Concord High School

The Bands of Concord
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This page was last modified on July 18, 2006 10:58 AM

 

Ensembles

 

 

 

The Concord High School Instrumental Music Department is made up of many diverse groups of learners and musicians. These individuals are placed across three major ensembles, including the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. Students are placed in the above ensembles based on musical excellence, talent, knowledge and performance. Students may audition for Concord's extra-curricular ensembles - the Jazz Band and the Marching Band. These auditions are held in the Spring semester for the following year. Other ensembles sponsored by the Concord Bands are the Winter Drumline and Winter Guard.

 

 

 

Rehearsal Expectations

 

 

 

In band rehearsals, we not only deal with a creative process, but also with a great deal more students at one time than do other classroom teachers. Because of this, it is imperative that band students be organized and prepared for every rehearsal. When an individual is not able to play his musical instrument during a rehearsal, it hurts the group as well as the individual. It is important that the student’s musical instrument is in good working condition, that (s)he has a pencil to mark his music, and that (s)he has important accessories including music, drill books, mutes, reeds, and valve oil for EVERY rehearsal. It is also obvious that the creative process that we are involved in cannot take place unless there is a quiet, attentive atmosphere at all times. Students who do not live up to the high rehearsal expectations of the Concord Band will be counseled, and, if necessary, moved to a lower level band or be removed from the band program completely.


 

Wind Ensemble

 

The Wind Ensemble is composed of some of the most accomplished musicians at Concord High School.  The ensemble is composed primarily of 10th through 12th graders and an audition process held each spring determines the make-up of the ensemble.  The Wind Ensemble performs music of all levels, ranging from Grade V to Grade VI.  An audition process determines chair placement and eligibility for the ensemble.  The Wind Ensemble is expected to perform a minimum of four (4) concerts throughout the year. All students are expected to practice a minimum of 5 hours a week and are strongly encouraged to take private lessons outside of school.

 

Symphonic Band

 

The Symphonic Band serves the more advanced musicians.  The band is composed primarily of 10th through 12th graders.  The Symphonic Band often performs more technically and musically challenging literature than the Concert Band, ranging in difficulty from Grade IV to Grade VI.  Chair placements may be determined by audition.  All students are expected to practice a minimum of 4 hours a week.  The Symphonic Band is expected to play a minimum of three (3) concerts throughout the year.  Students are encouraged to take private lessons.

 

Concert Band

 

The Concert Band has been established to serve as a bridge between the 8th grade ensembles and high school band.  The ensemble will perform musical literature ranging in difficulty from Grade III to Grade V.  Fundamentals will be an integral part of the ensemble and each student is expected to practice a minimum of 3 hours a week.  The Concert Band is expected to play a minimum of three (3) concerts throughout the year.  Students are encouraged to take private lessons.

 

Jazz Band

 

The Jazz Band is an extra-curricular offering of the Instrumental Music department and consists primarily of 10th through 12th graders.  An audition process held each spring determines the make-up of the ensemble.  The ensemble is expected to perform in school concerts throughout the year, plus possible impromptu performances.  The ensemble performs many different styles of jazz including, but not limited to, blues, swing, and big band.

 

Marching Band

 

Marching Band, although not a requirement of all students at Concord High School, has quickly become one of the greatest traditions in quality of the overall band program.  All hard-working and dedicated students are encouraged to participate in this ensemble.  This award-winning ensemble performs at football games, competitions, and parades.  The band rehearses after school several times a week.  All Concord band students are strongly encouraged to join this highly acclaimed ensemble.

 

Winter Drumline

 

The Concord Winter Drumline is open to anyone with a desire to explore the diverse world of percussion music.  Students are given the opportunity to expand on their skills on a wide range of instruments.  Music choices range from classic arrangements such as Bach or Debussy, to bizarre and experimental music such as John Cage, as well as exciting original pieces composed specifically for the ensemble.

 

Winter Guard

 

This ensemble is a precision flag and weapons corp composed of grade levels 9-12.  Participants are selected through a rigorous audition process including the manipulation of equipment, dance, and performance skills.  During marching band season, they perform as an integral part of the Marching Spiders.  As the marching season comes to a close, they continue to train and hone their skills with a specially designed competition piece.  Their training begins in the month of November and competitions begin at the end of January and continue through April.  For more information on the Winter Guard activity you may visit www.wgi.org.