AISL Band Information
The Middle school and High school music program at AISL seeks to encourage the talents and interests of the majority of students in grades 5-9. The band program alone draws participation from over 140 students! A large elective choir meets as an after school activity, and experienced string players transferring from outside programs are welcome to join the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, where they will be incorporated into this high level performing group.
Students are challenged to reach a personal performance level equal to that of the best musicians in the international community by auditioning for performing groups sponsored by the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS). The International Honor Band and Choir festivals are held at venues worldwide, and feature the best young musicians in the international community. AISL consistently places students in these prestigious ensembles.
Our band program begins at 5th grade, but students are welcome to join the program as beginners at any level. Besides the 5th grade Beginning Band, AISL offers 6th grade Intermediate Band, and two bands at the 7-9th grade level. The Concert Band is open to anyone who plays an instrument at an intermediate level, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble is an audition-only group for advanced players.
All bands and the choir study a variety of significant musical literature from both Western and World Music traditions. Western historical musical periods are studied in depth through music performance and discussions of relevant history associated with each genre. Besides transcriptions of orchestral works, the bands will play traditional marches, jazz genres, original band compositions by contemporary composers, and music featured in musicals and movies. Musical instruments and literature from African, Asian, Middle Eastern, North and South American, and Sub-continental traditions will be explored, in the original choral languages where possible. Students progressing through our performance program will be well prepared to enter IB or AP level courses at the high school level.
We at AISL believe that musical training and performance are an integral part of a young person’s complete educational experience. In American curriculum tradition, AISL proves its devotion to this ideal by scheduling a daily rehearsal time for each group at the 7-9th grade level, and a three-day a week rotation for 5th and 6th grades. This American International School dedication to music is unique in school curricula worldwide, and it is a distinction that we at AISL are proud to continue!