instrument

Thank you for your interest in Wonder Instrument! We welcome committed young musicians who are interested in playing great concert literature of enduring value and sharing with the community. We offer beginning classes for students with little-to-no experience and a number of band and orchestral ensembles fit for any level.

prelude ensembles

beginning band and orchestra (no previous musical training necessary)

Our entry-level music classes are designed for students who have little-to-no prior musical training on a chosen instrument. Together in a group setting, students learn note-by-note how to play, practice, and properly care for their instruments.

NON-AUDITION*

AGE: 9+ years; younger ages upon approval

Students 7-9 years with less than 1-3 years of musical experience are advised to take Recorder for 1 year.

EXPERIENCE: 0+ years on a chosen instrument

ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS: 1 year

REQUIREMENTS: Online Preliminary Music Evaluation and Instrument Fair REQUIRED (no audition required*); See Instrument Guide for required DSLR Camera and Accessories

*Beginning Percussion: A piano audition is required. Students must have 2+ years of experience on piano/keyboard within the past 3 years

Drumline & Bucketline

beginning and intermediate-advanced drumline classes

Bucketline introduces students to rhythm and percussion using buckets instead of traditional drums. It focuses on developing rhythm, timing, coordination, and teamwork skills. The class includes learning basic drumming techniques, exploring different beats and rhythms, and working together on performances. 

The Drumline is composed of percussion instruments, including snare drums, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals. The class includes learning intermediate to advanced drumming techniques, beats, and rhythms and working together on performances. Marching technique may also be introduced or included.

NON-AUDITION

AGE: 9+ years (best with at least 1 year musical experience)

REQUIREMENTS: Music Evaluation NOT REQUIRED; Students are evaluated and placed during the first week(s) of the season

Piano

beginning piano class

Great preparatory class for future ensembles. By learning the piano, students develop stronger hand strength, improved dexterity, and cognitive skills, essential for all instruments. Students also learn to read music, develop listening and aural skills, and strengthen eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. By playing music, children develop their musical ear when they start to connect what is written on the page to what they hear or play.

NON-AUDITION

AGE: 6-10+ years (reading not required, but students should be able to identify letters

REQUIREMENTS: Keyboards will be provided during class but students will need to have a piano or keyboard at home for practice; Music Evaluation NOT REQUIRED

CLASS SIZE: 4-6 students 

recorderS 1 & 2

beginning & intermediate recorder class

More great preparatory classes for future ensembles. By learning the recorder, students develop stronger lungs and breath control, essential for brass and woodwind instruments. Students also learn to read music, develop listening and aural skills, and strengthen eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. By playing music, children develop their musical ear when they start to connect what is written on the page to what they hear or play.

NON-AUDITION

AGE: 8+ years readers or 8+ years non-readers accompanied by parent

REQUIREMENTS: Music Evaluation NOT REQUIRED

beginner instrument classes

BRASS

baritone

french horn

trombone

trumpet/cornet

tuba

WOODWIND

bassoon

clarinet

flute

oboe

saxophone

STRING

bass

cello

viola

violin

 

PERCUSSION*

DRUMLINE

BUCKETLINE

PIANO

RECORDER

music foundations

AGE: 7+ years; younger ages upon approval

In an effort to create a strong foundational musical learning experience, students may also enroll in our Music Foundations class, which builds music theory knowledge and ear-training skills.

ensembles

Music of enduring value has remained influential through the generations. Our aim is to find it, play it, and share it with our community. Our ensembles are geared towards encouraging an appreciation and love for great bodies of music through the playing of sacred, traditional, and modern musical literature for band and orchestra. Throughout the year, students are supported by instrument-specific coaches. 

Placement in an ensemble is at the sole discretion of Wonder guides. Students do not audition for a specific ensemble. Each student is evaluated on their own skill level and is placed in an ensemble that best fits their musical, social, and emotional needs.

Wonder encourages student mentorship. Therefore, students in Youth Symphony are required to participate in Concert Band or Orchestra as well.

training ensembles

advanced-beginning band and orchestra

REQUIREMENTS: Online Preliminary Music Evaluation AND Audition*); See Instrument Guide for required DSLR Camera and Accessories

PREREQUISITE1+ years on a chosen instrument or 1 year in Wonder PRELUDE

ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS: 1-3 years

AUDITION1-2 scales of your choice,  1-2 pieces of your choice, sight-reading exercise

*Audition not required for previous year’s Prelude students

midpoint ensembles

intermediate band and orchestra

REQUIREMENTS: Online Preliminary Music Evaluation AND Audition); See Instrument Guide for required DSLR Camera and Accessories

PREREQUISITE2+ years on a chosen instrument or 1-3 years in Wonder TRAINING Ensemble

ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS2-3 years

AUDITION: Several assigned scales from memory, 1-2 pieces of your choice, sight-reading exercise

concert ensembles

advanced-intermediate band and orchestra

REQUIREMENTS: Private Lessons; Online Preliminary Music Evaluation AND Audition); See Instrument Guide

PREREQUISITE3+ years on a chosen instrument or 2-3 years in Wonder MIDPOINT Ensemble

ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS2-3 years

AUDITION: Several assigned scales from memory, 1-2 pieces of your choice, sight-reading exercise

symphony ensembles

advanced band and orchestra – limited placement

REQUIREMENTS: Private Lessons; Online Preliminary Music Evaluation AND Audition); See Instrument Guide 

PREREQUISITE3+ years on a chosen instrument or 2-3 years in Wonder CONCERT Ensemble

COREQUISITE: Wonder CONCERT Ensemble

ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS2-3 years

AUDITION: Several assigned scales from memory, 1-2 pieces of your choice and sight-reading exercise

Scroll to Top