Academy Winds is our NEW middle school concert band for woodwind, brass, and percussion students in grades 6–8.

Led by Ryan Rowles, a Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District music teacher, Academy Winds students will explore fun repertoire that spans multiple cultures and genres. Students will even have the opportunity to learn the basics of improvisation, all while fostering friendships and building community with students from schools across the westside.

Throughout the season, students will develop the technique, musicality, and ensemble playing skills needed to play advanced repertoire. This is the perfect ensemble for middle school band students who are seeking additional opportunities to play and are excited to make music alongside friends!

All participants must also be currently enrolled in their middle school music program. Enrollment will be verified with each student’s school music teacher.

Please email Director of Operations and Programs Emily Senchuk for more information about this ensemble.

SCHEDULE & TUITION

Academy Winds meets on Thursdays from 6:00–8:00pm at John Adams Middle School (2425 16th St., Santa Monica).

Tuition for the 2024/25 season is approximately $430/trimester, for a total of $1,295 for the season. Tuition averages to approximately $24/hour. Participation is a year-long commitment (27 rehearsals). 

Early Bird Discount for those who enroll by June 1: $50

Non-refundable deposit of $250 is due upon enrollment.

Tuition reduction is available on a sliding scale. Our Tuition Reduction Form is short & sweet. Please submit your form ASAP so we can help determine a family-friendly tuition rate for you and start making music! Payment plans are also available.

ENSEMBLE PLACEMENT

During the Academy Winds ensemble placement, students will be asked to play:

  • 2–3 major scales (as many octaves as the student feels comfortable preparing)

  • a brief prepared solo (something out of your band book is fine!)

  • demonstrate music literacy through sight-reading

Ensemble placements for students who are new to Elemental Music will be held in September 2024. Please fill out the form below to get on our list.

If you would like to speak with our Translation Liaison to answer questions and provide information in Spanish, please email Juanita Devis. You can also visit our Spanish website for more information!

Si usted desea hablar con nuestra Traductora Intermediaria para que responda sus preguntas y reciba la información en español, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a Juanita Devis. ¡También puede visitar nuestra página de internet en español para más información!