Instrumental Music in the Irvine Unified School District is offered to all students in grades 4-12. For information on individual programs either scroll down or click below:
Elementary School Music Middle School Music High School Music
Elementary music is a district-provided program and is therefore consistent throughout the district.
- Program Synopsis (Grades 4-6)
Music instruction is given in a "block music" system. Unlike the more common "pull-out" system, students do not miss regular classroom instruction to participate in the music program. In Irvine, all students receive music education and music is considered as important as all other curricular activities.
Students receive two forty-minute lessons a week. In fourth grade, each student has the option of either participating in the vocal music program or learning to play a string instrument (violin, viola, or cello). Fifth grade students may either participate in the vocal music program, continue to play a string instrument if they played one the previous year, or begin a wind instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or baritone). Sixth grade students are given the opportunity to participate in the vocal music program or continue with a more intensive study on their chosen instrument.
The music curriculum is based on the Irvine Unified School district's Music Scope and Sequence, as well as the California State Framework. The elementary music program and staff are highly regarded throughout the County, and are used as a bench mark of quality for other school Districts. Each respective school provides a culminating concert at the end of the year.
The elementary music staff is considered to be one of the finest groups of music educators in all of Southern California. Many of the teachers provide workshops and clinics on the county and regional levels for other music educators. Their skills and dedication have helped to sustain one of the finest elementary music programs in Southern California. Many of them are active professional musicians.
For biographical information on a music teacher at a particular school site, click below:
School Site String Teacher Wind Teacher Alderwood Basics Plus Irene Kroesen Chris Kroesen Bonita Canyon Susan Gumpert Janice Bora Brywood Irene Kroesen Chris Kroesen Canyon View Susan Gumpert Janice Bora College Park Susan Gumpert Janice Bora Culverdale Susan Gumpert Janice Bora Deerfield Dianna Gray Kerri Arakawa Eastshore Irene Kroesen Chris Kroesen El Camino Real Katie Colaizzi Hee Jeong Przytulski Greentree Dianna Gray Kerri Arakawa Meadow Park Dianna Gray Kerri Arakawa Northwood Susan Gumpert Janice Bora Oak Creek Irene Kroesen Chris Kroesen Plaza Vista Naoko Maruko Mark Ghiassi Santiago Hills Dianna Gray Kerri Arakawa Springbrook Katie Colaizzi Hee Jeong Przytulski Stonecreek Katie Colaizzi Hee Jeong Przytulski Turtle Rock Irene Kroesen Chris Kroesen University Park Katie Colaizzi Hee Jeong Przytulski Vista Verde Naoko Maruko Mark Ghiassi West Park Katie Colaizzi Hee Jeong Przytulski Westwood Basics Plus Dianna Gray Kerri Arakawa
Calendar
of EventsThe accessibility of different instrumental music classes vary by school.
Classes in both instrumental and vocal music are offered at each of our Middle Schools.
Instrumental classes include both bands and string orchestras. Classes at each school provide experiences ranging from programs designed for students who have not previously played an instrument, to the students who are at an advanced level in their playing. The instrumental performing groups in Irvine are considered to be among the very best in Orange County. IUSD has in past years sent more musicians to participate in the All Southern California Band and Orchestra than any other district.
The Middle School instrumental music teachers are highly recognized throughout the County as leaders in their field. They are called upon as clinicians for groups outside our district and teach at a number of workshops and music camps. Many are active professional musicians.
Many of the schools participate on a yearly basis in band and orchestra festivals where they receive top ratings in both performance and sight reading.
Classes are also offered at select Middle Schools in guitar, piano keyboard and composition.
The middle school vocal music staff is respected throughout the County and is very active in their professional organizations.
For more information regarding specific course offerings available at various schools, or for biographical information on a particular teacher, click below.
The accessibility of different instrumental music classes vary by school.
To download a PDF file that lists course offerings and descriptions for all Irvine high schools, follow this link.
For more information regarding specific programs available at various schools, or for biographical information on a particular teacher, click below.
Irvine High School Bob Avzaradel Perf. Arts Dept. Chair
Stan SteeleNorthwood High School Sarah Silver
Stan Steele
Brad Van Patten Fine Arts Dept. ChairUniversity High School Woodbridge High School Joslynne Blasedel
Brad Harris