This ensemble is composed of incoming 6th grade students. Here, students will learn the essential skills that will carry them forward in their pursuit of music at Peterson Middle School, including: foundational skills learning on their instrument, numerous opportunities to collaborate with others to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, and strategies for achieving musical success with increasingly dynamic and challenging musical repertoire.

Traditionally our largest orchestral ensemble. This ensemble is composed of 7th and 8th grade students who demonstrate many of the skills essential to performing ensemble music. The focus of this ensemble is on the continued development of essential musical skills, including: tuning, rhythm, intonation, and independence. Participation in this ensemble provides students a more moderately paced continuation of their skill development with a focus on exploring music as a vehicle for personal growth and self-expression.

This ensemble is composed of students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency with music literacy and essential skills within their chosen instrument. Students in this ensemble represent some of the most committed and achievement focused students in the Peterson Music program as they push the boundaries of their musicianship through musical performance that demands dedicated, regular, and measured practice. Auditions for this ensemble occur in the Spring, and students are selected for participation in the following academic year. 

This ensemble is composed of incoming 6th grade students who may or may not have participated in our elementary music program at SCUSD. Here, students will learn the essential skills that will carry them forward in their pursuit of music at Peterson Middle School, including rehearsal etiquette, how to collaborate with others to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, and strategies for achieving musical success with more extensively challenging repertoire.

This ensemble is composed of 7th and 8th grade students who demonstrate many of the skills needed to perform ensemble music. Members in this ensemble continue their exploration of music via increasingly demanding repertoire. Advanced students that seek additional challenges in their experience may also opt to pursue extended learning opportunities with double reeds (oboe, bassoon), horn in F, tuba/euphonium, and more!

This ensemble is composed of 7th and 8th grade students who have demonstrated exceptional skills in music and represent some of the most committed and achievement focused students in the Peterson Music program. Members in this ensemble will continue their exploration of music with even more demanding repertoire. Auditions for this ensemble occur in the Spring, and students are selected for participation in the following academic year.