ENSEMBLES
ConCERT BAND
Concert Band is designed for students in their third year of playing or students who are technically proficient to perform with this group. This group is composed mainly of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Students in this group are active participants in city and state band competitions, solo contests and ensemble contests, as well participating in other musically related functions with other schools. The Saucedo Concert Band has garnered 16 superior ratings (7 of those with honors) since its first competition in 2005. Students in this group perform an average music difficulty level of Grade 3½ (out of 6).
Intermediate BAND
Intermediate Band is designed for students in their second year of playing their instrument, as well as students who are not yet ready for the challenges of concert band. If given prior approval from Mr. Ayento, an intermediate band student may also participate in concert band and will be evaluated to see if the student is keeping up. The average grade difficulty of music performed in intermediate band is Grade 1½ (out of 6).
BEGINNING BAND
The beginning band program is designed for students who wish to learn how to play a band instrument. Students do not need to know how to play a particular instrument in order to participate in this program. This group is typically comprised of 4th and 5th graders and meets either once or twice a week throughout the school year. Students in concert band who wish to learn a secondary instrument are also placed in beginning band,
however, approval for secondary instrument instruction must
be given by Mr. Ayento.
LATIN BIG BAND
Occasionally, if we have the proper instrumentation, we also have a Latin Big Band or Latin Jazz Ensemble. This group is reserved for the highest caliber of musicians and is the most demanding of the students technically and rhythmically. The Saucedo Latin Big Band as has had the privilege of being chosen to perform at the world renown Chicago Jazz Festival
in Millennium Park in 2012, 2014 and 2019.
The average difficultly of music is Grade 4 (out of 6).