Welcome to the University High School Instrumental Music Program! We are so excited for you to join the Uni Instrumental Music family. There is a place for everyone here. Our goal is to make every student successful in all of their academic and music endeavors, and to help them become the best version of themselves they can be. We are a team that works together to achieve excellence in all that we do. We can’t wait to start making music with you.
This website has a lot of great information about the Instrumental Music Program. If you have any questions please email ChristineManee@iusd.org.
Christine Maneewongwathana
Instrumental Music Director
University High School
Program
The University High School Instrumental Music Program consists of students in all grade levels and with varying levels of skill. The department offers three levels of wind band, five levels of orchestra, three levels of jazz band, marching band (the Marching Trojan Regiment), color guard, AP Music Theory, and Guitar. The ensembles present concerts throughout the year and participate in music festivals in the spring. The University High School Instrumental Music Program is also the host of the annual University High School Field Show Tournament and the University High School SCSBOA Band and Orchestra Festival. The instrumental music program provides entertainment and spirit for sporting events and assemblies, and makes up the pit orchestra in the spring musical.
More than 20% of the students at Uni participate in one or more of the music ensembles, with about 300 students between the three bands and five orchestras. Lasting friendships develop in the music program and flourish in the music rooms, where you will find many of our students spending their time on breaks or after school. Many of our music students also have very demanding academic schedules. These students often exceed a 4.0 GPA and are committed to being a well-rounded individual through music and the high standards set forth by the music department.
The Instrumental Music Program is committed to excellence in musical performance, ensemble teamwork, and developing students into effective and hard-working individuals. Many of our members are accomplished musicians on and off the campus. These students have represented Uni at local, state, and national level of honor bands and orchestras, as well as prestigious youth ensembles such as the Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble and the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Our ensembles travel periodically to places like Hawaii, Florida, and the Bahamas, where students have the opportunity to share their music with schools from around the country at music festivals.
The University High School Instrumental Music Department is proud of its history and is continually pushing towards the future. Every year the students show more commitment, more acts of selflessness for the department, and work more diligently to raise the standards of performance.
8TH GRADERS
The Future of our Program
We look forward to your arrival at Uni! We want to help you make a smooth transition from middle school to high school.
If you are an eighth grader interested in joining the Instrumental Music Program you can sign up for Symphonic Band or String Orchestra. If you are interested in auditioning for a spot in a more advanced ensemble, audition information will be posted in April.. If you are planning on joining the Instrumental Music Program, you MUST complete the Google form - Band Form - Orchestra Form.
Courses
Symphonic Band (Entry Level)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Prior music experience is recommended
Symphonic Band is designed for intermediate wind and percussion musicians. Students will reinforce intermediate performance skills through regular scale work and technical exercises. They will also learn musicianship skills, a historical background of music, and basic music theory. Performances include concerts and festivals. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate playing ability of all major scales
- Develop an intermediate to advance level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of intermediate level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
Wind Ensemble (Intermediate - Advanced)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Audition
Wind Ensemble is designed for intermediate to advanced wind and percussion musicians. This ensemble will learn and perform advanced high school wind literature and perform in concerts and festivals. The Wind Ensemble also has special performance opportunities at school and community events. Credit for this course is awarded on the basis of participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to play all major scales and arpeggios
- Develop an advanced level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of advanced level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
Wind Symphony (Advanced)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Audition
Wind Symphony is designed for advanced wind and percussion musicians. This ensemble will learn and perform high-level high school wind literature and perform in concerts and festivals. The most advanced players in this ensemble will be asked by the director to perform with the Symphony Orchestra when appropriate. The Wind Symphony also has special performance opportunities at school and community events. Credit for this course is awarded on the basis of participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to play all major scales and arpeggios
- Develop a highly advanced level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of advanced level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
String Orchestra (Entry Level)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Prior music experience is recommended
This course is intended to build intermediate techniques for string instruments, including violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, and harp. Students will learn technical performance skills, a historical background of music, and basic music theory. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of class participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to play all major scales
- Demonstrate an intermediate level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of intermediate level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
Concert Orchestra (Intermediate)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Audition
This course is intended to build intermediate techniques for string instruments, including violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, and harp. Students will learn technical performance skills, a historical background of music, and basic music theory. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of class participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to play all major scales
- Demonstrate an intermediate to advanced level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of intermediate level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
Philharmonic Orchestra (Intermediate - Advanced)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Audition
This course is intended to build basic instrument techniques for the students who play violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano and harp at an advanced level. Students will learn technical performance skills, a historical background of music, and basic music theory. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of class participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to play all major scales and arpeggios
- Demonstrate an intermediate to advanced level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of advanced level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
Symphony Orchestra (Advanced)
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12 .
