ARCHBISHOP CURLEY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
The ProgramCurley’s Instrumental music program is a progressive four-year, five-step system of requirements and evaluation. Each step consists of sequential studies in applied technique, theory and music history.
Freshman Instrument and Sophomore Instrument
Two classes in applied theory and technique and two classes in Literature every six days. All instrumentalists 9-12 are scheduled together for the two classes in literature. (Concert Band) (1 credit)
Junior Instrument and Senior Instrument
Juniors and seniors are scheduled into one class for continued training in theory and applied instrumental technique and more extensive training in ensemble techniques. (1 credit).
Jazz Ensemble
Open to all students by audition, the Jazz Ensemble studies technique as applied to the varied modern styles of the twentieth century. Fundamentals must be internalized and technique advanced. The class meets every Tuesday night 7- 8:30.
Musicianship
The study of written harmony, ear training, and sight singing, based on the techniques of 17th to 19th century composers. This course prepares students to begin arranging and composing their own music. (Prerequisite: Formal instruction in vocal or instrumental technique.)
Beginner Instrumentalists
The greatly varied levels of ability and experience of Curley’s freshman instrumentalists affords beginners an excellent opportunity to become involved in Curley’s Band. The school has a limited number of instruments to loan beginning students.
Instrumental Ensembles
The Concert Band is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and performs approximately five times a year presenting Christmas and Spring Concerts and each spring travels to cities like New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Myrtle Beach, Disney World and more, to participate in an International Music Festival.
The Drumline is open to all students of percussion and is a required course for freshman percussionists. The Drumline performs at all home football games, pep rallies and participates in several parades throughout the school year.
The Curley Jazz Ensemble is comprised of selected students from grades 9-12 for advanced 
Jazz training. The Jazz ensemble has recorded two compact discs- “ TUESDAY NIGHT ”- 1998 and “THE RIDE” – 2000. Both CD’s were recorded and produced in a professional recording studio providing our students with invaluable education in another dimension of Instrumental Arts. The Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble and alumni Band produced a live recording in 2006 entitled “LIVE AT 3701”.
The Jazz Combo is for beginning students. There is also a combo for advanced students of Improvisation.
Awards
The Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble and our newest ensemble, Drumline have earned top honors over the years. All three ensembles have earned Gold awards in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 for their performances in the spring adjudications-‘The Band Trip” Our students have also earned positions in the Maryland All State Jazz Ensemble and have won significant scholarships to pursue music at Major Universities.
Student Recitals
The advanced music students in our Franciscan Scholar program select a small ensemble composition or concerto in the fall that they then prepare for a performance the following spring.