Concert Band

Concert Band is a beginning level band ideal for students who are new to band, students who are new to an instrument, or students who would like another year to get used their instrument as they transition to high school. Members of Concert Band work primarily out of method books and spend time learning and practicing the fundamentals of performing and practicing music on their chosen instrument. The pace is quicker compared to what students may be used to in middle school band. Everyone is welcome to join Concert Band!

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is the natural continuation for band students playing their primary instruments as they transition to high school. 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. 

Wind Ensemble

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 playing their primary instruments, and demonstrate a high level of comfort with their instrument - having played and practiced on their instrument for a number of years. 

Jazz Band

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. 

Percussion Ensemble

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. 

Marching Band

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.