The Symphonic Band is an advanced ensemble and performance class which follows much of the same guidelines as the Concert band. The major difference being in the difficulty level of the materials performed. The Symphonic Band’s repertoire consists of literature played at the Grade 4-6 difficulty. The numbers of positions in each group are established prior to the fall audition. Freshman students have just as much a chance of obtaining a principle chair as a senior. Moreover, being an upperclassmen does not guarantee a spot in these performing groups either. The Symphonic Band Classes are designed to be a logical continuation of music education for a student coming from the Concert Band Class. Symphonic Band students are required to tryout for District III Honor Band. All other elements of this class follow the same requirements given for the Concert Band Classes.
The Concert band is a intermediate ensemble/performance oriented music class. The classes are chosen by score results from the preliminary audition for band classes at the end of the previous school year. Students in these classes are exposed to elements of music history, music theory, and music performance while participating in band performances. Students learn various aspects of solo playing and ensemble playing in a number of musical styles. Musical compositions studied in the course are generally of a grade 2-4 difficulty level (based on the GMEA scale of 1-6)
This class is designed to further the technique of the percussionist on all related instruments. Whereas the other instrumental class would require percussionist to sit and wait for long periods of time, this class allows students to play and perform for the entire class session. This class for the first 9 weeks deals with primarily marching percussion and the rest of the school year will focus on more on percussion ensemble music. This class performs at all football games, the NHS Winter Concert, Solo and Ensemble adjudication, and our Spring Concert.