Curricular Ensembles

Wind Ensemble

​Wind Ensemble is the most elite and advanced group in our band program, made up of the school’s most skilled and dedicated musicians. Admission is highly competitive, and students are expected to perform at an exceptional level both individually and as an ensemble. Wind Ensemble tackles the most challenging and sophisticated wind literature, emphasizing precision, musicality, and artistic interpretation. This group represents the pinnacle of our program and frequently performs at high-profile events, festivals, and competitions.

Wind Symphony

​Wind Symphony is an advanced ensemble featuring students who have shown a high level of dedication, technical proficiency, and musical artistry. This auditioned group performs complex and demanding repertoire, requiring strong individual preparation and exceptional ensemble awareness. Wind Symphony members explore advanced concepts of interpretation, style, and musical expression, performing at concerts, festivals, and special events throughout the year.

Symphonic Winds

​Symphonic Winds is an intermediate-level ensemble for students who have demonstrated solid musical ability and a commitment to growth. This auditioned group plays more challenging literature, requiring a higher level of technical skill and musical maturity. Students in Symphonic Winds focus on refining their tone quality, articulation, phrasing, and ensemble balance. This ensemble performs in several concerts annually and often participates in festivals and adjudicated events.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is designed for students who need additional support in developing their musical skills before progressing to more advanced ensembles. This group focuses on reinforcing fundamental techniques, improving musicianship, and building confidence in performance. Through a wide range of repertoire, students strengthen their tone, rhythm, intonation, and ensemble skills. Symphonic Band performs at multiple concerts throughout the school year, providing opportunities for growth and preparation for higher-level ensembles.​

Concert Band

Concert Band is a freshmen-only ensemble focused on developing the fundamental skills essential for success in high school band. This group reinforces the techniques and concepts established in middle school while filling in any gaps in musical knowledge and performance ability. Students work on tone production, technical facility, and ensemble awareness through a variety of accessible and engaging repertoire. 

Beginning Band

​Beginning Band is a winds-only ensemble designed for students with little to no prior instrumental experience. This class provides a supportive and structured environment where students learn the fundamentals of playing a wind instrument, including proper posture, breath support, tone production, and music reading. Emphasis is placed on building a strong technical foundation and developing ensemble skills from the ground up. Beginning Band performs at select concerts throughout the year, giving students their first opportunities to showcase their progress and musicianship. This ensemble serves as a starting point for students eager to join the band program and prepares them for future participation in more advanced groups.

Percussion Techniques

​Percussion Techniques is a sophomore-through-senior–only class dedicated exclusively to developing well-rounded and versatile percussionists. This course focuses on refining fundamental skills across a wide range of percussion instruments, including snare drum, mallet percussion, timpani, and auxiliary percussion. Students explore advanced techniques, sight-reading, and rhythmic precision while also learning the importance of musical expression and ensemble playing. Emphasis is placed on both concert and marching percussion, preparing students for performances in various ensembles throughout the band program. Percussion Techniques provides the focused training necessary for students to excel as confident and adaptable percussionists.

Other Ensembles

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned class that explores the rich traditions and diverse styles of jazz, including swing, bebop, Latin, funk, and contemporary jazz. Open to students with strong instrumental proficiency and a passion for this uniquely American art form, the ensemble emphasizes improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and advanced ensemble techniques. Students must be active members of a concert band or other eligible band ensemble. Through performance of classic and modern jazz literature, students develop their musicality and gain a deeper understanding of jazz theory, history, and performance practice. Jazz Ensemble performs at concerts, festivals, and community events, representing the band program with energy, creativity, and excellence.

Marching Band

Marching Band is a co-curricular ensemble that represents the band program in the community, emphasizing Service, Teamwork, Artistry, and Resilience. Students perform at school events, community parades, and local celebrations, combining music and movement with precision and visual coordination. The ensemble fosters teamwork and school spirit, while giving students the opportunity to showcase their artistry and engage with the community. Participation requires a commitment beyond the school day, with rehearsals and performances throughout the fall season, helping students build resilience and achieve personal growth.