EnsemblesThere are 4 class concert bands that meet during the day. The 6th Grade Beginning Band and the 7th Grade Band have 2 sections. The 8th Grade Band and High School Concert Band only have 1 section. Other ensembles, like the Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band meet after school.
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6th Grade Beginning Band
The 6th Grade Beginning Band is for first year musicians.
Class materials:
Instrument
Traditions of Excellence Book 1
Pencil
Instruments students may start with are:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Sax
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion (Mallet & Snare to start)
Sometimes, exceptions will be made like the French Horn, Electric Bass, Baritone, and Tuba.
Students are initially tested on instruments and then are recommended to which instrument best suits them, as well as what is needed for the ensemble. A balanced band would have an even number of woodwinds and brass, and at most 15% percussion. The students will be given a number of 1-10 when they test an instrument, with 10 being the best. If a student receives a number of 8-10, they will be highly successful on the instrument. 5-7 means that a student can be successful, but will have a tough time at the beginning and will need lots of encouragement and practice. 0-4 is not recommended.
Purchasing an Instrument:
I always recommend students to rent an instrument at first. There are so many instruments out there and depending on the quality, some could cost as much as a used car. However, if a family cannot initially pay the monthly fees but would like to find something used and within your budget, Mr. Ruiz can definitely help out in this situation. Craigslist is a great place, but sometime that $50 clarinet could use a $250 repair bill. When in doubt, ask Mr. Ruiz. Another idea would be to meet the person selling the instrument at a local repair shop (Hill City, Lynchburg Music) after setting an appointment to see what work, if any, needs to be done.
Class materials:
Instrument
Traditions of Excellence Book 1
Pencil
Instruments students may start with are:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Sax
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion (Mallet & Snare to start)
Sometimes, exceptions will be made like the French Horn, Electric Bass, Baritone, and Tuba.
Students are initially tested on instruments and then are recommended to which instrument best suits them, as well as what is needed for the ensemble. A balanced band would have an even number of woodwinds and brass, and at most 15% percussion. The students will be given a number of 1-10 when they test an instrument, with 10 being the best. If a student receives a number of 8-10, they will be highly successful on the instrument. 5-7 means that a student can be successful, but will have a tough time at the beginning and will need lots of encouragement and practice. 0-4 is not recommended.
Purchasing an Instrument:
I always recommend students to rent an instrument at first. There are so many instruments out there and depending on the quality, some could cost as much as a used car. However, if a family cannot initially pay the monthly fees but would like to find something used and within your budget, Mr. Ruiz can definitely help out in this situation. Craigslist is a great place, but sometime that $50 clarinet could use a $250 repair bill. When in doubt, ask Mr. Ruiz. Another idea would be to meet the person selling the instrument at a local repair shop (Hill City, Lynchburg Music) after setting an appointment to see what work, if any, needs to be done.
7th Grade Band
This group is for second year musicians.
Class materials: Instrument Traditions of Excellence Book 1 Traditions of Excellence Book 2 During the 7th Grade Year, new instrument opportunities arise. Students who are interested in learning the French Horn, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Saxophone, Oboe, or even Bassoon will have to meet Mr. Ruiz after school early in the year. Spring 2020 VBODA Concert Assessment result: COVID-19 :( |
HS Concert Band
High School Concert Band is for grade 8-12 students.
Class Materials:
Instrument
Habits of a Successful Musician
Spring 2020 VBODA Concert Assessment result:
Superior
Stage Rating: 1,1,1
Sight Reading: 2
Grade: IV
Class Materials:
Instrument
Habits of a Successful Musician
Spring 2020 VBODA Concert Assessment result:
Superior
Stage Rating: 1,1,1
Sight Reading: 2
Grade: IV
Honor Bands
Students of Altavista Combined School attend numerous honor band events, spanning from local All County Band, to University Honor Bands.
Altavista past directors:
Mario Ruiz 2013-Present
Robb Shipp 2008-2013 Steve Burckett 2007-2008 Anthony Capone 2005-2007 James Southern 2004-2005 Russ Pawlas 1999-2004 Shawn Whitley 1997-1999 T Edwin Temples 1984-1997 Ginger Marr 1981-1984 Leonard Crocker 1980-1981 David Price 1979-1980 Tim Smith 1976-1979 Ronald Horton 1974-1976 Robert Tunkel 1972-1974 Danny Hale 1969-1972 T Edwin Temples 1969-1972 James Bateman 1968-1969 Beatrice McGraw 1964-1968 Mr. Harris 1963-1964 Mr. McNeil 1962-1963 Patrick Fitzgerald 1957-1962 Mr. Robertson 1956-1957 Mr. Carr 1955-1956 Scott Spencer 1950-1955 Harry Correll 1946-1950 Before the Altavista band program was founded, there were several dance bands, jazz bands, and parade corps made up of local musicians, some enrolled in school, some not. Performing groups included the American Legion Altavista Marching Band, music clubs at the school, and even a Boy Scout bugle group. |
Altavista Bands past VBODA Assessment / State Festival Results:
2020:
HS Symphonic Band IV: Superior HS Concert Band III: Excellent 7th Grade Band II: Covid 19 2019: HS Symphonic Band IV: Excellent MS Band II: Superior 2018: HS Concert Band III: Superior MS Band II: Superior 2017: HS Concert Band III: Excellent MS Band II: Superior 2016: HS Concert Band III: Superior MS Band II: Superior 2015: HS Concert Band III: Excellent MS Band II: Excellent 2014: HS Concert Band III: Good 8th Grade Band II: Good 2013: HS Band III: Excellent MS Band II: Superior 2012: HS Band III: Superior MS Band II: Excellent 2011: HS Band III: Good MS Band II: Good 2010: HS Band IV: Excellent MS Band II: Good 2009: DNA 2008: DNA 2007: HS Band IV: Excellent 2006: HS Band IV: Excellent 2005: HS Band IV: Excellent |
2004:
HS Band V: Excellent 2003: HS Band IV: Excellent MS Band III: Excellent 2002: Cancelled 2001: HS Band IV: Excellent 2000: HS Band IV: Excellent 1999: HS Band IV: Good 1998: HS Band IV: Good MS Band III: Fair 1997: HS Band IV: Superior MS Band II: Superior 1996: HS Band V: Excellent 1995 HS Band V: Excellent 1994 HS Band IV: Superior 1993 HS Band V: Superior 1992 HS Band V: Superior 1991 HS Band IV/V: Superior 1990 HS Band V: Superior MS Band III: Excellent 1989 HS Band V: Superior MS Band III: Superior 1988 HS Band VI: Excellent MS Band III: Superior 1987 HS Band VI: Excellent MS Band II/III: Superior |