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Audition
This course is intended for the advanced student who plays violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, and harp. The Symphony will be augmented by wind and percussion players from the Wind Ensemble. The Symphony performs concerts as well as special music for the school and community. Students will learn advanced performance skills, a historical background of music, and theoretical concepts in music. Credit for this class is awarded on the basis of class participation at rehearsals, concerts, and festivals in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to play all major scales and arpeggios
- Develop a highly advanced level of playing ability on their primary instrument
- Demonstrate knowledge of advanced level music theory
- Participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances
Marching Band - Marching Trojan Regiment
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Quarter 1
Units may count towards P.E. Credit.
Prerequisites: Prior music experience is recommended. Students must be concurrently enrolled in one of the wind bands or orchestras (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, or Symphony Orchestra). Students must attend summer rehearsals at UHS to participate. All freshmen must also be concurrently enrolled in a PE class.
All levels of ability are encouraged to participate. Students will develop the ability to play standard marches, pep songs, and field music. Students will also learn proper marching and maneuvering techniques. During the first semester, the group will work as a marching unit and perform at football games and field shows. Credit for this class is earned on the basis of participation at rehearsals, field show performances, and parades in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Coordinate marching and playing
- Execute precision marching routines
- Participate in parades, field shows, football games, and public performances
- Perform all music necessary for performances by memory
Color Guard
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Audition; no prior experience is required
Units may count towards P.E. Credit. All students are required to pass the California Physical Fitness Test and pass five out of the six fitness areas.
Students will learn intricate and skilled body maneuvers by improving personal coordination and artistry through daily rehearsal to different styles of music. Students will work with short and tall flags, rifle, saber, and other equipment. In the first quarter, the Color Guard will perform with the Marching Trojan Regiment at football games and field show competitions. For the duration of the school year, the Color Guard will develop and perform a show in the Winter Guard circuit. Credit for this class is earned on the basis of participation during rehearsals and performances in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate spinning, tossing, and maneuvering techniques on flag and other equipment
- Demonstrate dance and movement techniques
- Execute choreographed performances using all the techniques listed above
Jazz Ensemble 1
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Q2 and Semester 2
Prerequisites: Audition. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a wind band or orchestra ensemble.
Jazz 1 is designed to develop advanced technique, music reading, and performance skills relating to jazz styles, including swing, blues, Lain, rock, funk, and big band. This ensemble will learn advanced jazz literature, jazz improvisation, and perform in concerts and festivals. This ensemble performs frequently. Credit for this course is earned on the basis of participation during rehearsals, concerts, and festivals, in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Perform music in swing, blues, Latin, jazz, rock, funk, and big band styles at an advanced level
- Demonstrate techniques for jazz solo and improvisation
- Demonstrate ensemble techniques required in the performance of jazz styles
- Demonstrate knowledge of jazz history and aural traditions through listening skills
Jazz Ensemble 2
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Q2 and Semester 2
Prerequisites: Audition. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a wind band or orchestra ensemble.
Jazz 2 is designed to develop intermediate technique, music reading, and performance skills relating to jazz styles, including swing, blues, Lain, rock, funk, and big band. This ensemble will learn intermediate jazz literature, jazz improvisation, and perform in concerts and festivals. Credit for this course is earned on the basis of participation during rehearsals, concerts, and festivals, in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Perform music in swing, blues, Latin, jazz, rock, funk, and big band styles at an intermediate level
- Demonstrate techniques for jazz solo and improvisation
- Demonstrate ensemble techniques required in the performance of jazz styles
- Demonstrate knowledge of jazz history and aural traditions through listening skills
Jazz Ensemble 3
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Q2 and Semester 2
Prerequisites: Audition. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a wind band or orchestra ensemble.
