Program of Studies: High School Band
Concert Band
Grades 9-12; Level 2; 1 Credit (Year)
The concert band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games, parades,
band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are essential
elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include participation in
summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many styles and types is
rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become a member of the
band, a student must demonstrate to the band director an acceptable degree of proficiency on a band
instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development either through private study or
instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be recommended for a
variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Allegheny-Kiski Honors Bands, PMEA
District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz Band, Small
Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team.
PREREQUISITE: Audition
The concert band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games, parades,
band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are essential
elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include participation in
summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many styles and types is
rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become a member of the
band, a student must demonstrate to the band director an acceptable degree of proficiency on a band
instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development either through private study or
instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be recommended for a
variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Allegheny-Kiski Honors Bands, PMEA
District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz Band, Small
Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team.
PREREQUISITE: Audition
Symphonic Band
Grade 10-12; Level 3; 1 Credit (Year)
The symphonic band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games,
parades, band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are
essential elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include
participation in summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many
styles and types is rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become
a member of the symphonic band, a student must demonstrate to the band director a high degree of
proficiency on a band instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development, either through
private study or instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be
recommended for a variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Allegheny-Kiski Honors
Bands, PMEA District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz
Band, Small Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team
PREREQUISITE: Audition
The symphonic band prepares and presents music for a variety of events which include football games,
parades, band festivals, school assemblies and public concerts. Both marching and concert performances are
essential elements of this course. Participation in both is required. Demands of the course also include
participation in summer and after-school rehearsals, and evening/weekend performances. Music of many
styles and types is rehearsed so that the band student is familiar with a large and varied repertoire. To become
a member of the symphonic band, a student must demonstrate to the band director a high degree of
proficiency on a band instrument. The student is expected to continue his musical development, either through
private study or instrumental instruction at school. Band students of exceptional ability may audition and be
recommended for a variety of interscholastic festival ensembles, including PMEA and Allegheny-Kiski Honors
Bands, PMEA District, Regional, and All-State bands and orchestra. Band members are also eligible for Jazz
Band, Small Ensembles, Color Guard, Majorettes and Drill Team
PREREQUISITE: Audition
Jazz Ensemble
Grades 9-12; Level 3; 1 Credit (Year)
Jazz Ensemble will perform at a variety of school and community functions. All styles of jazz music are
explored with an emphasis on jazz improvisation (theory and harmony), jazz history and listening. Students
playing instruments that are utilized in a standard big band format may participate (saxophones, trombones,
trumpets, bass guitars, piano, drums, and percussion). Students will also explore jazz combo literature. Jazz
students of exceptional ability may audition for PMEA District and All-State Jazz Ensembles.
PREREQUISITE: Audition and scheduled membership in intermediate, concert, or symphonic bands.
Jazz Ensemble will perform at a variety of school and community functions. All styles of jazz music are
explored with an emphasis on jazz improvisation (theory and harmony), jazz history and listening. Students
playing instruments that are utilized in a standard big band format may participate (saxophones, trombones,
trumpets, bass guitars, piano, drums, and percussion). Students will also explore jazz combo literature. Jazz
students of exceptional ability may audition for PMEA District and All-State Jazz Ensembles.
PREREQUISITE: Audition and scheduled membership in intermediate, concert, or symphonic bands.
Beginning Winds
Grades 9-12; Level 1-2; 1 Credit (Year)
Students will learn basics of woodwind and brass instruments including flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, oboe,
bassoon, bass clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Students will gain basic knowledge and
playing proficiency on each instrument. Students will form an ensemble with an instrument learned in
Beginning Winds and perform in class. Students who excel may have the opportunity to perform in spring
concerts with Intermediate Band or Concert Band.
It is recommended, but not required, that students have some prior music-reading knowledge prior to taking
this class.
Students will learn basics of woodwind and brass instruments including flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, oboe,
bassoon, bass clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Students will gain basic knowledge and
playing proficiency on each instrument. Students will form an ensemble with an instrument learned in
Beginning Winds and perform in class. Students who excel may have the opportunity to perform in spring
concerts with Intermediate Band or Concert Band.
It is recommended, but not required, that students have some prior music-reading knowledge prior to taking
this class.