Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many different music programs are there at PLHS?
There are a number of different musical offerings at Point Loma High School: PLHS Vanguard (marching band), which contains brass and woodwinds, a front ensemble (keyboard percussion, auxiliary percussion and synthesizers) Drumline, and color guard; two concert band ensembles, the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band; a string orchestra; color guard; jazz band; winter drumline; and AP Music Theory. There are also guitar classes, and Vocal Point, Point Loma's Choir. Information for guitar and choir can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Soliz.
Q. Can students just sign up for whatever class(es) they want?
Not necessarily, as there are auditions to get into certain ensembles. It is also important to select the class that matches your student's commitment level. Entrance into the Wind Ensemble is by audition only; the Wind Ensemble is a class for those who are more experienced on their instruments, and students are expected to prepare all of their music outside of class. Students in Wind Ensemble are expected to practice 30-45 minutes daily, and the wind ensemble performs more frequently. For students looking to gain more experience on their traditional wind band instruments before committing to the Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band is a better fit. We do not currently offer a beginning band at PLHS, but that doesn't mean that students who do not currently play an instrument can't be a part of the program. Students who would like to be a part of the program should contact Ms. Mattison for advice on which instrument might be best to learn, and should also enroll in the concert band. There is currently one level of Orchestra, so all string musicians should sign up for the Orchestra. AP Music Theory is a college level course that is geared for serious musicians, and students should prepare for at least 30-60 minutes of homework daily, with some assignments taking up to 2 hours.
Q. How many of the classes are for credit courses?
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, Color Guard and AP Music Theory are year-long courses in which students receive VAPA credit. Marching Band, and Jazz Band are semester long classes. Marching band meets first semester, and students receive PE credit; Jazz Band meets second semester, and students receive VAPA credit. Winter drumline meets during second semester, and is not for credit.
Q. Can my student receive PE credit for participating in band/orchestra?
The only way for students to receive PE credit for music is to participate in Vanguard. Vanguard meets outside of the school day during the first semester only. Rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-6pm. In order for students to receive credit, they MUST attend all marching band rehearsals and performances. Almost every band student participates in Vanguard, and many students in orchestra learn a secondary instrument to participate in Vanguard and receive PE credit.
Q. My student plays guitar/electric bass/drumset, which ensemble would work best?
This depends on a number of factors. For students who play guitar/bass and who are looking for a more traditional guitar/bass experience should elect to take one of our guitar classes. These classes meet all year, and would be the most appropriate venue for these musicians. Contact Mrs. Soliz for more information. If the student is willing to learn how to play in the jazz style, he/she/they should inquire about jazz band, which meets after school during the second semester. Students should sign up for Jazz Band (7th Period) There is also an opportunity to have these students participate in the front ensemble of the marching band, and/or winter drumline. Students interested in this should sign up for Marching Band (7th period) and prepare to rehearse twice a week with the band during first semester, and twice a week with the drumline during second semester.
Q. Why does Jazz Band meet only during second semester?
Because most students in the Instrumental Music Program at Point Loma High School participate in the marching band, it is very difficult to find a time after school for students to meet during first semester. The Jazz Band begins to form when the marching season culminates in November. Students looking to participate in Jazz Band should check this website and our calendar for information regarding rehearsals and concerts.
Q. My student's schedule is already full, can he/she/they still participate without being enrolled in the class?
Students must be enrolled in a class to participate. The majority of rehearsing is done during the school day, and the quality of our program relies on students being in rehearsal. We understand that students' schedules can become easily filled with rigorous classes, but it would be unfair for students and teachers to open the ensembles to students who do not participate in the majority of rehearsals. Counselors and teachers are more than willing to meet with students regarding scheduling conflicts and concerns.
Q. Is it possible to participate in more than one music class?
Yes. Your student can easily arrange his/her/their schedule to fit more than one music class. Be sure to meet with a counselor to ensure that graduation requirements are still being met.
Q. Is there a prerequisite for AP Music Theory?
There is no prerequisite for AP Music Theory; however, to be successful in this rigorous college-level class, it is strongly encouraged that students enter the class being able to read traditional music notation--not tablature. Also, you will be required to sing in AP Music Theory, as well as learn the conventions of 16th century harmony. While you will learn how to write your own compositions, this is not a course that focuses on writing Popular or Contemporary music. In order to prepare students to take the AP Theory exam, the class will be devoted to writing and analyzing four-part harmony, sight-singing, and musical dictation.
