Class Descriptions

(including Tin Whistle, Bucket Drumming, and WSMA Prep):

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Beginning Band - Ages 10+ 

Cathy LaFrombois, Director

Fridays, 9:45-10:30 - Band Room

Students will learn the foundational techniques of instrumental performance. With the exception of percussion, no previous music experience necessary. Band consists of the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, concert percussion (not drum set). Specialty instruments (piccolo, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, french horn, and piano/keyboards) are typically not offered at this level.

Students will need to rent/purchase an instrument, a music stand for at-home practice, instrument-specific supplies, and a red Standard of Excellence book, which is instrument-specific, as well. 

*Percussion students: Students who wish to learn percussion MUST have a minimum of one year of piano. Students in our percussion section learn both snare drum and mallets (xylophone, bells, etc) equally.

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Cadet Band - Ages 11+ (with one year of experience on their instrument)

Cathy LaFrombois, Director

Fridays, 11:15-12:00 - Band Room

Students will continue to build upon the techniques of instrumental performance. At least one full year of experience on their instrument is required. Our band program consists of the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, concert percussion (not drum set). Specialty instruments (piccolo, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, french horn, and piano/keyboards) may begin to be offered at this level.

Students will need to rent/purchase an instrument, a music stand for at-home practice, instrument-specific supplies, and a blue Standard of Excellence book, which is instrument-specific, as well. 

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Concert Band - Ages 13+ (with a minimum of 2 years' experience on their instrument)

Cathy LaFrombois, Director

Fridays, 2:15-3:15 - Band Room

Concert Band is our upper-level instrumental performing ensemble. Students must be at least 13 years of age, and have had a minimum of 2 full years of instrumental experience in order to perform this level of concert repertoire.

Students will need to rent/purchase an instrument, a music stand for at-home practice, instrument-specific supplies, and a green Standard of Excellence book, which is instrument-specific, as well. Participation in WSMA Solo & Ensemble will be highly encouraged.

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Jazz Band - Ages 12+ (minimum of 2 years' experience on their instrument, or by recommendation)

Cathy LaFrombois, Director

Fridays, 12:45-1:30 - Band Room

Learn the fundamentals of Jazz Music! Students in this ensemble will explore Jazz genres such as Swing, Rock, Blues, and Latin grooves.  Students will begin to learn to solo and improvise in an encouraging setting, while enjoying the challenges of syncopation and blues scales. Students MUST be registered for either Cadet or Concert Band in order to participate. All instruments from band are welcome, with limited options for drum set, bass & electric guitar, and keyboards.

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Front Line - Auditioned Jazz Band - Ages 14+ 

Cathy LaFrombois, Director

Thursdays, 3:00-3:45

This audition-only Jazz band is for serious musicians who enjoy the Jazz medium.  Students will be auditioned in the fall, and must be proficient players. Instrumentation is limited to 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 bari sax, 3-4 trumpets, 3-4 trombones, 2 set/aux percussion, 1 bass guitar, 1 electric guitar, and 1-2 keyboard players. Students will work with challenging literature, and possibly participate in the WSMA District/State Solo & Ensemble competitions. Students MUST be registered for either Cadet or Concert Band in order to participate. Students who are interested in auditioning should register for regular Jazz Band class, and will be switched to this ensemble per audition results.

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Tin Whistle - Ages 7-10  

Kim Feldkamp, Instructor 

Fridays, 9:50-10:20

Provides the opportunity for children to learn basic music note reading, rhythm, and performance through the use of simple songs and exercises, folk songs, hymns, and common tunes. No previous experience necessary. Tin Whistle class is $80 per semester
Music is included in class cost. Students will have to purchase a Tin Whistle in the key of D

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Bucket Drumming - Ages 10+

Benjamin Neumann, Instructor

Thursdays, 1:00-2:00

Students will work together in class playing as an ensemble while becoming familiarized with different beat combinations, rhythm styles, and notation.  For more on Bucket Drumming, visit our page:

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WSMA Prep - Ages 12+

Cathy LaFrombois, Director

Thursdays, 9-11:30

The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) holds a variety of events throughout the school year for young musicians. In the development of our students' playing abilities, the Solo & Ensemble District Festival is invaluable. Students prepare solos, duets, trios, etc. to perform for adjudicators who specialize in their instrument, providing specific feedback geared towards their growth. Musicians who place well can even move on to the State-level Festival.

Since the festivals take place at the end of February/beginning of March, Troubadours will be offering an extended time on Thursday mornings during first semester to select music, practice with others, and receive helpful input on their pieces. Registration is required, but there is no charge for the class. Whether your student is considering a vocal or instrumental piece to perform, I would highly encourage students to participate. Students can use the full time to practice, or schedule specific times with Mrs. LaFrombois for lessons during the morning each week.  Space is limited.

For more information on WSMA events, please visit this page:

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