Fisher Music Program
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
-Plato
Fisher is proud to offer 13 different music ensembles for our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Nearly 1/3 of all Fisher students are in at least one Fisher ensemble, learning how to play, perform, and appreciate beautiful music! To learn more about the ensembles, click on the category you are interested in:
For the full K-12 music pathways, please visit here. If you have questions, please reach out to the appropriate faculty member.
Bands
At Fisher, we are excited to offer four levels of band performance groups: Beginning Band, Trojan Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. Band instruments are; flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, baritone, tuba, and percussion (percussion students will play both bells and snare drum). Piano and guitar are not options for band, but we encourage piano and guitar players to pick a band instrument and join.
Beginning Band
This class is for any student interested in learning to play a band instrument without previous experience on the instrument or with reading music. This class is appropriate for anyone switching instruments or those new to band altogether. This group performs at several concerts and attends fun events.
Trojan Band
This class is a continuation of the LGUSD 5th grade band program, and is open to any student (grades 6-8) that has completed a beginning level band program or lessons. Students should be comfortable reading and playing the first 8 notes on their instrument. This group performs at several concerts and attends fun events.
Concert Band
This is our intermediate level band class. To be in Concert Band, students must either complete the Trojan Band Class OR audition into Concert Band (in spring). You may want to audition for this class if: you have been taking private lessons, you can easily read and play all your 5th grade music, or you can play 1-2 major scales and a chromatic scale on your instrument.
Symphonic Band
This class is for students who have had prior experience playing in a band class, take private lessons, or have an advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students should be able to play 4 major scales and a chromatic scale on their instrument. Percussionists should be proficient on mallets and snare. Advanced players should be able to play 2 extended range scales. An enthusiastic attitude and a great work ethic are a must! This class will perform at an advanced level. Auditions or teacher approval occur in the spring.
Choirs
At Fisher, we are excited to offer three choirs in addition to our Flex choral program. Read below for the descriptions of each choir.
Treble Choir
The Treble Choir is offered to any 6th-8th grade student interested in developing their Soprano/Alto. This class offers many performance and enrichment opportunities. The choir will focus on being well-rounded and dynamic by singing a variety of musical styles.
Cambiata Choir
The Cambiata Choir is offered to any 6th-8th grade student developing their Cambiata/Tenor/Bass voice. This class offers many performance and enrichment opportunities. The choir will focus on being well-rounded and dynamic by singing a variety of musical styles.
Bel Canto Choir
Bel Canto is an intermediate/advanced Soprano/Alto choir open to 6th-8th graders. These classes are for students with prior experience singing in a choral ensemble, take private voice, or are active in musical theatre productions. This choir will perform at an advanced level. An enthusiastic attitude and a great work ethic are a must!
Orchestras
Fisher is proud to offer three levels of orchestras: Trojan Strings, for those continuing from 5th grade strings, Intermediate Orchestra, and Advanced Orchestra. In addition, we offer Chamber Orchestra during Fisher's Flex period.
Trojan Strings
This course is open to 6-8th graders with basic music reading skills and
string instrument knowledge. It is a good fit for students who completed 5th grade strings and feel confident in basic concepts and beginning note reading skills. We will teach string techniques including characteristic tone quality, rhythmic studies, bowing development, and much more. Emphasis will be on developing skills to prepare the student for Intermediate Strings. Students will perform at least twice per year.
Intermediate Orchestra
This class is designed for students who have completed the Trojan
Strings class and/or have taken private lessons for least 1-2 years. Students will learn vibrato, tremolo, circle of 5ths, and complex rhythms/bow technique. A wide variety of music will be explored, as well as theory, music history, and ear training. Auditions for this group will be held in the spring and students will perform at least twice per year.
Advanced Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra is designed for students who have completed Intermediate Orchestra or have taken private lessons for 2-3 years. This class continues to build on musical concepts introduced earlier, but with more complexity and intricacy. A wide variety of music will be explored, as well as theory, music history and ear training. Students will take their musical understanding and perform at least three times per year. Auditions for Advanced orchestra are held in the spring.
Flex Ensembles
Flex Ensembles provide additional opportunities for our students to explore their musical talents, interests and education. We offer three Ensembles that meet during the Flex period at Fisher. Auditions and/or invitations for these groups are typically at the end of September. Please speak with a music faculty member for more information.
Jazz Band
This Ensemble is open by application and audition to 7th and 8th grade students who are enrolled in any of the Fisher Music Ensembles. Students must be proficient in major, minor, and blues scales in two keys, as well as 1.5 octave chromatic scale. A short selection of jazz music in both swing and non-swing styles (provided by teacher) is required for auditions. The Fisher Jazz Band performs at local Los Gatos events, LGUSD elementary schools, Music in the Parks adjudicated music festival, and Swingin’ on the Steps.
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber orchestra membership is by invitation only. Invitations are typically given in September. This ensemble meets during Fisher's Flex period and the group performs at Los Gatos events and Music in the Parks adjudicated music festival.
Encore Choir
Encore is our select choral ensemble that meets during Fisher's Flex period. Auditions are required for this ensemble and will be held in the spring and early fall. Encore is the face of the choral music program and will be featured in many performances outside of the normal school day. This group will focus on traditional and modern music, as well as vocal jazz.