The Director
Philip Lemar is in his 28th year of teaching where all but one of those has been at Connolly Middle School. His teaching responsibilities include teaching the seven performance ensembles. He holds degrees from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
The Ensembles
The Symphonic Band is a 7th and 8th grade ensemble made up of the most dedicated musicians in the school. This ensemble performs at least 4 concerts a year. In addition, This ensemble performed for the Arizona Music Educators Convention in 2013 and 2015. The Symphonic Band also participates in the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association Junior High Band Festival annually. This ensemble also participates in the TD#3 fall band festival every year.
The Concert Band is a 7th and 8th grade ensemble made up of high talented and driven musicians. This ensemble performs at least 3 concerts a year.
The Jazz Band meets before school and is composed of highly dedicated students. This ensemble plays at numerous events through out the year including, award ceremonies, retirement receptions, school carnivals, and numerous other performance opportunities.
In addition to these ensembles there is a 7th and 8th grade Beginning/Intermediate Band, and two 6th Grade Bands. All of these ensemble perform several times through out the year and develop great ensemble skills.
All of the 8th grade band students are eligible to travel to Disneyland to take part in a studio recording session backstage. This is a once in a lifetime experience that the students and directors really enjoy watching the students become studio musicians.
The Concert Band is a 7th and 8th grade ensemble made up of high talented and driven musicians. This ensemble performs at least 3 concerts a year.
The Jazz Band meets before school and is composed of highly dedicated students. This ensemble plays at numerous events through out the year including, award ceremonies, retirement receptions, school carnivals, and numerous other performance opportunities.
In addition to these ensembles there is a 7th and 8th grade Beginning/Intermediate Band, and two 6th Grade Bands. All of these ensemble perform several times through out the year and develop great ensemble skills.
All of the 8th grade band students are eligible to travel to Disneyland to take part in a studio recording session backstage. This is a once in a lifetime experience that the students and directors really enjoy watching the students become studio musicians.