Arts

Band

The Irish Knight Band Tradition:

The Irish Knight Band (IKB) has been a part of Notre Dame High School tradition since 1947. Since that time the band has earned a stellar reputation for its standard of excellence. The award-winning Irish Knight Band has performed in numerous band review competitions throughout Southern California.

NDHS Band Program

• The grade in band classes is derived from periodic evaluations of student progress in areas of performance which include technical proficiency, historical and theoretical knowledge as well as participation in all rehearsals and performances. 
• Students are expected to attend at least one evening practice a week. The practice is usually on a Wednesday or a Thursday evening as determined on the school calendar. 
• In addition to the evening rehearsals, students are expected to participate in all scheduled weekend activities. These may include rehearsals, concerts, festivals, parades and performances at certain athletic events. These events will be published in the school calendar and the band newsletter. 
• All students, both new and returning, must participate in Band Camp which takes place in August two weeks prior to the start of classes in the fall. 
• Three consecutive years of participation in marching band/dance-flag classes will satisfy the ND physical education requirement. 

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News from the IKB

Band Represents ND throughout Southern California
In addition to appearances at all ND varsity football games, our band has been busy representing ND in band reviews and parades on Saturday mornings. In October and November the Irish Knight Band appeared in the Loara Band Review in Anaheim, the Riverside King Band Review, and the Arcadia Festival of Bands. The IKB once again performed well this season, receiving First Place at Loara, and Fifth Place at Riverside King. Drum Major Nick Weber also received a Second Place finish in the Open Mace division at Riverside King. Congratulations to all the members of the Irish Knight Band and Dance Guard for their wonderful performances and for representing Notre Dame in front of thousands of spectators at these events.
Color Guard Competes
Marching alongside the band at football games, parades, and band reviews, the Notre Dame Dance Guard has had a successful Fall season, winning Third Place at Loara, Fourth Place at Riverside King and an amazing Fifth Place performance at Arcadia. Thanks to the coaching of Head Dance Guard Instructor Leticia Alcuran and Assistant Instructor Danny DeLuna, and the dedication of the Dance Guard Team, the Dance Guard will use their momentum from the marching season to improve upon their successful Winter Guard season from last year. Winter Guard competitions begin on February 8 and run through WGASC Championships on April 18. Congratulations Dance Guard on a great fall and good luck in the spring.
Irish Knight Band Marches at Disneyland
On Sunday, January 18, the band will march down at Disney as part of the Disneyland Community Arts Showcase. The location (Disneyland or California Adventure) and performance time has not been announced, but this is a great opportunity to visit one of the great Disney parks and see our IKB perform. Venue and performance times will be announced in mid-December. Please check the band calendar on our website for updated details.
Arts Night at Notre Dame
On Thursday, January 30, the Notre Dame Visual and Performing Arts Department will host the third annual Arts Night right here at Notre Dame. The Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Dance Guard will have several short performances as part of the walking tours along with the choir, theater, photography, and visual art students. Please join us as we celebrate our students’ skills and talent. Tours will begin at 6 p.m. and run through 8 p.m.
Bandcake Breakfast and Family Mass
Mark your calendars for the Band Booster's traditional Bandcake Breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, February 2. The event begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m.  Tickets for Bandcake will be available soon from all band families, and ticket admission includes performances by the Notre Dame Jazz Band. You will also have the opportunity to bid on some great gifts at a silent auction during the event. 
The Holy Cross Family Mass will also be on Sunday, February 2, and will begin at 9 a.m. in the Notre Dame Gym. Please attend our Mass, bid on silent auction items after Mass, and enjoy breakfast and jazz band performances. What a great way to start your Super Bowl Sunday.  More information will be available after the Christmas break. This is your opportunity to show your appreciation and support for our band.

