Music Program


The following information summarizes the music programs in the Davis Joint Unified School District.  The information provided here applies only to those schools noted. 

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions or please contact your school for site-specific information.


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Elementary Music Programs
All 4th grade students spend 30 minutes per week in an Introduction to Music lesson, covering concepts like pitch, rhythm, movement, instrument families, sound production and more. These lessons are taught by a credentialed music instructor.

For all elementary instrumental programs: District instruments are available for loan to families who cannot participate without a free instrument.

The online enrollment form includes an option to request a District instrument. Note, please, that we do not have alto saxophones or snare drums to loan. All other string and band instruments are available.

Strings
The strings program begins in 5th grade, 30 minutes once a week, with choice of violin, viola, cello or double bass. Participation is voluntary and on a pull-out basis. Students are ability-grouped based on proficiency. Parents of beginning students must attend a required September meeting for enrollment. Sixth graders may participate in All-City Elementary Orchestra after one year of playing experience.

Band
Band begins in 5th grade, 30 minutes once a week, offering a choice of flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and snare drum. Students may also choose alto saxophone after one year of clarinet lessons. Participation is voluntary and on a pull-out basis. Beginning students are grouped by instrument, while Continuing students meet with all instruments working together as an ensemble. Parents of beginning students must attend a required September meeting for enrollment. Continuing students may participate in All-City Elementary Band after one year of playing experience.

Choir
Choir may be available at some sites, before or after school. Support stipends may be provided by the Davis School Arts Foundation or the school’s local PTA/PTO, and is sometimes taught by a non-credentialed music teacher.

Junior High Music Programs
Orchestra
Each site hosts a 7th grade intermediate orchestra and an 8th/9th grade advanced orchestra. Orchestra is open to students with at least one year prior experience.

Band
Each campus has at least two concert bands. Band is open to students with at least one year prior experience. There is currently one jazz band for three sites combined, and is offered for 9th grade students with teacher recommendation.

Choir
Each campus has at least one choir, two if enrollment is high enough. Choir is open to all students with no experience required.

Davis High Music Programs
Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra and Baroque Ensemble is available to students by audition only. No audition is required for Chamber Orchestra, though prior experience is necessary.

Band
Symphonic Band and Jazz Band are available to students by audition only. No audition is required for Concert Band, though prior experience is necessary. Mariachi Band is available to students with teacher approval; music experience expected but not necessarily on a Mariachi instrument.

Choir
Jazz Choir, Madrigals & Advanced Treble Choir are available to students by audition only. No audition is required for Concert Choir and no prior experience is required. Musical theater productions are a collaboration between the Drama Department and the Jazz Choir director.

Da Vinci High School students may participate in any of the music classes offered on the DSHS campus. Additionally, Da Vinci offers Modern Music Lab, a project-based music exploration class that is open to all students attending DVHS or DSHS.

Davis School for Independent Study Students
Davis School for Independent Study (DSIS) students can participate in any music program at their home site school. Please visit your school's website for more information. 
Music Participation Reports