7:30am on Tuesdays and Fridays in the band room. This ensemble is open to band and orchestra students, but others can join at the directors discretion. This class has a more casual approach to music from jazz, rock, and pop genres, with a focus on improvisation and solo or small ensemble performance.
High School Orchestra (grades 9-12)
This a performance-based ensemble comprised of strings. Students rehearse and perform various styles and levels of music. The High School Orchestra builds upon the foundations and techniques taught in previous years of either Middle School Orchestra participation and/or private lessons for several years on the individual’s instrument. In the High School Orchestra we explore advanced techniques as well as repertoire and work extensively on ensemble listening across the orchestra. This group has several opportunities to perform both at Bethany and also as part of the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble in early February.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need information about instrument rental or purchase. We would be happy to answer any questions!
We look forward to working with the band and orchestra students!
Brook Bennett, Director of Orchestras
Aaron Johnson, Director of Bands