Curricular Bands

Audition Materials for the 2025-2026 school year will be shared with students via Google Classroom. Fall ensemble placement auditions occur in March of the previous school year. Students also have the opportunity to audition for a higher ensemble near the end of first semester. (December)

Wind Ensemble

Course Numbers: 080205 AND 080206 (both semesters are expected)

This ensemble is the top performing group of students who have shown superior performance abilities.  This ensemble will perform at top state and national music festivals and will work with outstanding professional musicians who are asked to guest conduct. Wind Ensemble performances occur 4-6 times from October through May.  Most of the students in this ensemble take private lessons outside of school, participate in additional ensembles, and audition for the ILMEA District 9 Honor Band. In the chance that the music calls for additional attention, a few sectionals may be called after school.

Symphonic Band

Course Numbers: 080203 AND 080204 (both semesters are expected)

This ensemble has two purposes: The first is to serve as a training band for those students interested in eventually reaching an ability level allowing them to audition into Wind Ensemble. The other purpose is to provide an outlet for students who have not reached an advanced level of performance yet. Performances occur 3-4 times from October through May. Many students in Symphonic Band take private lessons outside of school. In the chance that the music calls for additional attention, a few sectionals may be called after school. 

Concert Band

Course Numbers: 080201 AND 080202 (both semesters are expected)

This is the class in which all Freshmen should be registered, except for percussionists. Incoming freshmen will be given the opportunity to audition into a higher band during March of their 8th grade year. This ensemble also has two purposes: The first is to serve as a training band for those students interested in eventually reaching an ability level allowing them to audition into Symphonic Band. The other purpose is to provide an outlet for students who have not reached an advanced level of performance and have no intention of reaching that level, but enjoy participating in music and playing their instrument. Performances occur 3-4 times from October through May.  Many students in Concert Band take private lessons outside of school. In the chance that the music calls for additional attention, a few sectionals may be called after school. 

Percussion 1 & 2

Course Numbers: 080211 AND 080212 (both semesters are expected)

ALL percussion students should be enrolled in  “Percussion 1” or “Percussion 2”, also known as Percussion Ensemble. This class allows students to move between rehearsing with the band to which they are assigned and working separately in the Percussion Ensemble.  They can also be a part of the “Tiger Marching Band” in the Fall, in either the Drumline or the Front Ensemble.  Percussionists should NOT be enrolled in a band.