Ensembles

Concert/Symphonic Band (All Year)

This ensemble is the “core” of the instrumental program at FTHS. This ensemble consists of approx. 80 wind, brass and percussion players. Students of all class levels and abilities comprise this group. Members perform regularly in such events as the Holiday Concert, Spring Concert, and Graduation, as well as various community and school presentations. Membership is through class registration; honors credit is available for this class at the sophomore level and above. Marching Band is a required component.

Marching Band – (Fall Football Season and Memorial Day Parade)

With an annual membership of more than 100 students, our Marching Band is a musical marching unit organized during the fall for the duration of the football season and any additional scheduled events. The Marching Band appears at varsity, home football games, as well as other events as scheduled. Membership requires dedication, maximum effort and commitment in all aspects of marching, playing, and performance. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings, Wednesdays after school and other times posted by the director. Performances take place at each home football game (Friday night/Saturday) through the end of the FB season and at various other events in the spring. Please see the band calendar for details.

Instrumentalists

Comprised of woodwind, brass and percussion sections, the membership consists of all students registered for the band class, the FRHSD band curriculum specifies that Marching Band is a required activity for all students receiving credit for band. The band also has members who are enrolled in our Learning Center Academies and in Vocational Programs. Only these latter groups of students are permitted to participate in an extracurricular fashion. In the event of scheduling conflicts with sports or other school activities, every attempt for an equitable compromise is made so that each student may have a positive and active level of participation in all desired extra-curricular activities.

Color Guard/Honor Guard

The Guard (one of the largest sections of the band) performs vital choreographed flag and dance routines in the marching band show; these are an integral part of the marching band’s appearances. The Honor Guard leads the Band everywhere we go! Their duties are to bear “Old Glory,” present the Band Banner, and guard the flag with ceremonial rifles. Students who participate in Color Guard/Honor Guard usually do so as an extracurricular activity, but may elect to receive credit if registered for the band class. In addition to practicing at every marching band rehearsal, the advisors and captains schedule many additional guard meetings. There may be little notice given on some rehearsals. Members are expected to attend all meetings/rehearsals.

Pit Orchestra (Spring Musical; February - March)

The Pit Orchestra performs what is likely to be the most challenging music a high school student is likely to see. The students of the pit orch. read from the actual Broadway show books used by the pros! Instrumentation changes annually and is limited to the needs of the specific show. Rehearsals begin in February and require absolute commitment. Membership is available by audition only. Any students with advanced keyboard/piano proficiency should make themselves known to the director!

Jazz Band (Spring?)

Jazz Band is a select ensemble that affords its members the opportunity to explore both “Big Band” and Jazz Combo styles. We are committed to performing high quality jazz literature with emphasis on the standards. Membership is available by audition only. Rehearsal schedule varies. The Jazz Band consists of the following standard instrumentation: alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drum set, auxiliary percussion, guitar, bass and keyboard. Additions or subtractions may be made based on the requirements of the composer.

Other Opportunities

Students who are enrolled in the instrumental music program have the opportunity to audition for All-Shore (County), Region II (Central Jersey), and All-State Ensembles (if qualified).