Is band a class?

Yes, every section of band is an elective academic course, taken for credit, that meets every day during school.  Grades for music classes appear on your official transcript and count toward your GPA.

What are the band classes?

There are three levels of HSHS band...

Concert Band or Concert Percussion

Younger and less experienced musicians.

• No audition necessary.

Symphonic Band or Symphonic Percussion

First level auditioned band for more experienced musicians.

Wind Symphony or Wind Ensemble

Advanced level bands for the most experienced student musicians.

Do I have to audition?

Concert Band and Concert Percussion Ensemble do not require an audition.  Symphonic Band, Symphonic Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Symphony,  do require auditions for 10-12 grades. Please find information on the audition page.

How do I get audition music?

Audition music can be downloaded from www.hsmusic.org when it is released.  Please make sure you download the correct music for your instrument.

Do athletics or activities conflict with band?

Not really.  A majority of band students are also involved in additional athletic teams or other activities.  Practices and games rarely conflict with rehearsals and performances, and if they do, the coaches and band directors usually work it out in advance.

Can I take honors and AP courses while enrolled in band?

Yes, band students are often signed up for multiple honors and AP classes.  In addition, past valedictorians and National Merit Semifinalists have also been band students.

Can I play jazz?

Yes, the Hinsdale South band program includes two jazz courses.  All wind and percussion students must enroll in a band class to enroll in any jazz classes.

What are the jazz classes?

Jazz Lab – divided into small combos, open to all instruments

Jazz Band – limited to traditional big band instruments

Jazz classes meet during the early bird time. 7:00-7:50am.

Do I have to audition for a jazz class?

Jazz Lab does not require and audition.  Jazz Band does require auditions.  

How does marching band work?

During the first quarter all band students prepare in class to perform at the home football games as part of the Mighty Hornet Marching Band.  Since this occurs during school, there are very few marching rehearsals outside the school day, and because the band only plays at home football games there are no weekend competitions or long summer camps to attend.

What is the Physical Education Exemption?

School board policy states that all band students can exempt out of their P.E. class and replace it with a study hall during the varsity football season as a result of ongoing participation in the Marching Band.

What about a study hall?

While it is up to individual students and parents to decide upon an appropriate course schedule, most band students find study halls to be unnecessary.  The P.E. exemption provides the opportunity to take a study hall instead of gym during the varsity football season, when the band is performing the most.

Does the band have commitments outside the school day?

Yes, every band class is co-curricular, requiring some rehearsals and performances outside the school day that include home football games, home basketball games, and evening concerts, along with occasional rehearsals; however, since band is a class, a majority of instruction occurs during the school day.  The full calendar is available to view and sync to other devices on the music department website at www.hcmusic.org.

Is Honors Credit available for band classes?

Yes!  Students can earn an honors weighted grade for any band class by meeting additional requirements that include studying with a private teacher, playing a solo at contest, composing, and performing in an additional ensemble outside of class.  Students sign up for Honors Credit during the first quarter.

If band is a class, how do I earn my grade?

Your grade in band class is roughly divided into four equally weighted parts that include playing tests, written work, daily class participation, and performances.  In addition, like every academic class at Hinsdale South, each semester ends with a final exam.

Is there a way to try marching?

The Fourth of July Parade is an opportunity to try marching before choosing classes at the high school.  Everything you need is provided free of charge including the kick-off picnic, music, and t-shirts.  Please register online . A sample of the rehearsal schedule is listed below.

Monday, July 1, 2019, 3:30 to 8:30 pm – Picnic & Rehearsal

Tuesday, July 2, 2019, 5:30 to 8:30 pm – Rehearsal

Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 5:30 to 8:30 pm – Rehearsal

Thursday, July 4, 2019, 10:00 am – Parade

Are there other opportunities to perform?

Yes, there are many additional opportunities for band students to perform including the musical pit, orchestra winds and percussion section of the Symphony Orchestra, and the Holiday Winds.  Students can also perform at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble festival.  In addition, there are several auditioned performance opportunities that include the ILMEA District 1 Festival Band.

The Hinsdale South Bands have performed in New York, The Grainger Festival, the Venue with the Pete Ellman Big Band, in The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, in Disneyland Resort.

Does the band travel?

Yes, the band traditionally travels every other year and we are currently working on a trip to perform in New York in the Veteran's Day Parade November 2023.  Travel experiences are an important part of the band program and student participation is expected.  Fundraising opportunities are also available.  

Does every band student perform with the Mighty Hornet Marching Band?

Yes!  Every wind and percussion player is a member of the Mighty Hornet Marching Band.

• Students in the band develop excellent music reading skills because the band performs over 20 different pieces of music each fall.

• The marching band is a service organization that allows students to be connected to the school and surrounding community.