Jazz 3 is designed to develop beginning technique, music reading, and performance skills relating to jazz styles, including swing, blues, Lain, rock, funk, and big band. This ensemble will learn beginning jazz literature, jazz improvisation, and perform in concerts and festivals. Credit for this course is earned on the basis of participation during rehearsals, concerts, and festivals, in addition to the director’s evaluation of each student’s performance ability.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Perform music in swing, blues, Latin, jazz, rock, funk, and big band styles at an beginning level
- Demonstrate techniques for jazz solo and improvisation
- Demonstrate ensemble techniques required in the performance of jazz styles
- Demonstrate knowledge of jazz history and aural traditions through listening skills
AP Music Theory
Credit: 5 units per semester
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Advanced experience on primary instrument or voice and teacher recommendation.
This course is designed for music students with advanced music skills and a strong interest in music. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam. This course integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, music history and style, and performance practices.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Compose a 32 measure musical composition in a chosen style
- Demonstrate developing speed and fluency in working with musical notation
- Exhibit advanced skills in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation
- Perform sight-singing in 4 to 8 measure melodies in major and minor tonalities.
Directors
Christine Maneewongwathana received her teaching credential and Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, in Music Education from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. Ms. Maneewongwathana was born in Bangkok, Thailand and grew up in Corona, California. She began studying music at the age of eight and conducting at eleven. Ms. Maneewongwathana pursued her love of music at a young age by seeking opportunities to perform, conduct, compose, and teach. Her goal of sharing this passion for music with all students and helping them achieve their own aspirations has resulted in a fulfilling career as a music educator. Ms. Maneewongwathana has worked in public schools since 2012. Prior to joining University High School, Ms. Maneewongwathana was the Instrumental Music Director at Los Alisos Intermediate School, where she developed a comprehensive music program consisting of jazz band, winter drumline, string orchestra, concert band, chamber orchestra, symphonic band, and symphony orchestra. She was also active as a marching band instructor and visual caption head at several award-winning programs across Southern California. Through her career, Ms. Maneewongwathana has served as a drum major adjudicator, guest conductor, and woodwind multi-instrumentalist in a vast array of ensembles and performances. Ms. Maneewongwathana joined University High School as Instrumental Music Director in 2022.
Band
Please view the Band Welcome Packet for more information about the band ensembles and Marching Trojan Regiment. If you have any questions after exploring the website, email Ms. Maneewongwathana at ChristineManee@IUSD.org.
Band Ensembles
The wind bands at Uni are separated into three different classes that take place during the school day. Symphonic Band is for our beginning to intermediate level students, Wind Ensemble is for our intermediate to advanced level students, and the Wind Symphony is for our advanced students. The Wind Symphony, together with the Symphony Orchestra are the most prestigious ensembles of the UHS Instrumental Music Program. Although auditions are not required to join Symphonic Band, students are encouraged to submit an audition for consideration to be placed in the Wind Ensemble or Wind Symphony. Students who begin in the Symphonic Band have opportunities to improve their skills and progress all the way to the Wind Symphony during their 4 years at Uni. Each ensemble has its unique character and flair every year.
Marching Band
The marching band, known as the UHS Marching Trojan Regiment, is comprised of members from all wind bands and orchestras. This ensemble rehearses during zero period for the first quarter of the school year. In order to be in the marching band, students must be enrolled in one of the wind bands or orchestras during the school day.
The Marching Trojan Regiment (MTR) begins rehearsals in early August at “band camp.” At this camp, students learn music and marching basics, and our competitive field show for the season. We perform this field show at home football games and at various competitions that take place across Orange County. The marching season coincides with football season, and we usually participate in three Saturday competitions each year.
