Lincoln High School MUsic program
Portland, OR

Our program at Lincoln is growing and seeing a lot of success, especially in both our concert ensembles and jazz program. Students are making great music, challenging themselves, and building strong relationships.

I often tell families this because it’s true: many of our most confident and successful students almost didn’t continue band when they came to high school. Some weren’t sure they were “good enough,” some worried about time, and others just didn’t know what to expect. They decided to try it for one year. That choice led to friendships, leadership opportunities, performances they were proud of, and a place to land during a busy high school schedule. Band became something they could count on.

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As you forecast for next year, here’s how students should sign up:

Concert Band: All wind players forecast for Concert Band.

Percussion: All percussionists forecast for Percussion.

Jazz Lab: Students interested in jazz should also forecast for Jazz Lab.

Jazz Ensemble: Auditions will be held in April. Students who are selected will be moved into Jazz Ensemble by the counselors.

String Ensemble: We are working to grow our String Ensemble. If enough students sign up, this can become a stand-alone class.

To be part of a Jazz Ensemble, students must also be enrolled in a concert-based ensemble (Concert Band, String Ensemble, or Percussion). Our jazz program builds on the fundamentals developed in those groups, and this helps set students up for long-term success.

Even if a student is unsure, I strongly encourage giving band a try for at least one year. You don’t have to commit to four years right now, just say yes to the opportunity and see where it leads.