Category Archives: FAQ

Campolindo Instrumental Music

Music Director, Johnny Johnson

CONCERT BAND
This first-level wind band draws experienced music students, primarily freshmen who studied at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate, Stanley Middle or other middle schools, but also older students who will benefit from the experience.

SYMPHONIC BAND
The advanced symphonic band includes winds, brass and percussion instrumentalists, primarily sophomores, juniors and seniors, although incoming freshmen may audition in the spring.  This band plays high school and college level repertoire.

ORCHESTRA
Campolindo’s string orchestra includes freshmen through seniors and performs high school and college level repertoire.  Some repertoire, such as Beethoven’s symphonies, are performed with brass, wind and percussion musicians drawn from the symphonic band.

JAZZ BAND
Entrance to Jazz Band is by audition only.  In addition to concerts and competitions, the jazz band also performs at the annual Jazz Dinner Dance. For this year’s Jazz Dinner Dance information, click the Concert Dates tab.

MUSIC THEORY
This advanced placement course is open to any sophomore, junior or senior interested in music.  It includes basic music theory and composing.

CONCERTS, MUSICALS, TOURS
Campolindo’s musicians perform at Campolindo’s Performing Arts Center (CPAC) for all concerts and in the orchestra pit for the spring musical.

AUDITIONING for incoming freshmen students
Depending on the individual skill level, an 8th grade band student may want to join the Symphonic and Jazz Band right away. In that case, contact Mr. Johnson for an audition. Auditions are held in the spring and by appointment only.

THE CAMPOLINDO MUSIC BOOSTERS is the parent organization responsible for supporting Campo’s Instrumental Music program.  Membership dues and donations are used to help enrich the instrumental music program.  For more information, click the About Us tab.

Concert Etiquette

To clap or not to clap? We’re supposed to clap for soloists during jazz band numbers, but get glared at if we applaud in the middle of an orchestral work or between movements. But we’re encouraged to clap during Sousa marches? What the-?

It’s all about tradition. Audiences generally show their appreciation for jazz soloists immediately after each solo. For orchestral or symphonic band works with multiple movements, wait until the end of the entire piece to applaud. Your cue? If the baton’s still in the air, the piece isn’t over yet. The conductor will lower his baton and turn around when the work is over. Sousa’s “Stars & Stripes Forever” is in a category of its own. If the conductor turns around, mid-piece, and starts clapping, you get to do it too.

FAQ for New Students

1. SHOULD MUSICIANS BRING THEIR INSTRUMENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL? No. The first day is usually spent getting acquainted and finding out what Maestro Johnson expects of his troops. There is no jazz band on the first day of school.

2. IS THERE SOMEWHERE SAFE TO STASH INSTRUMENTS? Yes, the band room has musical instrument lockers, which students share. You will need a combination lock.

3. WHAT IS THE STUDENT MUSIC COUNCIL? Students are represented by an elected student music council, which helps organize social activities, the Welcome Back BBQ for new and returning students, Pep Band gigs, and other events, including this fall’s outing to the Lesher Center for a multimedia concert, and a movie night in the bandroom. Elections are held each spring, and the concert band elects its representative in the fall. To see a list of this year’s officers, click the “About Campo Music” tab at the top of the page.
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Not Getting E-mail Updates?

CampoMusic sends its members regular newsletters and e-mailed notes. Not sure you’re on the mailing list? E-mail our webmaster and get on the list.  Please specify your student’s ensemble (orchestra, concert band, symphonic band, jazz band) so you will receive the correct e-mailings.