Mesa Public Schools

Creative and Performing Arts

  • 155 North Center Street
  • Mesa, Arizona 85201-6682
  • Phone (480) 308-7350

MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS BAND PROGRAM
Instruction in Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Instruments

Image of Amy Ruth

Amy Ruth

District Band Specialist

Historic Irving Office (480) 308-7385
22 years teaching experience
Amy Ruth

Amy Ruth is the District Band Specialist for Mesa Public Schools. In her years with MPS she has taught Elementary Band and General Music at several MPS campuses, and currently teaches Band at Longfellow Elementary School. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental Music Education from The University of Alabama, and relocated to Arizona to continue studying Saxophone and Music Education at Arizona State University. When she is not teaching, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and two college-aged daughters, and her best doggie pal Rufus Ruth. [More...]

BAND INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

Learn about joining a school band

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Concert band
Marching band

The MPS band program provides students in grades 4-12 with the opportunity to receive instruction on woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. Highly qualified band teachers provide instruction during the school day as part of the overall music curriculum.

Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students receive 30 minutes of band instruction twice a week.  Junior high and senior high band classes meet every school day.

Instruction is available on the following instruments:

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Bassoon
  • Trumpet
  • French Horn
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium/Baritone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion
Band teachers will help each student choose the instrument that is the best match for him or her.  In some cases, such as bassoon, students may be asked to begin on a different instrument to gain some experience prior to being switched to a more difficult or larger instrument.

Throughout the band course sequence, students will receive a solid foundation in the following musical elements:

  • Rhythm/Meter
  • Pitch, Scales, Rudiments
  • Music Fundamentals
  • Dynamics
  • Articulation
  • Ensemble Skills and Intonation
  • Improvisation and Composition

Many instruments are available to borrow from the school, free of charge.  However, this isn't always possible.  Most music stores have instrument rental programs that we encourage you to look into.

 

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

ELEMENTARY BAND

4th/5th Grade Band

6th Grade Band

JUNIOR HIGH BAND

MU17 Beginning Instrumental Music

MU18 Prep Band

MU19 Intermediate Band

MU20 Cadet Band

MU21 Advanced Band

MU22 Jazz Band

SENIOR HIGH BAND

MU80 Concert Band

MU81 Marching Band

MU82 Percussion

MU83 Varsity Band

MU84 Symphonic Band

MU85 Honors Band

MU86 Jazz Band