Top Performing Ensemble
This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an extremely advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Honor Winds based upon audition, their ability to demonstrate an advanced proficiency on their instrument, and their past performance in the band program. Members of this ensemble are required to audition for the All-District Band and All-Region Bands, participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest, and participate with the band at all school and contest performances. Members are also required to attend assigned sectionals and clinics. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty.
2nd Performing Ensemble
This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated an advanced proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Symphonic Band based upon audition and their past performance in the band program. All members of this ensemble are required to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest and all school and contest performances. Members are strongly encouraged to audition for the All-District and All-Region Band. Members are also required to attend assigned sectionals and clinics. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty.
3rd Performing Ensemble
This band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students who have demonstrated proficiency on their instrument. Students are selected for the Concert Band based upon audition and their past performance in the band program. The classroom focus is on individual musical improvement while learning musical aspects of small and large group performance. All members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest and are required to participate at all school and contest performances. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty.
Introduction to Playing an Instrument
This course concentrates on the student’s first year in band. Focus is placed on learning the fundamentals of music and how to play their instrument. This class meets daily and gives students an introduction to the musical language, music history, and basic music theory. Students must go through an interview with one of the directors to help place him/her on their instrument. Members are highly encouraged to take private lessons from our adjunct music faculty.
Advanced Beginner Band performing ensemble
This ensemble is made up of the most outstanding students from each of the beginner classes. Selection to this group is based on a student's proficiency on their instrument, behavior during their band class, eligibility in their other classes and work ethic (including practice time). In February students will be invited to attend a once a week rehearsal outside of the school day to learn advanced music. In the late spring this group will attend a band contest during the school day and will be featured during the spring concert.
Extracurricular Ensemble
The Blalack Jazz Band is a voluntary ensemble made up of 2nd and 3rd year band students. The Jazz Band meets before or after school once a week starting in November. Students learn the basics of Jazz, Rock, Swing, Latin and Funk music while preparing for various performances throughout the spring. The Jazz Band will attend 1-2 Jazz Festivals/Contests in the Spring semester.