There are a number of different musical offerings at Point Loma High School: PLHS Vanguard (marching band), which contains brass and woodwinds, a front ensemble (keyboard percussion, auxiliary percussion and synthesizers) Drumline, and color guard; two concert band ensembles, the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band; a string orchestra; color guard; jazz band; winter drumline; and AP Music Theory. There are also guitar classes, and Vocal Point, Point Loma's Choir. Information for guitar and choir can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Soliz.
Q. Can students just sign up for whatever class(es) they want?
Not necessarily, as there are auditions to get into certain ensembles. It is also important to select the class that matches your student's commitment level. Entrance into the Wind Ensemble is by audition only; the Wind Ensemble is a class for those who are more experienced on their instruments, and students are expected to prepare all of their music outside of class. Students in Wind Ensemble are expected to practice 30-45 minutes daily, and the wind ensemble performs more frequently. For students looking to gain more experience on their traditional wind band instruments before committing to the Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band is a better fit. We do not currently offer a beginning band at PLHS, but that doesn't mean that students who do not currently play an instrument can't be a part of the program. Students who would like to be a part of the program should contact Ms. Mattison for advice on which instrument might be best to learn, and should also enroll in the concert band. There is currently one level of Orchestra, so all string musicians should sign up for the Orchestra. AP Music Theory is a college level course that is geared for serious musicians, and students should prepare for at least 30-60 minutes of homework daily, with some assignments taking up to 2 hours.
Q. How many of the classes are for credit courses?
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, Color Guard and AP Music Theory are year-long courses in which students receive VAPA credit. Marching Band, and Jazz Band are semester long classes. Marching band meets first semester, and students receive PE credit; Jazz Band meets second semester, and students receive VAPA credit. Winter drumline meets during second semester, and is not for credit.
Q. Can my student receive PE credit for participating in band/orchestra?
The only way for students to receive PE credit for music is to participate in Vanguard. Vanguard meets outside of the school day during the first semester only. Rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-6pm. In order for students to receive credit, they MUST attend all marching band rehearsals and performances. Almost every band student participates in Vanguard, and many students in orchestra learn a secondary instrument to participate in Vanguard and receive PE credit.
Q. My student plays guitar/electric bass/drumset, which ensemble would work best?
This depends on a number of factors. For students who play guitar/bass and who are looking for a more traditional guitar/bass experience should elect to take one of our guitar classes. These classes meet all year, and would be the most appropriate venue for these musicians. Contact Mrs. Soliz for more information. If the student is willing to learn how to play in the jazz style, he/she/they should inquire about jazz band, which meets after school during the second semester. Students should sign up for Jazz Band (7th Period) There is also an opportunity to have these students participate in the front ensemble of the marching band, and/or winter drumline. Students interested in this should sign up for Marching Band (7th period) and prepare to rehearse twice a week with the band during first semester, and twice a week with the drumline during second semester.
Q. Why does Jazz Band meet only during second semester?
Because most students in the Instrumental Music Program at Point Loma High School participate in the marching band, it is very difficult to find a time after school for students to meet during first semester. The Jazz Band begins to form when the marching season culminates in November. Students looking to participate in Jazz Band should check this website and our calendar for information regarding rehearsals and concerts.
Q. My student's schedule is already full, can he/she/they still participate without being enrolled in the class?
Students must be enrolled in a class to participate. The majority of rehearsing is done during the school day, and the quality of our program relies on students being in rehearsal. We understand that students' schedules can become easily filled with rigorous classes, but it would be unfair for students and teachers to open the ensembles to students who do not participate in the majority of rehearsals. Counselors and teachers are more than willing to meet with students regarding scheduling conflicts and concerns.
Q. Is it possible to participate in more than one music class?
Yes. Your student can easily arrange his/her/their schedule to fit more than one music class. Be sure to meet with a counselor to ensure that graduation requirements are still being met.
Q. Is there a prerequisite for AP Music Theory?
There is no prerequisite for AP Music Theory; however, to be successful in this rigorous college-level class, it is strongly encouraged that students enter the class being able to read traditional music notation--not tablature. Also, you will be required to sing in AP Music Theory, as well as learn the conventions of 16th century harmony. While you will learn how to write your own compositions, this is not a course that focuses on writing Popular or Contemporary music. In order to prepare students to take the AP Theory exam, the class will be devoted to writing and analyzing four-part harmony, sight-singing, and musical dictation.
