Concert Ensembles

Recommended Prerequisite: Previous band experience at the middle school level required

Emphasis in this course is on mastering the skills necessary to meet the intermediate level for the performance of Grade III-IV band literature. Students participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events and All-County Band auditions. Concerts of traditional and contemporary band works are prepared and performed. Small ensemble and solo work, as well as music theory and history, are components of this course. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.

Recommended Prerequisite: One or more years of previous band experience; by audition

Emphasis in this course is on mastering the skills necessary to meet the advanced level for the performance of Grade IV-V band literature. Students participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events and All-County Band auditions. Concerts of traditional and contemporary band works are prepared and performed. Small ensemble and solo work, as well as music theory and history, are components of this course. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.

By audition only

This course functions at the artist level in accordance with the Virginia Standards of Learning. Emphasis in this course is on traditional and contemporary works for concert band and wind ensemble at the Grade V-VI level. Students continue their participation in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events and All-County Band auditions. Small ensemble and solo work, as well as scales, etudes, music theory, ear training, sight- singing/reading, and music history, are components of this course. The course is based on the size of a traditional Wind Ensemble and is limited to the instrumentation needs of the group. This course is for students who are serious about the study of instrumental music. Private lessons, while not required, are strongly encouraged for members of this ensemble. Students are expected to practice 30 minutes per day.

Recommended Prerequisite: Previous band experience is required

This course is designed to meet the unique needs of the percussion student at the high school level. Students master the techniques required for playing the full spectrum of percussion equipment including drums, mallet instruments, timpani, and the various hand-held “trap” instruments. Special emphasis is placed on the Percussive Arts Society list of 40 rudiments, keyboard proficiency, note and rhythm reading skills, music theory, music history, ear training, and sight-reading. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day.

Recommended Prerequisite: One or more years of high school band experience; by audition

An advanced-level course, emphasis is on performance techniques unique to jazz music and the history of jazz through the study of traditional and contemporary works. Students participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events. Some emphasis is given to music theory as it relates to improvisation. Students are involved in solo work and small ensembles. This course is based on the traditional size of a jazz band, or “Big Band”, and is limited in size to the instrumentation needs of the group.