Band Program Overview

The Curricular (Concert) Band is the core of the entire program. Students will expand upon important foundation concepts to deepen their understanding of musicianship and sharpen their instrumental skills.

All students must be enrolled in a band class to access our extra-curricular ensembles.

Cardinal Band

Cardinal band is comprised entirely of 9th-grade students. Most first-year high school students should expect to be placed here. Students gain the knowledge and skills to advance through the band program.

Concert Band

Concert band is mostly comprised of 10th-grade students with some 9th and 11th-graders and a few 12th-graders. Students work to advance their range, musicianship, and musical depth of knowledge.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic band is mostly comprised of 11th-grade students with some 9th, 10th, and 12th-graders. Students in this ensemble perform advanced high school music and receive a comprehensive performance experience

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is the most advanced ensemble typically featuring 12th-graders, but can have some 11th and 10th-graders, with few 9th-graders. Students in this ensemble have typically been taking private instruction for an extended time. Students are exposed to literature likened to that of a small college conservatory.

Typical Course Offerings

  • 6-7 concerts in the school year
  • Performance at OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Event
  • Pep Band Appearances (Minimum 2 – pick the dates that work for you, Pep Band Patch earned with 5 or more)
  • Solo and Ensemble – optional, but highly encouraged
  • Opportunities to work with guest clinicians
  • Weekly assignments

Concert Attire

Concert attire varies with each ensemble. Cardinal and Concert Band students should be able to find most things already existing in their wardrobe. Symphonic Band students must purchase most of their uniforms, while Wind Ensemble students will need to purchase their uniforms entirely.

Cardinal Band & Concert Band

  • Black Button-up Shirt/Blouse
  • Black Slacks with Belt/Skirt
  • Black Socks
  • Black Dress Shoes w/shine
  • (optional) Black tie

Symphonic Band

Ladies
  • Black “Govotte” Dress – ordered
  • 18″ Pearl Necklace – ordered
  • Black Dress Shoes
  • Small Post Earrings Allowed
Gentleman
  • Red Bowtie – booster supplied
  • Red Cummerbund – booster supplied
  • 4 black studs – booster supplied
  • Black dress pants (no jeans or cargo pants)
  • White, wing-collar, tuxedo shirt, with 1⁄4 inch pleats (if you already own a tux shirt that doesn’t match exactly it is acceptable)
  • Black dress shoes
  • Black crew-length socks

Wind Ensemble

Ladies
  • Black “Govotte” Dress – ordered
  • 18″ Pearl Necklace – ordered
  • Black Dress Shoes
  • Small Post Earrings Allowed
Gentleman
  • Black Bowtie – booster supplied
  • Black Cummerbund – booster supplied
  • 4 black studs – booster supplied
  • Black Tuxedo (no tails, 2-button notch coat)
  • White, wing-collar, tuxedo shirt, with ¼ inch pleats (if you already own a tux shirt that doesn’t match exactly it is acceptable)
  • Black dress shoes
  • Black crew-length socks