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. The school offers three intergenerational groups: Saxophone Ensemble, Flute Choir, and Clarinet Ensemble. It also has a Community Band for adults, as well as both high school and adult saxophone quartets. Don't see a fit? Let us know and we'll work on creating a new ensemble!
Whether you play regularly or you used to play as a kid and have been thinking you'd like to pick up your instrument again, you've come to the right place if you're looking for a positive, welcoming group playing experience.
Ensembles typically meet during Fall and Spring semesters and break during the summer months (June - August).
Community Band
If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument -- or if you have fond memories of playing one in high school/college and have been thinking about picking it back up 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 the audience from start to finish.
The next session of Community Band begins in September 2025. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons, every other week. Exact days and times to be announced in July. If you'd like us to keep you informed once we know the new rehearsal schedule, please click the "I'm Interested!" button below and let us know.
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
Fall
2025. 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 each 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 Fall 2025. Click on the button below to let us know you're interested and we'll keep you posted on the next rehearsal schedule.
All rehearsals are held at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266.
Youth Ensembles
Ensemble 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 larger band and orchestras. In a small group, students can form close friendships, have more involvement in shaping the music, and collaborate with fellow musicians in developing a performance. All youth ensembles have many performance opportunities throughout the year.
DHCSM offers multiple opportunities for young musicians to play in small groups, including:
String Quartet
Intergenerational Clarinet Choir
Saxophone Quartet
Brass Quintet
Participation in youth ensemble is $80/month with your own instrument, or $100/month with the rental of a DHCSM instrument.