Questions about Marching Band
. I heard that Marching Band students practice all summer; is this true?
Some sections of the marching band do meet during the summer in order to be sharp in the fall. The drumline and colorguard, specifically, have practices, as scheduled by their instructors; these practices are NOT all summer, rather there are 3-5 individual rehearsals at the beginning and end of the summer. All Vanguard members do participate in band camp, which takes place in August, two weeks prior to the start of school. At this camp, members learn their music and drill for the upcoming competitive field season.
Q. What is Band Camp, and when is it?
Band Camp consists of two weeks of rehearsal in August, usually right before school starts. During this time, students learn or review the fundamentals of marching, learn music for the upcoming school year, and start to prepare their drill for the upcoming field season. For the 2019 field season, Band Camp will begin on August 12th for all members,and camp will culminate with a family picnic concert on Friday, August 23rd. We will not rehearse on Saturdays or Sundays during those two weeks.
Q. Must my student attend Band Camp in order to participate in Marching Band?
As a general rule, yes. Mrs. Mattison may, at her discretion, permit exceptions if there are unusual circumstances that are brought to her attention well enough in advance; however, as a rule, ALL of band camp is mandatory for students who wish to have a spot in the field show. Because our marching drill is based off of attendance in band camp, students who do not attend camp, or do not notify Mrs. Mattison of their absence, will be assigned as an alternate marcher and will not have a permanent spot in the show. These students will still need to attend rehearsals to receive PE credit, and if a spot opens up on the field they will be assigned that spot.
Q. What exactly does the Marching Band do?
Vanguard performs at all home football games, providing music from the stands throughout the game and entertaining the crowd with a halftime show on the field. Vanguard competes in local parades and field tournaments from September through December. Vanguard also performs at all school-spirit events, as well as a number of community events. Vanguard may also take special trips to participate in invitational parades and festivals outside of Southern California.
Q. Marching Band sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits of participating in Vanguard?
Membership in Vanguard is more than just performance--members form a bond during the school year that comes from working closely together in an activity that they enjoy. Incoming students will be pleased to discover that starting high school will not be as daunting when they've already made 100+ friends before school even starts. Vanguard members get in free of charge to all football games, and learn the thrill of performing before different audiences on a regular basis. The travel is a lot of fun (and educational too!), and lifelong friendships can be made through these shared experiences. Further, colleges and universities tend to look favorably on applicants who participated in four years of Marching Band. For all students, participation in Vanguard opens up an extra spot in their schedules, since they do not have to enroll in a traditional PE class--this could mean an extra elective all four years.
Q. Can my student participate in Fall Sports/Activities and Marching Band?
In some cases, it can be done; however, it is very difficult. In order to receive PE credit for band, students must attend all or most of the rehearsals. Students who miss one or more rehearsals a week will not be able to satisfy the minimum requirement of 400 minutes of PE every ten days (per Education Code). Ms. Mattison is available to talk to your coach about your academic commitment to band (yes, it is academic) if necessary. Additionally, students who frequently miss rehearsal become a safety hazard to themselves and other students if they do not know their drill during rehearsals. Like any academic class, students who miss rehearsal are responsible for making up the work that they missed before the next rehearsal. Students who miss frequently and do not make up the work will be replaced by an alternate marcher, and their grades will suffer. If you participate in a fall sport and would still like to commit to marching band, please discuss your situation with Ms. Mattison.
Q. My student is interested in joining the colorguard/drumline; what should we do?
Your child should sign up for the appropriate class (band for drumline, and drill team PE for colorguard) and indicate to Ms. Mattison or your middle school director of your intention. There will be information about auditions for both groups on this website beginning in May of each year.
Q. Does my student have to be in the Marching Band to participate in the concert ensembles?
No, but it is highly recommended. Well over 95% of the concert band students participate in Vanguard. During first semester, much of our focus in class is on the music that is performed by the marching band, and the very small minority of band students who do not participate in Vanguard will also be responsible for learning and performing that music. Many times, the students who elect not to participate in Vanguard during their freshman year end up participating in their following years--and they love it.
Q. Is it possible for my student to participate in Marching Band without being in a class?
It is the policy of the district, school, and program that students participating in Marching Band as a PE class are also enrolled concurrently in a performing class. Students with extreme scheduling conflicts must bring these to the attention of Mrs. Mattison.
