DESERT HILLS COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Ensembles
Desert Hills Community School of Music Ensembles
Music is always more fun when you make it with others. That's why DHCSM's ensembles are a vital part of the school, open to musicians of all ages and all experience levels. Our music school offers two categories of ensemble playing: LARGE ENSEMBLES, including three intergenerational groups (Saxophone Ensemble, Flute Choir, and Clarinet Choir) as well as a popular Community Band for adults (see below). Our school also offers the opportunity to participate in CHAMBER GROUPS for young musicians through age 17. These are smaller groups that promote the art of chamber music playing and usually focus on the string quartet, woodwind quintet, and trios of various combinations.
Our ensembles typically meet during Fall and Spring semesters but not during the summer months (June - August).
Community Band
If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument (or have fond memories of playing and would like to play again), the Desert Hills Community Band is for you! The band is open to adults of all levels.
Community Band is led by Jeffrey Anthony, director of traditional music at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and a former band director. Jeffrey is known for choosing fun music and preparing themed programs that engage both musicians and audience from start to finish.
The next Community Band season begins on September 7, 2025. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons, every other week through November 16.
Rehearsals:
Sept. 7 & 21, Oct. 5 & 19, Nov. 2 & 16
1:30-3:30 P.M.
Performance:
Sunday, November 16
4:00 P.M.
Participation Fee:
$70
All rehearsals are held in the main sanctuary of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266. We hope to see you there!
Saxophone Ensemble
Whether you're a current saxophone player or your horn has accumulated some years of dust, come out and play fun music with a group of saxophone players from all over the Valley. The Desert Hills Community Saxophone Ensemble welcomes saxophonists of all ages (we have had players from ages 11 - 84!) and all ability levels.* The group is led by Jeffrey Anthony, who holds a master’s degree in saxophone performance from Arizona State University.
The
next Saxophone Ensemble will be held in Spring 2026 (first rehearsal is January 18, 2026). Click the button below to let us know you're interested in knowing the rehearsal days and time once they are determined.
All rehearsals are held in the main sanctuary of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266.
*Participants will get more enjoyment out of the group if they have been playing saxophone for at least two years
Flute Choir
The Desert Hills Flute Choir is a group of flutists of all ages and ability levels who share a love of playing the flute. The group includes piccolos, C flutes, alto flutes, and bass flutes.
Flute Choir performances are tailored to the level and interests of the group. The most recent performance was a joint concert with the Harps of Praise harp ensemble. This unforgettable performance combined the best of both instruments.
The next Flute Choir will begin rehearsals in the spring semester. Click on the button below to let us know you're interested and we will let you know the rehearsal schedule starting in January.
All rehearsals are held at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266.
Chamber Groups
Chamber music playing provides the opportunity to interact with other musicians in a small group setting. It's a different musical experience than playing in private lessons or large ensembles such as band and orchestra. In a small group, students can form close friendships, have more involvement in shaping the music, and collaborate with fellow musicians in concerts. Our chamber groups have many performance opportunities throughout the year.
DHCSM offers multiple opportunities for young musicians to play in chamber groups, including:
String Quartet
Woodwind Quintet
Saxophone Quartet
Trios
Participation in youth ensemble is $80/month with your own instrument, or $100/month with the rental of a DHCSM instrument.
