Music Program
Band Ensembles
The instrumental music program in District 27 begins in the 4th grade; however, students have the opportunity to begin instrumental music study at the beginning of any subsequent year regardless of their grade in school. In May each year, third grade students listen to demonstrations and try the instruments taught in the program. Individual appointments afford teachers, parents, and students the opportunity to discuss student preferences and suitability for a certain instrument. Once a decision is reached regarding choice of instrument, parents are given information on how to rent or purchase an instrument. Lessons begin at the start of the next school year.
Instrumental music study is a graded, curricular class beginning in 5th grade. There are two major components to music study: (1) large ensemble rehearsals, and (2) small group lessons. Students are assessed each quarter of study based upon their attendance, effort, and improvement. Jazz Band (at Wood Oaks Jr. High) is the only co-curricular, non-graded ensemble in the instrumental music program.
Symphonic Band is directed by Mr. Gordon, and is comprised of intermediate wind and percussion players (6th-8th grades) at Wood Oaks Jr. High. The Symphonic Band rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays during 5th period from 11:16 -11:51 a.m.. The Symphonic Band performs nearly every month, both in and out of school, throughout the school year.
Wind Ensemble is composed of the most advanced wind and percussion players at Wood Oaks Jr. High and is conducted by Mr. Gordon. Wind Ensemble offers students an opportunity to play advanced literature with peers who are similarly dedicated to the making of music. In addition to concert performances, the Wind Ensemble occasionally combines with the orchestra to play music written for full symphony orchestra. Wind Ensemble meets on Monday and Wednesday during 6th period (11:54 a.m. -12:29 p.m.) and Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15-8:09 a.m.. Wind Ensemble members are also required to attend occasional morning and after school sectional rehearsals, and maintain a rigorous performing schedule.
Jazz Band is open to students by audition and meets once a week on Fridays from 7:15-8:09 a.m. beginning in September. Conducted by Mr. Gordon, the Jazz Band performs many times throughout the school year on concerts, at festivals, and at assemblies and sports events.
Group Lessons
All students receive a weekly group lesson during the school day. Lesson times for all students occur on a rotating basis at a different time every week. Students are expected to keep track of the time during the day and arrive at their lesson on time without prompting.
At Wood Oaks, group lessons last the entire 42-minute school period. Students are expected to go to their regularly scheduled class and check-in with their teacher before heading to their lesson. Students will be dismissed from their lesson in time for their next class. Students are responsible for work missed from their regularly scheduled class.
Orchestra Ensembles
Wood Oaks Orchestra is composed of all string instrument players (6th-8th grades) at Wood Oaks Junior High School. The Wood Oaks Orchestra rehearses twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays during 6th period from 11:54 a.m. - 12:29 p.m.. The Wood Oaks Orchestra performs for many events both in and outside of school throughout the school year.
Chamber Strings is a group of volunteer string instrumentalists from throughout District 27. Chamber Strings offers the district’s most advanced players an opportunity to play advanced literature with peers who are similarly dedicated to the making of fine music. In addition to performing in the Wood Oaks Orchestra, the Chamber Strings will combine with the Wind Ensemble to play music written for full symphony orchestra. Chamber Strings meets on Wednesday mornings from 7:15 - 8:09 a.m.. Students are expected to arrive by 7:15 a.m..
Choral Ensembles
Wood Oaks Chorus meets twice a week during 5th period: 1 small group rehearsal and 1 full group rehearsal. This class gives students a chance to explore vocal music while developing musicianship and learning the fundamentals of music. Students will learn how to read music, match pitch and sing using their head voice, sing in unison, two-part, and three-part harmony. Students are required to perform in 4 outside performances during the school year.
Honor Choir meets Mondays 7:30 - 8:09. Honor Choir is an auditioned group of 6h, 7th, and 8th grade singers from the regular chorus. This group is a mix of the best singers, the best music readers (sight reading) and those who have an “ear” for music. It is truly an HONOR to be a part of this group. Honor choir members are expected to go above and beyond that of a regular chorus member at Wood Oaks. This group has outside opportunities including ILMEA Jr. Honor Choir Festival and Solo & Ensemble.
Musical
This extracurricular opportunity is open to all students at Wood Oaks Jr. High. Students can audition to have a role on stage or students can sign up to be a part of the tech crew. This year’s musical will be April 23-25. Auditions will occur in January and rehearsals will be after school from January - April.