DAHS Band Program Ensembles

Norski Band

The Norski Band is the foundational instrumental music ensemble at DeForest Area High School. This group primarily functions as a Concert Band throughout the school year, focusing on developing high-level musical literacy, technical skills, and ensemble performance. Students explore a diverse and challenging repertoire that spans various musical periods and styles, culminating in several formal concerts each year.

Beyond the concert stage, the Norski Band takes on additional roles to support school spirit and community events:

• Marching Band: During the fall, the band transitions to a Marching Band to perform at home varsity football games. This aspect focuses on marching style, drill execution, and performing energetic music.

• Pep Band: Performing for a select number of varsity boys and girls basketball and hockey games, the band brings enthusiasm and school pride to the bleachers with popular music arrangements.

Participation in the Norski Band offers students a comprehensive musical experience, blending traditional concert performance with the excitement of athletic support and school involvement.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble is an elective, credit-bearing course offered during the regular school day. This group provides students with an in-depth study of jazz and contemporary styles, focusing on the techniques, history, and improvisation required for small and large-group jazz performance.

Students in this ensemble explore and perform a wide-ranging repertoire, including: Swing, Latin, Funk, Rock, and Contemporary styles.

Performance and Tour

The Jazz Ensemble has a busy and high-profile performance schedule that extends far beyond the typical classroom:

• Concerts and Festivals: The ensemble is featured at Norski Band concerts, participates in a regional Jazz Festival, and culminates the year with a special performance and fundraiser evening held at the Lake Windsor Country Club.

• Annual Jazz Tour: Students gain real-world performance experience through an annual Jazz Tour to various local landmarks. Recent tour stops have included the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Dane County Airport, the Madison Children's Museum, and Harvest Intermediate School, providing a unique opportunity to share jazz with the wider community.

This course is designed for dedicated musicians interested in developing their technical skills, improvisational abilities, and understanding of America's original art form.

Show Band  (extra-curricular)

The Show Band is the extra-curricular ensemble that brings live music to our competitive Show Choir performances! If you play an instrument and enjoy pop, rock, and contemporary music, this is a unique and exciting way to get involved.

What We Do

We perform challenging and fun music that perfectly matches the theme and choreography of the annual show. The band is a critical part of the entire performance—you're a musician and a performer!

The group is a big commitment with a demanding schedule, but the time and work is worth it!

• Rehearsals: Mostly on Sunday afternoons starting in the fall.

• Competitions: We travel with the group to exciting regional competitions held on Saturdays in January and February.

Join the Show Band to be part of a collaborative team, gain unique performance experience, and help power the DAHS Show Choir to success!

Pit Orchestra  (extra-curricular)

The Pit Orchestra provides the live musical accompaniment for the annual DeForest Area High School musical production! This ensemble offers a unique and high-level performance opportunity for instrumentalists who want to experience the demanding but thrilling environment of a theatrical orchestra.

The Experience

Playing in the Pit Orchestra means performing a full Broadway-style score, synchronized with the actors on stage. The music is often challenging and diverse—from classic musical styles to modern shows like this year's SpongeBobSquarePants.

Our Pit Orchestra is primarily composed of talented DAHS students who play alongside a few local adult professionals. This provides an invaluable mentorship opportunity for students to learn performance standards, professional discipline, and the art of ensemble playing from experienced musicians.

Commitment

The focus of the Pit Orchestra is concentrated in the winter. Rehearsals will increase as we get closer to the performance dates, which are traditionally held during the second week of February.

Join the Pit Orchestra to be an essential, unseen force that brings the magic of musical theater to life!

Music in Film  (non-performance, curricular class)

Music in Film is a semseter long, non-performance, elective course taught by Mr. Hoeft that explores the critical role of music in shaping cinematic experience. This class moves beyond playing music to focusing on listening, analysis, and history.

Course Content

Using the textbook Reel Music by Roger Hickman, students examine the fascinating intersection of sound, story, and screen. We investigate:

• Music Fundamentals: The basics of musical structure, terminology, and theory.

• Theatrical Elements: How music works within the dramatic context of theater and film.

• Film Techniques: The methods filmmakers use to score a scene and manipulate audience emotion.

• Historical Development: A deep dive into the history of film music, from the silent era to the modern blockbuster.

Students will develop critical listening skills and gain a profound appreciation for how composers craft a film’s emotional landscape and narrative flow. This course is perfect for students interested in music, film production, history, or media studies.