Some sections of the marching band do meet during the summer in order to be sharp in the fall. The drumline and colorguard, specifically, have practices, as scheduled by their instructors; these practices are NOT all summer, rather there are 3-5 individual rehearsals at the beginning and end of the summer. All Vanguard members do participate in band camp, which takes place in August, two weeks prior to the start of school. At this camp, members learn their music and drill for the upcoming competitive field season.
Q. What is Band Camp, and when is it?
Band Camp consists of two weeks of rehearsal in August, usually right before school starts. During this time, students learn or review the fundamentals of marching, learn music for the upcoming school year, and start to prepare their drill for the upcoming field season. For the 2019 field season, Band Camp will begin on August 12th for all members,and camp will culminate with a family picnic concert on Friday, August 23rd. We will not rehearse on Saturdays or Sundays during those two weeks.
Q. Must my student attend Band Camp in order to participate in Marching Band?
As a general rule, yes. Mrs. Mattison may, at her discretion, permit exceptions if there are unusual circumstances that are brought to her attention well enough in advance; however, as a rule, ALL of band camp is mandatory for students who wish to have a spot in the field show. Because our marching drill is based off of attendance in band camp, students who do not attend camp, or do not notify Mrs. Mattison of their absence, will be assigned as an alternate marcher and will not have a permanent spot in the show. These students will still need to attend rehearsals to receive PE credit, and if a spot opens up on the field they will be assigned that spot.
Q. What exactly does the Marching Band do?
Vanguard performs at all home football games, providing music from the stands throughout the game and entertaining the crowd with a halftime show on the field. Vanguard competes in local parades and field tournaments from September through December. Vanguard also performs at all school-spirit events, as well as a number of community events. Vanguard may also take special trips to participate in invitational parades and festivals outside of Southern California.
Q. Marching Band sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits of participating in Vanguard?
Membership in Vanguard is more than just performance--members form a bond during the school year that comes from working closely together in an activity that they enjoy. Incoming students will be pleased to discover that starting high school will not be as daunting when they've already made 100+ friends before school even starts. Vanguard members get in free of charge to all football games, and learn the thrill of performing before different audiences on a regular basis. The travel is a lot of fun (and educational too!), and lifelong friendships can be made through these shared experiences. Further, colleges and universities tend to look favorably on applicants who participated in four years of Marching Band. For all students, participation in Vanguard opens up an extra spot in their schedules, since they do not have to enroll in a traditional PE class--this could mean an extra elective all four years.
Q. Can my student participate in Fall Sports/Activities and Marching Band?
In some cases, it can be done; however, it is very difficult. In order to receive PE credit for band, students must attend all or most of the rehearsals. Students who miss one or more rehearsals a week will not be able to satisfy the minimum requirement of 400 minutes of PE every ten days (per Education Code). Ms. Mattison is available to talk to your coach about your academic commitment to band (yes, it is academic) if necessary. Additionally, students who frequently miss rehearsal become a safety hazard to themselves and other students if they do not know their drill during rehearsals. Like any academic class, students who miss rehearsal are responsible for making up the work that they missed before the next rehearsal. Students who miss frequently and do not make up the work will be replaced by an alternate marcher, and their grades will suffer. If you participate in a fall sport and would still like to commit to marching band, please discuss your situation with Ms. Mattison.
Q. My student is interested in joining the colorguard/drumline; what should we do?
Your child should sign up for the appropriate class (band for drumline, and drill team PE for colorguard) and indicate to Ms. Mattison or your middle school director of your intention. There will be information about auditions for both groups on this website beginning in May of each year.
Q. Does my student have to be in the Marching Band to participate in the concert ensembles?
No, but it is highly recommended. Well over 95% of the concert band students participate in Vanguard. During first semester, much of our focus in class is on the music that is performed by the marching band, and the very small minority of band students who do not participate in Vanguard will also be responsible for learning and performing that music. Many times, the students who elect not to participate in Vanguard during their freshman year end up participating in their following years--and they love it.
Q. Is it possible for my student to participate in Marching Band without being in a class?
It is the policy of the district, school, and program that students participating in Marching Band as a PE class are also enrolled concurrently in a performing class. Students with extreme scheduling conflicts must bring these to the attention of Mrs. Mattison.
