The concert band program includes beginning band, intermediate band, and advanced band. You can check out some pictures of these bands at the picture archives page. Jazz Band is listed on a separate page.
The Beginning Band meets for a full year alternating every other week with PE/health) and is designed to teach the fundamentals (first 8 notes, tone control, proper mouth/hand placement, notation, and music symbols). The beginners will learn about all the instruments in the band, but must concentrate on one. See instruments on the main page. Students will use the Essential Elements 2000 Book and will maintain a folder with theory assignments, compositions, sheet music, and a listening log. Beginners must stick to a regular practice routine at least four nights a week repeating songs and warmups over and over to build muscle strength and memorize fingerings (or drum rudiments).
The Intermediate Band/Percussion Ensemble is a full year course designed for those students continuing in their second year of band. Students in this band are required to learn seven basic scales and the chromatic scale and perform music at a higher level. The course includes music history, music theory, and ear-training. Students will be involved in music composition and performing solos and small group ensembles. The band participates in solo & ensemble festival and concert festival and are required to be in attendance at all band performances. Students begin to play more difficult band arrangements and must practice longer each day. Field trips and clinicians are included. Students will finish level one Essential Elements 2000 Method Book and begin the level two book and will maintain a folder with sheet music, scales, theory assignments, chorales, compositions, and a listening log. Cooperation and careful preparation of music and scales are critical!
The Advanced Band is a third year course designed for only the most dedicated musician. Students will perform second and third year band arrangements and will perform full range scales and arpeggios at a rigorous pace. Students audition for all-state and all-county band, are recommended to perform at solo & ensemble and are required to perform at concert festivals. Woodwind and brass players must purchase step-up mouthpieces. Students must set a serious practice routine. The performing schedule for this band is heavy culminating with an out-of-county band trip at the end of the year. Great attention is placed on intonation of the band and the ability of the ensemble to blend as they play. Students attend area concerts and are visited by guest conductors. A technique book and a method book are used in this course and students maintain a folder of sheet music, scales, compositions, ear drills, theory assignments, and a listening log. Section leaders will call sectionals from time to time. Members of this ensemble must set a serious practice routine of at least five nights per week in order to learn music, correct errors, and improve technique.
The concert band program includes beginning band, intermediate band, and advanced band. You can check out some pictures of these bands at the picture archives page. Jazz Band is listed on a separate page. 