Program Overview
Curricular Classes
Freshman Band – is made up of all 9th grade band students. This group meets every day during 4th period and performs in 3 schools concerts, Pep Band games, and at Graduation. Students in 4th hour Freshman Band can rotate with 4th hour Freshman Choir. Freshman Band is directed by Mr. Woelfle.
Concert Band – is the middle band at Armstrong, made up of mostly 10th and 11th graders and some 12th grade students. This band meets every day during 3rd period and performs in 3 school concerts, Pep Band games, and Graduation. Students in 3rd hour Concert Band can rotate with 3rd hour Varsity Men/Women Choir. Concert Band is co-directed by Mr. Burkholder and Mr. Woelfle.
Symphonic Band – is the most advanced band at Armstrong, made up of students in 11th and 12th grade. All students must audition in the spring of the previous year to be in this group. Symphonic Band meets every day during 6th period and performs in 4 school concerts, District Music Festival at Orchestra Hall, NWSC Music Festival, Section 6AA Solo & Ensemble Contest, and Graduation. Symphonic Band students can also rehearse and perform with the 6th hour Symphony Orchestra based on their instrumentation needs. Symphonic Band typically tours on an annual basis and is directed by Mr. Burkholder.
AP Music Theory -
Music Cafe -
Extra-Curricular Activities
Jazz Band – there are 2 Jazz Bands at AHS. Jazz II is our developmental level jazz band and is comprised of students in Freshman Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. This group rehearses once a week before school and performs in 2 school concerts. Jazz I is an auditioned group made up of students from Symphonic Band and rehearses on Monday nights and a morning before school. Jazz I performs in 2 school concerts, the Band Variety Show, and a half-day tour of several District Elementary Schools.. Auditions/sign-ups for both jazz bands take place in late September or early October and students will receive information during class in the fall. Mr. Burkholder directs Jazz I and Mr. Woelfle directs Jazz II.
Marching Band – participation is optional for all of our registered band students but is encouraged. Students sign up for marching band in the spring through a Google Form and register in the Activities Office in August. Directors will make announcements in class at the high school and travel to the middle schools to talk to 8th graders about signing up for marching band. Marching Band students will receive a mailing over the summer including printed music and a letter. Rehearsals start three weeks before the start of school on Mon-Thurs nights. Once the school year starts, marching band rehearses Monday and Wednesday nights. The marching band performs in 3-4 parades, at the 4 home football games, and a concert in October. Mr. Burkholder and Mr. Woelfle both work with the Marching Band.
Pep Band – plays for 9 home sporting events during the winter season. Each student will receive and
rehearse music during their regular band time. Each student is required to play at 3 games, but can earn extra points and letter points by attending more than 3 games. Mr. Burkholder and Mr. Woelfle both work with the Pep Bands.
Pit Orchestra – band and orchestra students have the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for the winter
musical. Rehearsals are after school and typically start in December. The performances are in February. Instrumentation is different every year based on the show that is selected. Mr. Woelfle directs the pit orchestra.