DESERT HILLS COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Ensembles

​Desert Hills Community School of Music Ensembles

Sunday afternoons are Ensemble time at DHCSM. Throughout the year, the school offers Saxophone Ensemble, Flute Choir, and Community Band groups that are open to musicians of all ages. Whether you play regularly or you used to play as a kid and have been thinking you'd like to pick up your instrument again, you've come to the right place.

Community Band

If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument -- or if you have fond memories of playing one in high school/college and have been thinking about getting it back out and playing again -- the Desert Hills Community Band is for you! The band is open to adults of all levels.

Community Band is led by Jeffrey Anthony, director of traditional music at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and a former band director. Jeffrey is known for choosing fun music and preparing themed programs that engage the audience from start to finish.


The next session of Community Band begins January 26, 2025. The group will prepare a concert of John Williams movie music to perform the night before May 4th ("May the 4th be with you"). Register now to be a part of this fun group of local musicians!


Rehearsals:

Sundays, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 & 23, Mar. 16 & 30*, Apr. 13 & 27*

1:30-3:30 p.m.

*Mar. 30 & Apr. 27 rehearsals are 12:30-2:30 p.m.


Performance:

Saturday, May 3, 2025

4:00 p.m.


Participation Fee: $80


All rehearsals are held in the main sanctuary of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266. We hope to see you there!

Register

Youth Ensembles

Ensemble playing provides the opportunity to interact with other musicians in a small group setting. It's a different musical experience than playing in private lessons or larger band and orchestras. In a small group, students can form close friendships, have more involvement in shaping the music, and collaborate with fellow musicians in developing a performance. All youth ensembles will be offered multiple performance opportunities throughout the year.


Through a generous grant from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, DHCSM is offering the four youth ensembles in the 2024-25 academic year. Participation in youth ensemble is $80/month with your own instrument, or $100/month with the rental of a DHCSM instrument.

String Ensemble

Join violin, viola, cello, and double bass players in settings of 3-6 musicians. All string ensembles will be led by DHCSM string instructor Gregory Hamilton. Rentals available for all instruments. Rehearsals: Saturdays, 1:15-2:15pm

Middle School Clarinet Choir

The DHCSM Clarinet Choir (grades 6-8) is an ensemble consisting entirely of instruments from the clarinet family and include standard Bb clarinets, alto clarinet, and bass clarinet. We will have an alto and bass clarinet available to rent. Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm

Saxophone Quartet

DHCSM's saxophone quartet is open to saxophone players in grades 8-12. The quartet consists of one each soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone. We have soprano and baritone saxophones available for rent. Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:00-5:00pm

High School Brass Quintet

Open to experienced brass players in grades 8-12, our brass quintet will consist of a combination of trumpet, French horn, baritone, trombone, and tuba. Brass quintet will be led by DHCSM brass instructor Greg Smith. Rehearsals: Thursdays, 4:45-5:45pm

Request More Info Register Now

Saxophone Ensemble

Whether you're a current saxophone player or your horn has accumulated some years of dust, come out and play fun music with a group of saxophone players from all over the Valley. The Desert Hills Community Saxophone Ensemble welcomes saxophonists of all ages (we have had players from ages 11 - 84!) and all ability levels.* The group is led by Jeffrey Anthony, who holds a master’s degree in saxophone performance from Arizona State University.


The next Saxophone Ensemble will begin January 12, 2025.


Rehearsals:

Sundays, Jan. 12 & 19, Feb. 2 & 16, Mar. 2

1:00-2:30 p.m.


Performance:

Sunday, March 2, 2025

4:00 p.m.


Participation Fee: $50


All rehearsals are held in the main sanctuary of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266.


*Participants will get more enjoyment out of the group if they have been playing saxophone for at least two years

Register

Flute Choir

The Desert Hills Flute Choir is a group of flutists of all ages and ability levels who share a love of playing the flute. The group includes piccolos, C flutes, alto flutes, and bass flutes.


There are two choirs: one for intermediate-level players and one for advanced flutists. At registration, you can choose the one you feel is best for you. If you're unsure, let us know and we'll guide you to the best fit for your playing level and comfort.


The next season of Flute Choir begins in January 2025. The group will rehearse through the semester for multiple performances in the local community.


Rehearsal Dates:

Sundays, Jan. 19, Feb. 2 & 16, Mar. 2, 9 & 23, Apr. 6 & 27


Rehearsal Times:

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Intermediate)

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Advanced)


Participation Fee: $80


All rehearsals are held at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266.

Register
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