Concert Band is a freshman level band ideal for students who are new to high school band or students who are new to an instrument. Members of Concert Band work are primarily underclassmen with 2 to 3 years of experience on their instruments, and spend expanded time working on music and technique fundamentals. The pace is quicker compared to what students may be used to in middle school band. Experience on an instrument is required to join Concert Band!
A Grading Overview for Concert Band can be found here: Concert Band Grading Overview
Symphonic Band is an intermediate ensemble for band students who have been playing their primary instruments for 3 or more years. This band spends more time in repertoire and less time on the mechanical aspects of playing music, as it is expected that members of Symphonic Band know the basic operations of their instrument. Our focus in Symphonic Band is to continue to strengthen our good habits and musical aptitudes as we delve into a variety of musical styles and traditions.
A Grading Overview for Symphonic Band can be found here: Symphonic Band Grading Overview
Percussion Ensemble is primarily for percussionists in band whose primary instrument is percussion. This class is dedicated time to build and refine the technical aspects of being a percussion performer, while exploring all the realms of the wide world of percussion. Students in this class will become well-rounded percussionists with an advanced understanding of musical rhythm and time. During concert season, the class will be focused on percussion fundamentals and percussion ensemble performing. No experience is necessary to begin playing percussion.
A Grading Overview for Percussion Ensemble can be found here: Percussion Grading Overview
Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble that works at a faster pace. This band rehearses and performs more challenging repertoire with a focus on more of the finer aspects of musicianship. Most members of the Wind Ensemble are upperclassmen with 4 or more years of experience playing their primary instruments, and demonstrate a high level of comfort with their instrument.
A Grading Overview of Wind Ensemble can be found here: [Link coming soon]
Intro to Music Directing is a course available to seniors based on director recommendation, allowing students to strive for the next level in musical experience. Through this course, students will learn the ins and outs of conducting, programming music, score study, planning and leading rehearsals, and conducting an ensemble in a performance setting. This is a great option for any students with their sights set on music education or music performance as a potential career.
A Grading Overview of Intro to Music Directing can be found here: [Link coming soon!]
Jazz Band is a curricular ensemble exploring genres of music not normally offered to the concert bands. The Jazz Band explores varieties of jazz tradition, Latin tradition, and Pop/Rock tunes. This is a great opportunity for creative and improvisatory exploration on a primary or secondary instrument, for learning to feel music while playing off of one another's cues; and it is an excellent way for performers on non-concert band instruments to still get to play - including drum set, guitar, bass, and piano.
A Grading Overview of Jazz Band can be found here: [Link coming soon!]
The Belvidere Band of Bucs marching band includes all students enrolled in Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. This ensemble is the most visible part of the band program, marching in numerous parades throughout the year, performing at high school sporting events, and competing at various festivals around Illinois throughout the Fall. All students in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Percussion are required to be in marching band, as the summer band camps present vital opportunities for music fundamentals, as well as social time and team building with the entire band program. Marching band runs from June to Mid-October each school year.
Mariachi is an extracurricular ensemble that meets after school and during WIN. Mariachi explores traditional and folk music of Hispanic origin, primarily on folk music from Mexico. Mariachi is open to anyone, with or without music experience. While standard instrumentation includes trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela, and guitarron, students already comfortable on another instrument may still join to learn and celebrate this wonderful music.