Instrumental

Over the past few years, the Archbishop Mitty High School Music program has exploded. The number of students participating in the instrumental program has more than doubled, and three new groups have been started as a result of that growth. The program continues to grow, as new music classes are being planned for the 2007-2008 school year. Our students participate in numerous musical activities, both here and around the area, including the San Jose Youth Symphony, California Youth Symphony, West Valley Youth Symphony, and Children's Musical Theater San Jose. Whether you are a string player, a wind player, or a percussionist, there is something for you at Archbishop Mitty. Here is a sampling of what's available right now.

Orchestra

Orchestra is a class designed for AMHS students who specialize in playing strings. The class focuses on major orchestral works by the great classical composers - Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms to name a few. Instrumentation includes violin, viola, cello, and bass. This year, the orchestra will be performing both new and old concert works. Last Spring, the orchestra performed Brahms’ 4th Symphony in E minor. The tradition of performing a major work every year will continue with the performance of a major work at the Spring Concert. Performances will also include the Fall Instrumental Concert, the Christmas Concert, the Winter Concert, and performances at festivals around the area.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is the place to be if you are interested in the study of jazz and all of its branches. Jazz Band meets four mornings a week, and focuses on big band charts. This is a competitive group, which regularly participates in the San Jose, Hayward, and Santa Cruz jazz festivals. This year, the group is planning a trip to the Fullerton Jazz Festival. This Fall, the Band will perform at Java and Jazz concert (October 4, 7:30 PM), where individuals from the group will perform solos while the audience enjoys some java and dessert. The Jazz Band also does an outdoor concert each spring called Jazz on the Green (May 3 4:00 PM). Audition Required.

Wind Ensemble

This Wind Ensemble is a class designed for AMHS students who specialize in wind instruments. The class focuses on contemporary works scored for flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet, trombone, french horn, tuba, and percussion. Last Spring, the wind ensemble and the orchestra performed Brahms’ 4th Symphony in E minor. The tradition of performing a major work every year will continue with the performance of a major work at the Spring Concert. Performances will also include the Fall Instrumental Concert, the Christmas Concert, the Winter Concert, and performances at festivals around the area. Audition Required.

Concert Band

Concert Band is a class open to all students interested in being in the music program. This group performs at concerts on campus and local festivals. Concert repertoire focuses on large ensemble music, and instrumentation is open to all wind instruments, as well as percussion. No Audition Required.

The Archbishop Mitty Pep Band

The Concert Band and Wind Ensemble come together to form the AMHS Pep Band which performs at football games. Look for this powerful group performing at the AMPA Tailgate on August 31 when the Monarchs take on Pioneer. Also look for the group at all home football games as well.