The Music Department at Rancho Christian Middle and High School helps students take their interest in music performance, literacy, and study to the next level. As a member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA), the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), and the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), every Rancho band or choir student is afforded the opportunity to perform and rank alongside other schools in the local area in county-wide festivals adjudicated by music professionals of the highest caliber. Advanced students will be given the opportunity to participate in state-level or even national festivals which allow them to achieve excellence through solo or small ensemble performance. Rancho also offers electives for non-musicians that can fulfill their pre-grad or post-grad requirements. Every Rancho music student will also have a one-year access to the online music notation platform Noteflight which familiarizes students with how technology can be used to notate and distribute music in our modern day and age. By Fall of 2022 our music classroom will be newly refurbished with state of the art equipment utilized for the benefit of our students' experience.

Classes offered:

Concert Band (Middle School) - Our Concert Band is our current middle school level band. Students will continue to hone skills learned in lower level bands and begin to learn more complex concepts regarding rhythm, tone, and balance as it pertains to a group performance setting. Time commitment is required outside of class for events such as fundraisers, promotional events, and performances. This group will go on a short three-day mini-tour to either San Diego or Hollywood once a year in the Spring. Year-long course. No experience required!
Symphonic Band (High School) - Our Symphonic Band is our current high school level band. Students will continue to hone skills learned in lower level bands and begin to learn more complex concepts regarding rhythm, tone, and balance and more focus will be put on the player as an individual performer. Time commitment is required outside of class for events such as fundraisers, promotional events, and performances. This group will go on a three-to-four day tour outside the state once a year in the Spring. Year-long course. Assessment required before joining.

“Screechin’ Eagles” Pep Band (8-12) - Instruction for Pep Band starts with our camp in the summer (dates and prices TBA) and continues into the Fall semester. Performances at all athletic home games are required for the Fall semester. Every member (even wind players) will be instructed in the technique of drumline playing. Musical experience is recommended.

Concert Choir (Middle/High School) - Our Concert Choir is our current offering for vocalists in both Middle and High School. Experienced and inexperienced singers combine in this group to learn the basic concepts of sight-reading, tone, balance, and vocal performance in general. Time commitment is required outside of class for events such as fundraisers, parties, caroling, and performances. This group will go on a short three-day mini-tour to either San Diego or Hollywood once a year in the Spring. Year-long course. No experience required!
Bach to Rock (Music Appreciation) - A music elective that introduces students to the basics of concepts such as tone, pitch, rhythm, music notation, and general musical skill. Students will also be given a survey overview of the history of music from the time of W. A. Mozart to the time of Elvis Presley. No musical skills needed!

AP Music Theory - Students will learn to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music. Skills learned include identifying features of pitch, interval, scales and keys, chords, meter, rhythm, and other musical concepts in performed and notated music, singing a notated melody on sight, notating music that you hear, completing music based on cues, and following common-practice style. This is equivalent to a one- or two-semester college introductory music course. Prerequisites: “Bach to Rock” or one-year involvement in band or choir.

Why Choose Music?

Music and your brain! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng
Make friends and have fun!
- Team environment fueled by a mutual love for music!
- Fundraisers, parties at Round One Bowling & Arcade and Mulligan Family Fun Center
Fulfills elective requirements
Rehearsals for band and choir do not conflict with athletics!
Travel!
- Where are we going in 2023?*
  - Symphonic Band - Arizona Tour
    - Three to four days in the Phoenix, AZ area
    - Sightseeing, fun activities, Museum of Instrumental Music
    - Band exchanges with local high schools
    - College visits to Arizona State University, Arizona Christian University, and Grand Canyon University
  - Concert Band & Concert Choir
    - Three to four day mini-tour of either San Diego or Hollywood area
    - Possible activities: Universal Studios, Sea World, Seaport Village, Old Town San Diego, La Jolla Beach, Pantages Theater, WB Studios Tour, and much more!
    - Band/choir exchanges with local high school/middle schools
    - College visits to University of California Riverside, California Baptist University, University of California San Diego, and University of California Los Angeles.