Concert Ensembles
Concert Band 1 / Concert Band 1 Honors
This performance-oriented band participates in concert appearances and Virginia Music Education Association events. Students continue the in-depth mastery of basic fundamentals of music while preparing pieces for performances. Students provide their own instruments through rental or purchase. As a co-curricular ensemble, performances and rehearsals outside regular school hours are required.
- Consists of mostly 9th grade students
- Marching Band required for Honors Credit
- Band courses are non-sequential. All courses can be retaken for credit
- Prerequisite: Prior experience required
Concert Band 2 / Concert Band 2 Honors
Students in this class expand their knowledge and skills of instrumental techniques, tone production, musical interpretation, and ensemble/solo performance to an advanced level. Concert Band II is a performance-oriented class, and students are active in numerous concerts and events. Students provide their own instruments through rental or purchase. As a co-curricular ensemble, performances and rehearsals outside regular school hours are a requirement.
- Consists of mostly 9th and 10th grade students; some 11th and 12th as well
- Marching Band required for Honors Credit
- Band courses are non-sequential. All courses can be retaken for credit
- Prerequisite: Audition Required
Concert Band 3 / Concert Band 3 Honors
Students in this class expand their knowledge and skills of instrumental techniques, tone production, musical interpretation, and ensemble/solo performance to an advanced level. Concert Band II is a performance-oriented class, and students are active in numerous concerts and events. Students provide their own instruments through rental or purchase. As a co-curricular ensemble, performances and rehearsals outside regular school hours are a requirement.
- Consists of mix of 9-12th grade students
- Marching Band required for Honors Credit
- Band courses are non-sequential. All courses can be retaken for credit
- Prerequisite: Audition Required
Concert Band 4 Honors
Students in this class expand their knowledge and skills of instrumental techniques, tone production, musical interpretation, and ensemble/solo performance to an advanced level. Concert Band II is a performance-oriented class, and students are active in numerous concerts and events. Students provide their own instruments through rental or purchase. As a co-curricular ensemble, performances and rehearsals outside regular school hours are a requirement.
- Consists of mostly 11th and 12th grade students; some 9th and 10th as well
- Marching Band required
- Band courses are non-sequential. All courses can be retaken for credit
- Prerequisite: Audition Required
Instrumental Methods 1 and 2
Students develop fundamental playing skills on musical instruments in a supportive environment in the Instrumental Methods class. They receive special coaching in the areas of tone production, music reading, fingerings, and playing in an ensemble. Public performances are not stressed, but a concert may be planned at the teacher’s discretion.
- Consists of mostly 9th and 10th grade students; some 11th and 12th
- Prerequisite: Prior experience needed
Jazz Band
The basic fundamentals of jazz (theory, interpretation, improvisation, and other techniques) are covered in this performance-oriented class. Students provide their own instruments through rental or purchase. As a co-curricular ensemble, performances and rehearsals outside regular school hours are a requirement.
- Consists of mostly 11th and 12th grade students; some 10th as well
- Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
- Co-Requisite: Enrollment Concert Band 3 or 4
United Sound
United Sound is a mentor program that meets during a normal class period. New Musicians from the special education department are placed with band students to learn an instrument and perform with the band twice a year. Students use their study hall to volunteer for this opportunity and can claim service hours for half of the period each day.
- Consists of 10th, 11th and 12th grade students.
- Prerequisite: Completion of 9th grade band
- Co-Requisite: Enrollment in a band course
For more information on this wonderful program you can visit www.unitedsound.org.
Important Documents
This area will contain links to documents, handbook, etc.