Saturday Band Program
Notre Dame’s Saturday Band Concert is quickly approaching on December 21. The concert for the Beginning and Squires Band will be at 10 a.m. in the ND Gym.
For 35 years Notre Dame High School has sponsored a band program for grammar school students, grades 4-8. Students learn to play a band instrument in a one hour class lesson each week. Two classes are offered, one for beginning students and one for students who already play an instrument. The cost of the class lesson is $20 per month per student. There are two concerts a year, one at the end of each semester. Classes for the Spring Semester will begin on January 12.  For more information, contact the Band Center at (818) 933-3672.
Beginning Band is for students who want to learn to play an instrument. At this point in the year it is too late to accept new members in the Beginning Band class, but you can always plan ahead for next year when the class rotation begins in September. An instrument rental program is available. The class meets every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Notre Dame. 
Squires Bandis for students who already know how to play. New students should bring instruments and report prior to 9 a.m. to fill out registration forms. The class meets every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Notre Dame. 

Saturday Band Program for Grades 4-8

For 40 years Notre Dame High School has sponsored a band program for elementary school students in grades 4-8. Separate classes are held each week for beginners and more advanced musicians (Squires Band) at a modest cost of only $20 a month. Two concerts are held each year, one at the end of each semester Classes for beginners are full but you are welcome to contact us and get on our mailing list for fall. Or you may stop by on Saturdays at 10 a.m. in the Band Center to receive more information from an instructor about the program.

Squires Band courses for Spring semester have already begun. If you know of any musicians who would like to join the Squires Band, have them bring their instruments and report prior to 9 a.m. to fill out a registration form. The class meets every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. More information is available from the Band Center at (818) 933-3672.

Courses Offered

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  • Band I Percussion

    This is a percussion class for students with beginner to intermediate percussion skills. Students will be auditioned/interviewed in the spring for placement in Band I or Band IV percussion classes. Students are expected to continue in the band program at Notre Dame and will participate as part of the marching band pageantry unit. Students need not be able to read music.

    Prerequisites/Comments - Students 9-11. Entering 9th-grade students may enroll and will be called for an audition. 10th and 11th grade students need the consent of the instructor to enroll. Instruments are provided by the school.  (UC “f” VPA) 

  • Band I Winds

    This is a beginning winds class. Students will learn to play a wind instrument. Students taking Band I are part of the band program at Notre Dame and will participate as part of the marching band pageantry unit. 

    Prerequisites/Comments -     Student 9-11 who whish to learn a wind instrument. 10th and 11th grade students need the consent of the instructor to enroll. An instrument is provided by the school. Should a student wish to learn an instrument not available from the school, he/she will have to provide it. (UC “f” VPA) 

  • Band II (Concert Band)

    This is a class for students of intermediate ability with previous training and experience on their instrument. Concert Band will join with the Wind Ensemble to form the Symphonic Band. Members of Band II will perform as part of the Marching Band. 

    Prerequisites/Comments - All students who meet the proficiency requirements may enroll in this course. Consent of the instructor is required. This course may be repeated for credit. (UC “f” VPA) 

  • Band III (Wind Ensemble)

    This is a class for students who demonstrate the ability to prepare and perform more advanced music literature. Students may be required to prepare solo or ensemble compositions outside of class. Members of Band III will perform as part of the combined Symphonic Band and the Marching Band. 

    Prerequisites/Comments - Demonstrated proficiency in the instruments to study and perform advanced composition pieces. Consent of the instructor is required. This course may be repeated for credit. (UC “f” VPA) 

  • Percussion Ensemble

    Percussion students with demonstrated skill proficiency may enroll in Band IV. The course will emphasize percussion performance skill development. Students will form the marching percussion section, provide percussion for the concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, and basketball spirit band, as well as perform in concert percussion ensembles. 

    Prerequisites/Comments -     Consent of the Band Director or the Percussion Instructor is required. The class size may be limited. Entering 9th-grade students should enroll in Percussion I and must audition for Percussion ensemble. This course may be repeated for credit. (UC “f” VPA) 

  • Jazz Band Independent Study

    This is a performance-oriented class designed to allow members to meet together for the purposes of study and rehearsal. The class meets during x-periods not scheduled for other school activities. Preparation of music outside of class is expected. Performances may be scheduled outside of the school day and are a required part of the class. 

    Prerequisites/Comments -     Written consent of the instructor is required. A letter grade will be given that counts toward the cumulative GPA and Honor Roll. (UC “f” VPA) 

Faculty

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A College Preparatory School of Excellence

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Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: (818) 933-3600
Fax: (818) 501-0507
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