Some of our past performances can be seen here:
2009 The Best Mode of Transportation is
Jazz Ensembles
After the first quarter marching band season is over, students may join one of the jazz ensembles. Jazz 1 and 2 require an audition and only accepts the traditional jazz band instruments (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and vibraphone). Jazz 3 is open to all students, no audition required. In order to join a jazz ensemble students must be enrolled in one of the wind bands or orchestras that take place during the school day.
Band Executive Council
The MTR has two branches of student leaders that are elected to represent and lead these ensembles. The Band Executive Council (BEC) has delegated different responsibilities to its members to promote the community and social connection of the band members. The BEC organizes social events and fundraisers for those events, along with many other activities.
UHS Band Boosters
The UHS “Band Aides” is a group of dedicated parents that support our program and directors with their time and talents. The boosters are the backbone of the Uni Band Program – they can do it all! They organize events, chaperone trips, join committees, build props and other essential items, communicate with the rest of the band parents, and raise money for the program. Every person who has a student in the program is considered part of the Band Aides, and is always graciously invited to participate in making a better experience for our students. Thanks to the parents who do so much to make Band happen for our students!
If you are interested in joining the Band Aides or have any questions, please email UHSmusic@gmail.com
Orchestra
Join the Uni Orchestra Program
Please view information on the Orchestra Ensembles below to learn about the various levels of performance ensembles. If you have any questions after exploring the website, email Ms. Maneewongwathana at ChristineManee@IUSD.org.
Orchestra Ensembles
The orchestra at Uni are separated into four levels and five classes that take place during the school day. String Orchestra is for our beginning , Concert Orchestra is for our intermediate level students, Philharmonic Orchestra is for our intermediate to advanced level students, and the Symphony Orchestra is for our advanced students. The Symphony Orchestra, together with the Wind Symphony, are the most prestigious ensembles of the UHS Instrumental Music Program. Although auditions are not required to join String Orchestra, students are encouraged to submit an audition for consideration to be placed in the Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra. Students who begin in the String Orchestra have opportunities to improve their skills and progress all the way to the Symphony Orchestra during their 4 years at Uni. Each ensemble has its unique character and flair every year.
Orchestra Student Organization
OSO (Orchestra Student Organization) is an on-campus club which seeks to promote unity within the orchestra program through various social activities, bonding events, fundraisers, community outreach events, and more. Over the years the UHS Orchestra Program has developed a culture of acceptance, a sense of belonging, compassion and friendship. OSO has done a wonderful job fostering this type of environment where all students enrolled in the orchestra program can come together and make fun memories and lasting friendships. All orchestra members are automatically members of club OSO.
The 2022 - 2023 board consists of
Co-Presidents
Talia Nguyen
Jamie Kim
Treasurer
Nathan Dishon
Secretary
Julia Afshar
Events Coordinators
Aidan Jang
Ally Kim
Historians
Ayla Shamsnia
Kaitlyn Lung
Jenny Gu
Publicists
Elizabeth Kim
Florence Chen
UHS Orchestra Boosters
The UHS Orchestra Boosters is a parent volunteer group that exists to promote, support and sustain the ongoing efforts of the orchestra ensembles and their directors. There are many volunteer opportunities (fundraising events, concerts, program coordinators, reception organizers) within the orchestra program that support and raise money for the program. Volunteering is a great way to get involved and become a part of the orchestra family. The Orchestra Booster Board meets monthly to discuss the ongoing needs of the orchestra ensembles. The program would not be what it is today without the help, love, and support from the UHS Orchestra Boosters!
Color Guard
Be a part of the award-winning UHS COLOR GUARD!
All students are welcome. No experience necessary. We look forward to seeing you there! Please plan on attending all workshop and audition dates. Please wear comfortable athletic clothes and appropriate athletic shoes.
The UHS Color Guard is a competitive group within the Performing Arts Department, consisting of both new and experienced members who perform dance, flag, rifle, and saber choreography. The Color Guard holds school period and afternoon rehearsals and performs year-round, with marching band in the first semester and winter guard in the second semester.
Questions? Email unicolorguard@gmail.com
