About Our Band

Mission Statement

The CLS Gator Band is part of the Crystal Lake South High School and District 155 community. We are located in Chicago's far northwest suburb of Crystal Lake and have a long standing tradition of Spirit, Pride, and Excellence. Our mission is to provide a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment by exploring new opportunities, connecting to the community, and inspiring new generations of musicians through musical performance and outreach.

Curricular Ensembles

Wind Ensemble (Band IV)

This top level ensemble meets daily for 45 minutes for the top instrumental students who have achieved a high level of musical artistry. This ensemble studies advanced wind band repertoire while maintaining an appropriately balanced ensemble. This ensemble moves at a rigorous pace with a high degree of discipline. Many students choose to audition for IMEA District Band and also study privately. Membership is by audition only.

Symphonic Band (Band III)

This ensemble meets daily for 45 minutes and is meant for the developing instrumentalist. Improvement in musical skill is addressed through study of appropriate musical literature, rhythm work, and scales. Students are encouraged to study privately as well. Students must have participated in their middle school band program or have consent of the director.

Percussion Ensemble (Percussion)

This ensemble meets daily for 45 minutes for all percussion students. Musical skill is developed through the study of snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, drum-set, and auxiliary percussion. Students work both independently and in small ensembles. These students combine with the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands for performances. Students must have participated in their middle school band program or have consent of the director.

Co-Curricular Ensembles

Pep Band
(Band III, IV, Percussion)

All members in the Gator bands are a part of the Gator Pep Band which plays at many home basketball games and other local events.

Marching Gators
(Band III, IV, Percussion)

All members in the Gator bands are part of the Marching Gators which plays at all home football games, area parades, and festivals. Our main purpose is to entertain our audiences while continuing our musical development and maintaining our standard of excellence.

Extra-Curricular Ensembles

Jazz Ensemble

The CLS Jazz ensembles rehearse weekly after school from mid September-May. They perform a wide variety of music including swing, blues, rock, funk, and latin.

Jazz Ensemble is a traditional "Big Band" made up of saxes, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, and drums). This group performs at festivals, outreach events, and is the premier ensemble.

Auditions will Take place in the end of September. Contact Mr. Foster for further information.

Pit Ensemble

The pit orchestra rehearsals 1-2 times per week after school beginning in late November to prepare for the annual school musical in February. The group is open to CLS students based on the instrumentation needs of the show. Contact Mr. Foster for further information.

Madrigal Brass/Winds

Open to CLS Band members only, these ensembles rehearse 1-2 times per week normally during school to prepare Renaissance style music for the annual Madrigal dinners in November/December.

The brass ensemble is a standard brass quintet of 2 trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba.

The Wind ensemble is a standard quintet of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, & bassoon (or bass clarinet)

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