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To All Visitors:
Welcome to the Music Program of La Salle Institute. My name is John Russell, and I am the Director of Music. I may be reached at LSI at 518-283-2500 x250 or by e-mail at jrussell@lasalleinstitute.org. If, after reading this material, you have any questions, please contact me, as I would be happy to talk about LSI's outstanding Music Program. Following is a brief description of the many musical opportunities for students of La Salle Institute.
Bands
The performing ensembles include The Cadet Blues Jazz Ensemble, The Marching Blue of LSI, The Love and Worship Ensable (L.A.W.), The Symphonic Band, and the Middle School Band.
 The Cadet Blues Jazz Ensemble was formed in the 1990's. During this time period, this ensemble, consisting of LSI's finest musicians, has won many awards including a second place at the most prestigious high school jazz festival, Boston's Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival. This jazz group has performed at countless venues from The Glen Sanders Mansion to the Troy Music Hall, to elementary schools, churches, and malls. It is a group that annually thrills the attendees and honorees at LSI's Honor Convocation, which is held in the month of March at LSI's McCormick Hall. It has recorded four of its own CDs. This award-winning ensemble requires musical skill, experience, and dedication. Participation is by audition.
 The Marching Blue of LSI is the premiere marching and music unit of the school. It is comprised of twenty-fine of our best musicians and marchers. It too has won several awards in its history. In 2000, it was awarded first place in the Troy Flag Day Parade - one of the largest parades of its kind in our country - and most recently, it won first place in the Lansingburgh Memorial Day Parade. It has had a tradition of outstanding Band Commanders, such as RJ Andrews who headed the squad to its 2000 victory, and Chris Little. The group has become known for its tight and brilliant music, and for its disciplined and precise drill technique. Participation is by audition.
 The Love and Worship Ensable, referred to as L.A.W., is the rock band that provides the music at our school masses. This group is dedicated to bringing Heaven's music to all of those persons who may be in attendance at our masses, but especially the student body. Helping the congregation to recognize the presence of God in the Eucharist is a reposibility that the members of this group must take very seriously. The soulful playing of this music is the highest calling of any musician. In addition to regular practice, this group will often participate in prayer. We ask often for the coming of the Holy Spirit to bless this ministry.
 The Symphonic Band is comprised of ninth through twelfth graders. Its repertoire is mainly classicaly music, but we do include show tunes, marches and occasionally a pop song. This concert band includes instruemnts such as piccolos, flutes, oboes, bassoons,clarinets, bass clarinets, saxophones,trumpets, French horns, baritone horns, tubas, percussion instruments, keyboards, and electric basses and guitars. This group has a powerful concert presence, and some have been deeply moved by this band's renditions of favorites such as The Nutcracker and the 1812 Overture. This great group may be heard on its 2000 release entitled, La Salle Music. The Symphonic Band has performed at such venues as the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and the State Education Complex in Albany.
 The Middle School Band is comprised of sixth graders through eighth graders with at least some musical experience. It provides and opportunity for the middle school students to develop their musical interest. This band plays two concerts per year; the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert.
For those students who have not yet studied a musical instrument, lessons may be scheduled during the school day. Because the school has a very limited supply of instruments, parents should plan to rent or purchase an instrument for their son. Exceptions to this would be if a student is playing a "large" instrument, such as a baritone sax, sousaphone, or timpani. LSI will provide these instruments.
As you can see, the opportunities for our students range from classical music to jazz, from rock to march music. We hope that you will take advantage of the musical opportunities during your years as a student in a National School of Excellence: La Salle Institute of Troy, New York.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Pray for us.
Live Jesus, in our hearts. Forever!
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