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
recorderS 1.0 & 2.0
beginning & intermediate recorder class
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, strengthen eye and 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: 7+ years readers or 7+ 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*
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
PREREQUISITE: 1+ years on a chosen instrument or 1 year in Wonder PRELUDE
ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS: 1-3 years
AUDITION: 1-2 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
PREREQUISITE: 2+ years on a chosen instrument or 1-3 years in Wonder TRAINING Ensemble
ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS: 2-3 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
PREREQUISITE: 3+ years on a chosen instrument or 2-3 years in Wonder MIDPOINT Ensemble
ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS: 2-3 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
PREREQUISITE: 3+ years on a chosen instrument or 2-3 years in Wonder CONCERT Ensemble
COREQUISITE: Wonder CONCERT Ensemble
ESTIMATED DURATION IN CLASS: 2-3 years
AUDITION: Several assigned scales from memory, 1-2 pieces of your choice and sight-reading exercise
Music can change the world.
- LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
