Music Ensembles & Class Descriptions: 

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the premier concert band at Moorpark High and meets during period 1. Musicians are placed by audition and most to all are currently studying privately.  This concert band plays works of many styles within the concert band repertoire that is consistently at a college to professional level of difficulty.  This band performs many times throughout the year including school concerts, adjudicated festivals, special trips, or for recruitment.  Clinicians will come throughout the year to work with the Wind Ensemble, and they will also be the selected ensemble to perform alongside any visiting university or professional/semi professional groups. 

Wind Symphony 

The Wind Symphony is the second concert band at Moorpark High and meets during period 2.  Musicians are placed by audition and many are currently studying privately.  This concert band plays works of many styles within the concert band repertoire that is consistently at a moderate to high level of difficulty  This band performs many times throughout the year including school concerts, adjudicated festivals, or special trips.  Clinicians will come throughout the year to work with the Wind Symphony. 

String Orchestra 

The 2009-2010 school year marks the debut year of the Moorpark High School String Orchestra and we are extremely excited to see our music program develop in this direction.  Students who play a stringed instrument such as violin, viola, cello, or string bass can take part in this class and study works of all styles but in particular, the classical genre.  The String Orchestra will take part in school concerts, adjudicated festivals, and special trips as well as recruiting events.  Clinicians and special guests will frequently come by to assist the group as we grow.  Eventually the string program will mirror the concert band program in class offerings and the experience of playing in a symphony orchestra will be available to MHS students.

Marching Band 

The Moorpark Marching Musketeers is the hardest working group in the Moorpark High music program. They compete or perform in Parade and Field competitions all over Southern California.  The Corps, consisting of the Band, Drumline and Colorguard provide an opportunity for growth and enrichment through very high work ethic. The marching band encourages each student to work toward his/her fullest potential by challenging the members intellectually, physically, and creatively, on and off the field. Membership in an organization such as the MHS Marching Musketeers, is a remarkable opportunity to both work as a team and gain individual recognition.  Students experience leadership, learn discipline, cooperation and responsibility, while engaging in a creative and fun activity. Marching Band is a unique way to blend musicianship, visual achievement and excellent show design to create an entertaining show on the field or musical experience on the street.  Check the website for information on our annual Moorpark High Battle of the Bands Field Show Tournament in November of this year. 

 

Colorguard 

The color guard is most well known for their contribution to the marching band in the fall. Using rifles, sabers, props, a wide assortment of flags, and artistic dancing, the guard provides a fantastic visual effect to the show. During the winter and spring, the colorguard competes as their own separate unit.   Membership into the guard is by audition only and is open to all MHS students.   Colorguard is coached by Joshua DeGuzman. 

Winter/Spring Drumline 

In the fall, the drumline performs alongside the marching band.  Instrumentation includes the battery – snare, tenor, and bass, and the front ensemble, or “pit” – mallets, effects, and virtually everything percussive or melodic that you cannot march with.  In the winter, the drumline becomes its own separate entity, and competes at several competitions throughout Southern California.  The drumline is coached by Bill and Dawn Garcia. Membership into this group is by audition only and is open to all MHS students.

Jazz Bands  There are currently 3 jazz bands in the Moorpark High music program.  Jazz A has historically performed and competed in the heavy division at jazz festivals and has performed alongside some of the greatest jazz musicians around.  Jazz B is directed by Mike Gangemi, and Jazz C is directed by Daniel Cook.  All of the jazz ensembles perform regularly at school and local community concerts, and fundraisers, but they also compete at local and some out of state festivals including the Reno Jazz Festival (2010).  This year, the Jazz Bands will be host to tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer and the USC jazz band, as well as other renown clinicians, musicians, and composers throughout the year.  Check the website for information about the second annual Moorpark High Jazz Festival on May 1, 2010. 

Corps Leadership Council (CLC)
The Corps Leadership Council is a group of students that are talented, driven and extremely dedicated to the program.  Each member of the CLC is an inspiring member of the program that others look up to for guidance and direction.  They volunteer hundreds of hours each year to help the program and the students that are a part of be organized aiding in success.  These students aide the staff as well as boosters alike on many fronts.  CLC students represent their respective sections or ensembles while making decisions for the good of the program.  CLC applicants must write an essay, submit GPA, interview, and attend leadership classes.