Course Information

THE SYMPHONIC BAND

Open to all wind and percussion students, the emphasis in the Symphonic band is on the study of literature composed originally for band during the 20th century. More advanced harmonic, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and transposition will be included. A study and analysis of repertoire will provide the students with an understanding of contemporary musical forms and styles. The importance of consistent and effective practice habits will be essential to the overall musical development of the students. Participation in the Marching Band is a requirement of the course. Additional experiences will include conducting, as well as solo and chamber performances. The Symphonic band is open to all students. No audition is required.

THE JAZZ BAND

The Jazz Band is an advanced level Honors course. Students will develop a high level of skill in the performance of popular music including; jazz, jazz-rock, blues, soul, swing, rhythm and blues, and many others. The students will extend their technical range and develop specialized skills in jazz phrasing, interpretation, and improvisation necessary to perform the literature designed for the jazz ensemble. The study of jazz as it developed into a contemporary American art form will be essential to the overall musical development of the students. Participation in the Marching Band will be expected for students who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. Additional experiences will include conducting, as well as solo and small jazz combo performances

THE STRING ORCHESTRA

The String Orchestra is the premiere concert ensemble within the instrumental music department and is also an Honors Level ensemble for students in grades eleven and twelve. A study and analysis of repertoire composed for the string orchestra during the 20th century is the emphasis of this course. Advanced study of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic dictation, as well as transposition will be included. The importance of consistent and effective practice habits will be essential to the overall musical development of the students. Additional experiences will include conducting, as well as solo, ensemble and chamber music performances. The String Orchestra is open to all string students. No audition is required.

Other performing groups at springbrook

MARCHING BAND

The Springbrook High School Marching Band is an important part of the instrumental music program. It is a combination of all symphonic band and jazz band members. Participating in marching band is a requirement of all band members. The marching band participates in all home and selected away football games, as well as other school and community parades and activities.

PEP-BAND

The Pep-Band is open to all marching band students. Students will receive service learning credit hours for participating in the pep-band. The pep-band performs at many home basketball games.

CHAMBER Singers

The Chamber Singers are an upper level Honors ensemble course that sings three and four-part music in four or more parts. Students who place into this course will receive advanced level, weighted credit for the course. Performances include the winter and spring concerts, as well as the Cluster Concert, MCPS high school choral adjudication, spring festival trip and school & community events.

This course is scheduled by audition with the director.

COUNTY/STATE HONOR GROUPS

Students must audition for these groups at both the county and state levels. If accepted in these ensembles, students will perform one concert per year and will earn service learning credit for participating.

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

This festival at both the county and state level will provide students with the opportunity to perform a solo or small ensemble and to be adjudicated by professional music educators. Students will earn service learning credit for participating.

ALL-SPRINGBROOK CHORUS (Chorus 1/2/3)

Open to all singers, the emphasis in the Chorus is on the development of vocal & ensemble technique using a variety of music, in three or more parts. Performances include the winter and spring concerts, as well as the Cluster Concert, MCPS high school choral adjudication, spring festival trip and school & community events. Chorus will perform in combination with the Chamber Singers and All-Springbrook Chorus community members.

All-Springbrook Chorus is open to all students- no audition is required.

A CAPPELLA

Springbrook A Cappella is an important extra-curricular part of the choral music program. It is a combination of singers in Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, the Drama Club and other activities. The a cappella group performs at many Springbrook and community events. All music is arranged by the group members with assistance from the director.

This group is by audition in September (Semester 1) and January (Semester 2), and runs based on student interest each school year.