Mills Music Groups
Concert Choir
Concert Choir class is designed for students to apply musical skills as they continue to create and experience music as a musical ensemble. Students will develop mastery of major and minor scales, and four-part harmonies. Mills Concert Choir typically performs in three music events (Groove-a-thon, Winter and Spring Concerts), and may also perform at local festivals and community events. Many of the students in the Concert Choir also participate in the Spring Musical presented by the Mills Drama Guild.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band performs all styles of jazz with special emphasis on ensemble playing in both large and small groups. Students study improvisation, technique and performance applications in jazz and world music. Jazz Band performs at school concerts, jazz festivals, and community events, and also participates as part of the Pep Band that plays at athletic events. Mills Jazz Band has placed 1st in many local jazz festivals, such as Folsom, Campana, and CMEA Jazz Festivals. Class is held during zeroth period and students new to the jazz band requires audition to join.
String Ensemble
String Ensemble, also known as String Orchestra or just Strings, is for students with previous performance experience on stringed instruments who are beyond the basic skill level. They typically play literature from the Baroque to the 20th century, as well as study basic music history and theory. Activities typically include school music events (Groove-a-thon, Winter and Spring concerts) as well as participation in local festivals.
Symphonic Band
Symphonic band is for students with previous instrumental performance experience in a music program. Less experienced students may enroll, but may be required to demonstrate proficiency, and are expected to participate in an accelerated program on brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. In addition to performing standard band literature, pop, and rock music, the group also studies basic music history and theory. The Symphonic Band typically performs at school music events (Groove-a-thon, Winter and Spring concerts) as well as local festivals. They also attend athletic events as the Mills Pep Band to support the Mills football and basketball teams at their home games, as well as performing in community events. Students of this band often perform in solo and small groups, as well as the SMUHSD's only all-student Pit Orchestra to play the soundtrack for the Mills Spring Musicals.
