BMHS Winds

Rehearsal etiquette: We will begin promptly at 2:45PM. This means that all musicians should be in their seats, warming up on their own, at 2:35PM at the latest. To be early is to be on time. Please practice your parts so that you can present what you've already learned in rehearsal- that is how we will be successful with this music!

BMHS Winds (Grades 7–12) Register for BMHS Winds here before January 20, 2026!

BMHS Winds is a mixed-grade concert band designed for motivated middle and high school musicians who want to grow musically while building community, leadership, and mentorship. This ensemble emphasizes high-level music-making, collaboration, and fun in a supportive environment.

Einherjar

• Download sheet music for practice HERE. 

• Listen to the piece HERE.

Rumba de la Tumba:

• Download sheet music HERE.

• Listen to the piece HERE.

Escape From The Deep

• Download sheet music for practice HERE. 

• Listen to the piece HERE.

Community & Mentorship

High school musicians serve as BMHS Section Coaches, mentoring middle school players during weekly 30-minute sectional rehearsals. These sectionals focus on instrument-specific skills, technique, musicianship, and leadership, helping younger players grow while giving high school students meaningful teaching experience.

Middle school musicians will be challenged by advanced repertoire and high expectations. This is a space where it’s encouraged to be the “weakest member of your section”—to ask questions, take risks, learn from older peers, and improve quickly in a positive, growth-oriented environment.

Enrollment & Expectations

• No audition required. All students who want to make music at a high level are encouraged to join.

• The only “audition” is good citizenship in your curricular ensemble.

• Members are expected to show:

  • A positive attitude

  • Kindness and empathy

  • A willingness to learn

  • Openness to discovering weaknesses—and turning them into strengths

  • A growth mindset: you can learn, improve, and do hard things

Practicing Reminders

Musicians at your level should be prioritizing at least 30 minutes per day. Maybe that's 15 minutes, 5 minute break, and then another 15. Maybe it's 3 sets of 10 minutes. However, if you are not putting that in daily, you will begin to notice that your progress is much slower, and that rehearsals are more challenging because parts aren't learned completely. Please know that I am talking about 30 minutes of focused practice. Anyone can put a timer on, and just mess around on their horn. If you are focused, and set small goals (master a piece 2-4 measures at a time), you will start to see results!

High School Section Coaches

• Earn community service hours for participation

• Community service hours are awarded only to full-time members

• All high school members must participate in the May 27 concert

Rehearsals & Attendance

• Primary rehearsal time: Tuesdays, 2:45–4:15 PM in the BHS Band Room, B137 (pick-up at Door #3 by the BHS Visitor Parking Spots)

• Be seated and warming up by 2:35 PM. Rehearsal begins promptly at 2:45 PM

• Attendance is required. Please schedule appointments around rehearsals when possible.

• Any anticipated absence must be submitted via the absence form at least 24 hours in advance.

Practice Expectations

• Aim for 30 minutes of daily practice

• Practice intentionally with small, focused goals (2–4 measures at a time)

• Quality matters more than quantity—avoid unfocused “playing around”

Detailed Rehearsal Calendar

(Please note several non-Tuesday rehearsals)

January

• January 13

• January 20

• January 27

February

• February 3

• February 10

• February 24

March

• March 3

• March 10

• March 19 (Thursday)

• March 24

• March 31

April

• April 6 (Monday)

• April 14

• April 28

May

• May 5

• May 14 (Thursday)

• May 19

• May 26

Concert

• May 27 at 7:00 PM

• With BMS Bands

• BHS Auditorium

• Free and open to the public

Spring Repertoire (subject to change)

• Rumba de la Tumba - JaRod Hall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41BDJhdtwxM)

• Escape from the Deep - Brian Balmages (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgR7Lu3N5KU)

• Einherjar by Jeremy Bell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pxM0nuhvQM) 

We will read through all three pieces at our first rehearsal and adjust repertoire as needed.

Field Trip – Spring 2026 (In Planning)

We are working toward a Boston field trip that may include:

• A clinic at a major conservatory

• Group dinner

• Evening entertainment experience

• Estimated cost based on last year: $129 total (More details will be shared once plans are finalized.)

Important Links + Registration

• Google Classroom (sign up here!)

• Absence Form (fill out here, required at least 24 hours in advance)

• Register for BMHS Winds here before January 13, 2026!

• Roster here

Questions? Email alacasse@belmontschools.net