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A note to parents... Each week the instrumental music/lessons schedule is sent, as are reminders about upcoming events and other information. If you wish to be included in this mailing, please click here.

You'll find that the instrumental music program at East Rochester High School is different from most. That's no accident. The goal of this program is to provide the richest possible experience in music by challenging and encouraging students musically, creatively, and intellectually. Courses have been created, enhanced, and modified to best serve our students. From a full-time percussion course to a jazz band that is based on improvisation and arranges their own charts to an authentic experience in our full-time Irish music program, our instrumental course selection is unique. Students in grades 7-12 participate in five different  ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band (7-12), Junior High Band, our award-winning Percussion Ensemble (Drumline), and our exceptional Celtic Music Society. Mr. Gowman also directs the Elementary Jazz Band.

In addition to participating in large ensembles, students in grades 7-12 are provided instrument-specific instruction in weekly small group lessons.

Other musical opportunities are available at the new ERHS music technology lab and at Coffeehouse, an acoustic (and occasionally electric) music showcase created by ERHS librarian and honorary music faculty Brian Regan. Speaking of The Big Rock Show, be sure to check out the all-new guitar page.

Click on the photo to the right to hear the Percussion Ensemble perform our arrangement of Rondo Alla Turca on Orff xylophones, at the 2006 concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth.