Course Selection

It’s course selection time! Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about continuing your band journey. Please read carefully and reach out if you have additional questions.

1. Are Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble elective courses?
Yes, they are! Both are honors-level, full-year elective courses (5 credits).

2. What if I am auditioning for Wind Ensemble this March and I don’t know yet if I’ll be placed in Wind Ensemble? Which course should I put down on my course selection form?
Request Symphonic Band as your #1 choice. After auditions, if you are placed in Wind Ensemble, Ms. Lacasse will email all guidance counselors and your schedule will be adjusted accordingly.

3. Is it possible to leave band in 10th grade and rejoin in 11th or 12th grade?
Yes, it is possible, but it is a significant challenge. Disrupting your music education for a year makes it much harder to return successfully, and most students who plan to “take a year off” unfortunately do not end up coming back.

4. For 9th Graders: What if I want to take an AP class next year instead of band?
Some students do make this choice; however, please know that in your 11th and 12th grade years, your elective options typically open up more. Many successful scholars and musicians manage AP coursework while remaining in a large ensemble all four years. These paths do not have to be mutually exclusive.

5. What are the benefits of playing an instrument in a large ensemble all four years?
Studying music strengthens skills that transfer directly to academic success: problem-solving, focus, discipline, time management, and critical thinking. Ensemble playing also supports emotional regulation, teamwork, empathy, and leadership. Colleges and universities look very favorably on students who commit to a large ensemble over four years- it signals dedication, collaboration, resilience, and the ability to balance rigorous commitments over time.

6. Can I do marching band, jazz band, or BMHS Winds if I am not enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble?
No. You must be enrolled in a curricular performing arts course to participate in co-curricular after-school ensembles. You also are not eligible to audition for Jr. Districts, Sr. Districts, or All State if you are not in band/chorus/orchestra.

7. What is the main difference between Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble?
Symphonic Band is non-auditioned and open to any student who wishes to continue training on a band instrument in a large ensemble. The ensemble performs grade 3-4 level repertoire and presents 3 concerts per year: December (Winter Concert or Guest Artist Concert), early Spring (MICCA or Guest Clinician Concert), and a Pops concert in April.

Wind Ensemble is auditioned and open to students in grades 10–12. Students should be performing at approximately the Senior District or All-State level, with repertoire typically in the grade 4-5 range. Performances include the October Masquerade Concert; December Winter or Guest Artist Concert; January Exchange Concert; February Masterworks Concert; March MICCA or Guest Clinician Concert; April Pops Concert; and BHS Graduation on the first Saturday morning in June.

8. What can I be doing to strengthen my Wind Ensemble audition?
Audition materials can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DBTrkxDQLizR-cAsNmTpjfMtA_6t2Bc884BtQELz3uY/edit?usp=sharing

To prepare, rehearse your part daily, listen to high-quality recordings of your music, practice alongside a current Wind Ensemble student, ask to be paired with a Wind Ensemble mentor, or find a practice buddy within Symphonic Band. Private lessons on your instrument are also extremely helpful.

Whether you plan to remain in Symphonic Band or audition for Wind Ensemble, I strongly encourage you to stay involved in band next year. If you audition for Wind Ensemble and are not selected, it is not recommended that you quit band. Learning how to handle disappointment productively is an important life skill, and continuing in Symphonic Band allows you to grow, strengthen your musicianship, and try again with more experience. Large ensemble training offers musical growth that cannot be replaced by practicing alone or taking lessons without ensemble participation.

Please reach out if you have questions. I am always happy to talk with you about your goals. You can view the BHS Course Selection website here.

Best,

Ms. Lacasse (alacasse@belmontschools.net)