Instrumental Ensembles

The instrumental band program at Freedom Academy Charter School is in its second year of existence. Our numbers have increased from 22 students to over 50 students; which has caused us to create another ensemble. Our ensembles each meet twice a week, and have a pull-out lesson system where students meet with the director to work specifically on their instrument. This system is performed on a rotating schedule so students won’t miss the same class two weeks in a row. Students grades and conduct are monitored throughout the year to make sure that they are earning the privilege of being apart of our program. Because of the hard work and dedication of our members, the Arts are Truly Fine at Freedom Academy.

Concert Band:

• The Concert Band Program is for students that are interested in playing a musical instrument for the first time. This is also a great program for students who feel they need to brush up on their basic musical skills. This extra-curricular activity is held on Mondays and Wednesdays every week. Students will learn the basics of their particular instruments; including how to produce sound, how to read notation and rhythm, and how to perform at different tempo markings, dynamic levels and articulation styles. This ensemble performs once per year at our Spring Concert in May. If students perform above and beyond the standard that is set, they may be asked to join our Wind Ensemble, which is geared towards the more advanced students of our program.

Wind Ensemble:

• The Wind Ensemble Program is for students that have played an instrument for at least one year. This program fine tunes the skills that the musicians have learned from previous years. Students perform more challenging music that enhances their range of notes and rhythms, tempi, quality of sound, and interpretation skills. This extra-curricular activity is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. Students from this ensemble have also been known to act as teacher aids in the Concert Band, helping these students to seek the level of musicianship that we here at Freedom Academy strived to reach. This ensemble performs once per year at our Spring Concert in May. This program has also performed in other settings throughout the school year, including end of the quarter awards ceremonies and being asked to perform at various benefits throughout the community.

The journey that we are on is to a place called Perfection. We will never reach our destination. However, on our way to trying to reach it, WE WILL ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE!

Long-Term Goals for the Instrumental Ensembles:

• Create a Jazz Ensemble to meet once per week.

• Take field trips to observe different ensembles from High School Level to College Level.

• Perform at Festivals to be critiqued and measured with other schools.

If you are interested in more information about our Instrumental Ensembles, including membership, teaching techniques, or how to obtain an instrument to participate, please contact Mr. Brown at (609) 417-4804.