Advanced Band is a year-long course for students with two years of prior middle school band experience. The class focuses primarily on ensemble performance skills through advanced-level repertoire. Advanced Band students perform in two concerts (Winter and Spring), three parades (the Monster March Halloween parade in Sellwood, the St. Johns or Jr. Rose Parade depending on the year, and the Duniway Parade in June), two Band Festivals, and the (optional) Solo/Ensemble Festival.

Advanced Band prepares students for High School Band. Most of our students go to Cleveland High School after Sellwood, where celebrated music educator Gary Riler leads one of the top band programs in the state of Oregon. 9th graders start in Concert Band (except for those who audition into the Wind Ensemble, Cleveland's top performing ensemble). You can find more info about Cleveland's excellent program at clevelandbandspdx.com.

Students who are on the fence about continuing band in high school are strongly encouraged to try it for a year; the transition to a new school is much easier when you already have a built-in social network by your side. Band keeps that community intact, giving you familiar faces, shared experiences, and a place where you already belong.

Sheet music and other materials for Advanced Band students can be found on the Advanced Band Materials page.