Music - Seattle Academy

Music - Seattle Academy
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Music
Music at SAAS offers something for everyone. Students can explore Band, String Ensemble, Vocal groups, and Music Production, with opportunities that grow alongside their skills and interests.
In Middle School, options include trimester-long classes in Vocal Music and Music Production, year-long Band classes in 6th–8th grades, and a mixed-grade String Ensemble club that meets weekly.
In the Upper School, students can choose from Band, Vocal groups (Choir and Jazz), String Ensemble, Music Production, and a Beginning Music Appreciation class. Participation in the fall musical also fulfills the music graduation requirement.
For those ready to take their music further, the Upper School offers audition-based tracks in Band, Vocal, and Music Production. Students can audition for Jazz Band I & II, three levels of Vocal Jazz Choir, or submit a portfolio for placement in Music Production. These pathways give committed musicians the chance to deepen their skills, expand their repertoire, and perform at a higher level.
Middle School
Upper School
In Middle School, music education is all about exploration and foundation-building. Students are introduced to a variety of forms and techniques, helping them develop musical literacy and a strong sense of personal expression.
Vocal Music and Music Production:
Trimester-based electives that introduce students to group singing, rhythm, sound layering, and digital music-making.
Band:
A yearlong course available in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, giving students the chance to build instrumental skills, perform in an ensemble, and grow as musicians over time.
String Ensemble:
A mixed-grade club that meets weekly, open to students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass and want to collaborate across grades.
As students progress into Upper School, they have a broad menu of opportunities to deepen their skills, join more advanced ensembles, and take ownership of their creative growth:
Band:
Open to all students, with audition-based placement in Jazz Band I & II for those seeking a higher-level challenge.
Vocal Music:
Includes general vocal classes as well as three levels of Vocal Jazz Choir, each by audition, where students explore harmony, improvisation, and expressive stage presence.
String Ensemble:
Continues as a performance-based elective for string musicians.
Music Production:
Students dive into composing, mixing, and producing music using digital tools. Levels are determined by portfolio review to ensure a good fit and progression.
Beginning Music Appreciation:
An entry point for students new to formal music education who want to understand genres, structures, and music history.
Fall Musical:
Students can also fulfill their music graduation requirement by participating in the school’s annual fall musical, a collaborative production that integrates performance, stagecraft, and community.
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Calendar RSS Feeds
Apr
23
2026
Reno Jazz Festival
all day
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about Reno Jazz Festival
Apr
23
2026
Courtyard Concert - Aleah Bruce
11
:
00
AM
-
11
:
30
AM
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about Courtyard Concert - Aleah Bruce
Apr
23
2026
Onions California Trip Departs
3
:
15
PM
-
4
:
15
PM
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about Onions California Trip Departs
Apr
24
2026
Reno Jazz Festival
all day
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about Reno Jazz Festival
Apr
25
2026
Reno Jazz Festival
all day
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about Reno Jazz Festival
Apr
27
2026
Onions California Trip Returns
4
:
00
PM
-
5
:
00
PM
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about Onions California Trip Returns
May
3
2026
Sharing the Stage Rehearsal
3
:
00
PM
-
5
:
30
PM
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about Sharing the Stage Rehearsal
May
14
2026
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands and 7th and 8th Grade Vocal Concert
7
:
00
PM
-
9
:
00
PM
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about 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands and 7th and 8th Grade Vocal Concert
May
15
2026
Jazz Choir II and III Concert
7
:
00
PM
-
9
:
00
PM
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about Jazz Choir II and III Concert
May
19
2026
8th Grade Band and Jazz Band II Concert
7
:
00
PM
-
9
:
00
PM
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about 8th Grade Band and Jazz Band II Concert
May
26
2026
US Jazz Ensemble 1 Celebration
7
:
00
PM
-
9
:
00
PM
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about US Jazz Ensemble 1 Celebration
May
29
2026
Jazz Choir I (The Onions) Concert
7
:
00
PM
-
9
:
00
PM
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about Jazz Choir I (The Onions) Concert
May
30
2026
Jazz Choir I (The Onions) Concert
2
:
00
PM
-
4
:
00
PM
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about Jazz Choir I (The Onions) Concert
May
30
2026
Jazz Choir I (The Onions) Concert
7
:
00
PM
-
9
:
00
PM
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about Jazz Choir I (The Onions) Concert
Nov
16
2026
Middle and Upper School String Ensembles Performance
3
:
30
PM
-
5
:
00
PM
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about Middle and Upper School String Ensembles Performance