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Instrumental Music (Band)
The instrumental music programme, also known as the Band Programme, is a rapidly growing area of the school, currently consisting of the following:
| Band | Open to students in |
|---|---|
| Beginner Band | Grade 4 and up |
| Wind Band | Grade 4 and up |
| Concert Band | Grades 6-8 |
| Middle School Jazz Ensemble | Grades 6-8 |
| Symphonic Band | Grades 9-12 |
| High School Jazz Ensemble | Grades 9-12 |
| Percussion Ensemble | Grade 5 and up |
| String Ensemble | Grade 3 and up |
From Grade 2 onwards, students learn to play the recorder as part of the regular music programme during the school day. With these technical and note reading skills already in place, learning to play a band instrument becomes much easier. Therefore, students are eligible to join band starting in Grade 4. ISL is one of the few international schools that offer the opportunity to begin band in fourth grade. At present, approximately 90% of fourth grade students choose to be a part of the programme. By the end of the first year, many of the beginners have become proficient enough to play with the Wind Band. Students are also given the opportunity to begin an instrument in Middle and High school.
Private lessons are offered on school premises by school-approved teachers, several from Luxembourg's fine symphony, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg. Many students that play in the band also study privately at the Conservatoire de Musique, a mere stone's throw away from ISL.
The ISL Bands perform several times throughout the school year, both for the school and for the wider community. Students are also given the opportunity to audition for the Association for Music in International Schools festivals that are held throughout the school year across Europe and the rest of the world. Many of our students also take part in the Solo and Ensemble Festival held annually at The Hague. Furthermore, the High School Bands participate in yearly exchange concerts with other international schools and tours throughout Europe.
