Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Courses

For each performing group at GHS, there are standards that each student must follow. We are proud of our programs and dedicate our time to improving the quality of our sound daily. Described below are the instrumental music courses and programs available at GHS and and what is involved in participating in them.

Concert Band

  • The focus of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop and refine technical skills that will enable them to perform music at the Grade 3 to 4 level of difficulty.

  • The importance of consistent and effective practice habits continues to be stressed.

  • Additional experiences are offered in solo and chamber music performance, pep band, and marching band.

  • Public performances during and after school hours are required to meet course objectives, including participation in Marching Band.

  • Participation in band provides opportunities to earn Student Service Learning hours.

Jazz Band

  • Jazz band is a selective group of students.

  • In order to become a jazz band member, you must audition, playing music at a grade level of four or higher.

  • Throughout a school year, the jazz band will participate in several performances, including the MCPS Jazz Band Festival, all GHS instrumental concerts, Marching Band, and various community functions.

  • Participation in band provides opportunities to earn Student Service Learning hours.

Symphonic Band

  • Symphonic Band members develop and refine technical skills that will enable them to perform music at grade levels 4 to 5.

  • Analysis of the repertoire will provide students with an understanding of contemporary musical forms and styles.

  • The importance of consistent and effective practice habits continues to be stressed.

  • Additional experiences may include Marching Band, Pep Band, improvisation, and chamber and solo performance.

  • Public performances during and after school hours are required to meet course objectives, including participation in Marching Band.

  • Participation in band provides opportunities to earn Student Service Learning hours.

Marching Band

  • Marching Band is composed of students from the Symphonic, Jazz and Concert bands.

  • Playing some of today's hip and popular musical pieces for the students during football games, students recieve student service learning hours throughout the year. We play every home and away football game, as well as a few basketball games.

String Orchestra

  • Students develop and refine technical skills that will enable them to perform music at the Grade 4 to 5 level of difficulty.

  • Analysis of the repertoire will provide students musical forms and styles.

  • The importance of consistent and effective practice habits continues to be stressed.

  • Additional experiences may include conducting, full symphony orchestra, chamber and solo performance, and musical theatre orchestra.

  • Public performances will be required to meet course objectives.

  • Participation in orchestra provides opportunities to earn Student Service Learning hours.