Music Department
Welcome to the Music Department Home Page.
Under the direction of Music Professor: Mr. AJ Roberts
Meet Mr. Roberts - Music Professor
Professor Roberts began teaching in 2014 as a grade 5-12 Band Director in Gettysburg, South Dakota. He later moved to Los Angeles to lead bands and teach AP Music Theory and Music Technology at Dorsey High School. He has extensive experience leading grade K-8 music programs, as well as assisting with the La Puente High School Marching Band. Professor Roberts' ensembles have consistently earned Superior and Excellent ratings at festivals such as SCSBOA, the LA Instructional Summit, and Music in the Parks. In 2025, his Advanced Band earned straight Superior ratings at MPA and first place at Music in the Parks, where his Jazz Band also won first place with an Excellent rating.
He earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Appalachian State University and a Master of Music in Conducting from California State University, Los Angeles.
Programs Offered
Advanced Band
Advanced Band
The Advanced Band is the premier instrument ensemble for woodwind, brass, and percussion students who have successfully completed at least one year of Beginning Band and meet the necessary proficiency standards (Director approval/audition may be required). This course focuses on rapid technical growth, emphasizing complex rhythms, advanced fingerings, sight-reading, and musical interpretation. Students explore challenging literature from the wind band repertoire (typically Grade II/III and above), delve deeper into music history and theory, and refine their overall musicianship.
Performance opportunities are extensive and include formal school concerts, community events, and participation in professionally adjudicated regional music festivals. Advance Band members are expected to maintain high practice standards and demonstrate mature rehearsal etiquette.
All instruments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beginning Band
Beginning Band
This course is the foundation of our instrumental program, designed for students in grades 6-7 who have little or no prior experience playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. The curriculum focuses on teaching fundamental musicianship, including instrument assembly and care, correct posture and tone production (embouchure and breath support), basic music theory, and rhythm reading. Students will select an instrument from the band family and develop the essential technical skills needed to play it successfully. Through guided ensemble rehearsals, students learn the critical skills of teamwork and following a conductor.
Mandatory public performances, including the Winter and Spring Concerts, are a core part of the curriculum. These provide students with invaluable experience and a sense of accomplishment. Successful completion prepares students for entrance into the Advanced Band.
Strings
String Orchestra
The String Orchestra provides a comprehensive and collaborative experience for students playing violin, viola, cello, and string bass. This ensemble is structured to develop strong technical proficiency, focusing on the unique demands of string playing, including bowing techniques, accurate intonation, and expressive phrasing. Students practice a diverse repertoire ranging from classical works to contemporary styles, fostering an appreciation for musical heritage across various time periods. The curriculum also integrates music theory, ear training, and sight-reading practice. Participating in the String Orchestra teaches vital collaborative skills, emphasizing the importance of blending with the ensemble to create a cohesive sound.
All students are required to participate in scheduled evening performances, which serve as major performance assessments.
Instruments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guitar/Ukulele
Guitar/Ukulele
This popular course is a project-based introduction to performance on fretted string instruments: the acoustic guitar and the ukulele. It is open to students with all levels of experience, from true beginners to those who have previously learned basic chords. The curriculum is centered on practical playing skills, including mastering proper technique, developing effective strumming and fingerpicking patterns, and learning to read music using both standard notation and tablature (TAB). Students will focus on mastering major and minor chords and applying them to various musical styles, including rock, pop, folk, and classical arrangements. This ensemble fosters individual creativity and collaborative group playing through a small-group performance project.
The Marching Champions - Marching Band and Color Guard
Marching Champions - Marching Band and Color Guard
Open to all Eagles, our Marching Champions is an award-winning marching band and color guard. We meet Monday through Thursday during 8th period. Open to all Eagles, no experience is necessary to join. Members should also be enrolled in a music class during the normal school day in order to play a wind instrument. Drumline and Color Guard are open to anyone in the school.
All are welcome!
Color Guard
The Color Guard Ensemble is a performance-based elective that focuses on the visual aspects of musical performance, specifically using flags to create choreography and display. This course teaches students the fundamental techniques of flag work, including basic spins, tosses, and movement, while emphasizing body control, spatial awareness, and synchronization. Students learn to translate musical scores into dynamic visual interpretations, working closely with the Advanced Band to enhance the overall aesthetic of performances. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
Attendance at all rehearsals and mandatory performances, including parades, football games, and concerts, is required as the Color Guard is an integral visual component of the entire music program.
Leadership
Playing in the Marching Champions is a great opportunity for Eagles to explore and develop their leadership skills. Our band and color guard units both have drum majors, captains, and section leaders, who help with planning, coordinating resources, working with the groups, and actually leading our Marching Champions at parades.
Performances
Aside from performing at some of our amazing school events (specific events to be announced), our Marching Champions also perform annually at the following parades:
-Laguna Niguel Winter Parade
-Knott's Berry Farm Performance in the Park
-Disneyland Main Street performance
-Angel's Stadium Band Night
Additional performances will be announced. We are also open to other community events and have performed in the community in the past, at events such as the Mission Viejo Walk Against Drugs and at The Shops at Mission Viejo. if you have a potential performance opportunity, please feel free to reach out to the director and we are happy to explore the possibility.
Instruments Offered
Different instruments are played in each class. Here is a breakdown of what instrument options are available in which classes.
Beginning, Advanced, and Marching Band
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba
Percussion*
Electric Bass*
*Percussion is a group of instruments, not just a drum. Students in the percussion section are assigned instruments based on the necessities of the ensemble by the director.
*Electric bass is not an option for marching band as we would be unable to march with an electric bass connected to power. Electric bass is however an option for pep band activities and performances that do not involve marching or being "on-field."
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello*
Bass*
*Please note, cello and bass are limited in numbers and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guitar/Ukulele
Standard acoustic nylon-string guitars
standard soprano ukulele
Where do students get their instruments?
We have a limited supply of instruments for each class that our students are welcome to use, at no cost, with the completion of an instrument use contract.
While we do have a limited supply of instruments, please keep in mind they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
While it is not necessary or required in any way, we do highly recommend considering renting or purchasing an instrument outside the school. This will ensure that your child is the only one playing their instrument and always has one to play at school and home. School instruments may be shared, depending on availability, in order to accommodate our students.
We are located withing ten minutes of two reputable music stores that sell and rent instruments. We do not officially endorse or recommend any particular store or business.
