Concert Band

This band is the entry level ensemble for woodwind and brass musicians. This ensemble provides formative experiences in developing comprehensive musicianship. Students will play, sing, move, compose, improvise, evaluate, and listen to a varied repertoire of music. Proficiency will be measured through periodic playing tests, rehearsal and performance decorum, and performance projects. This course requires a number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day which may or may not include Marching Band and Pep Band. Check with individual directors for exact details.

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Symphonic Band

This ensemble is for woodwind and brass musicians who have demonstrated proficiency in Concert Band. Students will play, sing, move, compose, improvise, evaluate, and listen to a varied repertoire of music which will continue to develop comprehensive musicianship. Proficiency will be measured through periodic playing tests, rehearsal and performance decorum, and performance projects. This course requires a number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day, which may or may not include Marching Band and Pep Band. Check with individual directors for exact details. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band and/or a conference with the director.

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Wind Ensemble

This ensemble continues to develop comprehensive musicianship through playing, singing, moving, composing, improvising, evaluating, and listening to a varied repertoire of music. The focus of this course is to attain a high degree of musical excellence through the study and performance of quality band literature. Proficiency will be measured through weekly playing tests, rehearsal and concert decorum, and performance projects. This course requires a number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day, which may or may not include Marching Band and Pep Band. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band and audition with the director.

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Percussion Ensemble 1

This course in the instrumental music sequence is designed to meet the needs of the developing modern percussionist by exploring the rich and varied tradition of percussion music used in cultures throughout the world. Students will receive fundamental instruction in all aspects of percussion, which includes: mallet percussion, membrane percussion, auxiliary percussion, and marching band percussion. Additionally, students will be able to receive instruction from outside percussion professionals in this specialized setting. Proficiency will be measured through weekly technique class assignments, periodic playing tests, rehearsal and performance decorum, and performance projects. Because percussionists will be in this class for more than one year, expectations will be raised each year to reflect the age appropriate goals of the Illinois State Board of Education. This course requires a number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day which may or may not include Marching Band and Pep Band. Check with individual directors for exact details.

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Percussion Ensemble 2

This course in the instrumental music sequence is designed to meet the needs of the modern percussionist who has completed the fundamental training of Percussion Ensemble I. Students will receive a high level of instruction in all aspects of percussion, which includes: mallet percussion, membrane percussion, auxiliary percussion, and marching band percussion. Additionally, students will be able to receive instruction from outside percussion professionals in this specialized setting. Proficiency will be measured through weekly technique class assignments, periodic playing tests, rehearsal and performance decorum, and performance projects. Because percussionists may be in this class for more than one year, expectations will be raised each year to reflect the age appropriate goals of the Illinois State Board of Education. This course requires a number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day which may or may not include Marching Band and Pep Band. Check with individual directors for exact details.

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