Band - Seattle Academy
Source: http://www.seattleacademy.org/arts/music/band
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Band - Seattle Academy
The Hub
Band
The SAAS Band Program is built on the belief that music is a powerful and joyful catalyst for personal growth. Open to all Middle and Upper School students, the program offers a year-long opportunity for musical development and creative expression.
With concert band and jazz band as the two areas of focus, students learn from specialist coaches, guest artists, and clinicians who bring professional expertise into the classroom. All Band students perform in two school concerts each year as well as at End-of-Trimester Showcases, while the advanced ensemble travels and competes at regional jazz festivals.
Beyond the classroom, students can join the SAAS Drumline and Pep Band, which bring energy and spirit to major athletic events, including our signature SAAS Pride celebrations in Fall, Winter, and Spring. While most ensembles meet during the school day, some Middle and Upper School combos rehearse outside of class for those seeking even more performance opportunities.
MEET THE Performing Arts FACULTY
PERFORMANCES
SAAS bands perform at prestigious venues, place at competitive festivals, and work with professional mentors throughout the year. Jazz Band I has placed at the Reno Jazz Festival, performed live on air at 88.5 KNKX studios, and performs regularly at the local jazz club The Royal Room. Students regularly work with professional musicians in clinics and perform with them at school concerts.
Middle School
Students in
6th, 7th, and 8th grades
participate in grade-level band classes that meet during the school day. There is also a combined
7th & 8th Grade Jazz Band
. These ensembles build foundational skills and community through shared rehearsal and performance. Additional opportunities include the Drum Line and Pep Band.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Upper School
In Upper School, students can pursue higher-level training and performance through several distinct ensemble experiences:
Jazz Band I & II:
Open to all students, with audition-based placement in Jazz Band I for those ready for a higher level of challenge, commitment, and musicianship.The bands meet during the school day and perform regularly at school events, community concerts, and regional festivals.
Upper School Combos:
Rehearse during non-class times during the week, allowing for deeper collaboration and improvisational development.
Drum Line:
Prepares for high-energy performances at major school gatherings.
SAAS Pep Band:
Combines Middle School students alongside Jazz Band I and II to perform at signature events like SAAS Pride: Fallapalooza and Winter Hoopla.
Upper School Curriculum Guide
Self-Discipline
Musicianship is developed through coursework that teaches the self-discipline of practice and performance that leads to excellence.
Empathy
Musicianship is developed through coursework that teaches the empathy needed for music-making, both in individual interpretation and for playing in an ensemble.
Creativity
Musicianship is developed through coursework that teaches the openness, curiosity, and judgment that are essential to creativity.
The Hub
Band
The SAAS Band Program is built on the belief that music is a powerful and joyful catalyst for personal growth. Open to all Middle and Upper School students, the program offers a year-long opportunity for musical development and creative expression.
With concert band and jazz band as the two areas of focus, students learn from specialist coaches, guest artists, and clinicians who bring professional expertise into the classroom. All Band students perform in two school concerts each year as well as at End-of-Trimester Showcases, while the advanced ensemble travels and competes at regional jazz festivals.
Beyond the classroom, students can join the SAAS Drumline and Pep Band, which bring energy and spirit to major athletic events, including our signature SAAS Pride celebrations in Fall, Winter, and Spring. While most ensembles meet during the school day, some Middle and Upper School combos rehearse outside of class for those seeking even more performance opportunities.
MEET THE Performing Arts FACULTY
PERFORMANCES
SAAS bands perform at prestigious venues, place at competitive festivals, and work with professional mentors throughout the year. Jazz Band I has placed at the Reno Jazz Festival, performed live on air at 88.5 KNKX studios, and performs regularly at the local jazz club The Royal Room. Students regularly work with professional musicians in clinics and perform with them at school concerts.
Middle School
Students in
6th, 7th, and 8th grades
participate in grade-level band classes that meet during the school day. There is also a combined
7th & 8th Grade Jazz Band
. These ensembles build foundational skills and community through shared rehearsal and performance. Additional opportunities include the Drum Line and Pep Band.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Upper School
In Upper School, students can pursue higher-level training and performance through several distinct ensemble experiences:
Jazz Band I & II:
Open to all students, with audition-based placement in Jazz Band I for those ready for a higher level of challenge, commitment, and musicianship.The bands meet during the school day and perform regularly at school events, community concerts, and regional festivals.
Upper School Combos:
Rehearse during non-class times during the week, allowing for deeper collaboration and improvisational development.
Drum Line:
Prepares for high-energy performances at major school gatherings.
SAAS Pep Band:
Combines Middle School students alongside Jazz Band I and II to perform at signature events like SAAS Pride: Fallapalooza and Winter Hoopla.
Upper School Curriculum Guide
Self-Discipline
Musicianship is developed through coursework that teaches the self-discipline of practice and performance that leads to excellence.
Empathy
Musicianship is developed through coursework that teaches the empathy needed for music-making, both in individual interpretation and for playing in an ensemble.
Creativity
Musicianship is developed through coursework that teaches the openness, curiosity, and judgment that are essential to creativity.