Ensembles

Beginning Band

The Beginning Band at Hillcrest Middle is comprised of students in their first year of playing a band instrument. Students do not need to know how to play an instrument to be in this class. During the first few days of school, each student will be tested to determine which instrument they are best suited to play. The Beginning Band performs at the winter and end-of-year concerts. Higher achieving students are invited to perform at other musical events and competitions throughout the year. 

Wildcat Intermediate (7th) and Advanced (8th) Band

These groups are  comprised of 7th and 8th grade band students, respectively. Students in these ensembles have one or two years of playing experience on their instrument. These ensembles perform at the winter and end-of-year concerts, as well as the Carowinds Festival of Music.

Wildcat Drumline

This band is comprised of a voluntary group of seventh and eighth grade band percussion students. These students learn drumline cadences and other percussion only works and participate in additional performances, including performing for various athletic events. 

Wildcat Winds

The Wildcat Winds is Hillcrest Middle's premier performing ensemble and is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students who consistently display instrumental excellence.  Members of the festival band are chosen through an audition process and are held to strict attendance requirements. Students in this ensemble are expected to be available for sectional work and rehearsals before and/or after school. Rehearsals begin the week students return from Christmas Break. Missing rehearsals can result in IMMEDIATE removal from this ensemble. The Wildcat Winds perform at the spring and end-of-year concerts. This ensemble also represents Hillcrest Middle School in the South Carolina State Concert Performance Assessment as well as Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida.