CLASSES & ENSEMBLES

Symphonic Bands

BLHS’s non-auditioned wind band. Symphonic Band literature is selected to facilitate growth and learning in younger players or students new to their instrument. 

There are officially two symphonic band divisions:

• Symphonic Band A (“Symphonic Winds”) — sophomore/junior focus

• Symphonic Band B (“Concert Band”) — freshmen focus

For freshmen students, Symphonic Band B (“Concert Band”) will continue to develop and reinforce the fundamentals of musicianship as individuals and members of an ensemble. Daily rehearsals will focus on developing individual technique, ensemble skills, and the preparation of music for performance. The beginning of the year has a focus on pep music since freshmen will need to learn all the standard charts of the Panther Band. Students will perform in large and small concert ensembles. Performance assessments will facilitate individual feedback and skill development to prepare students to participate as musicians through high school and beyond. Beyond the classroom students will have the option to participate in a number of extra-curricular musical activities including honor ensembles, musical pit orchestra, and more!

For sophomores-seniors seeking continual growth and development of fundamentals, Symphonic Band A (“Symphonic Winds”) dives more deeply into advanced individual and ensemble musical concepts and begins to explore more challenging and advanced literature for wind band. At times, they may perform with the Wind Ensemble, and may also assist the freshmen in Symphonic Band B musically by being leaders and performing with them. A high level of dedication to musical learning, individual growth, and ensemble playing is expected from everyone in this group. Students will participate in every band concert, Solo & Ensemble, as well as our regional high school band festival in the spring. All members must participate in the Panther Marching Band for parades, and Panther Pep Band for select football and basketball games.

Wind Ensemble 

BLHS’s premier wind band. Wind Ensemble literature is selected to challenge and push students, technically, musically, and artistically. Representing the highest level of band performance at Bonney Lake, students in Wind Ensemble are among the most dedicated, committed, and advanced musicians in our school. Specializing in intermediate to advanced music for high school wind ensembles, Wind Ensemble is an audition-only/highly-select ensemble. The level of literature used in this class demands advanced levels of musicianship and continued development toward the mastery of one's instrument. Wind Ensemble participates in festivals, competitions, school functions, solo & ensemble, community events, in-district tours, and more. Students are expected to bring their highest level of focus, achievement, expression, and dedication to every rehearsal and performance. Wind Ensemble will perform at all band concerts, our regional high school band contest, Solo & Ensemble Festival, as well as a number of traveling festivals throughout the year. Auditions for Wind Ensemble are held before registration each spring. All members must participate in the Panther Marching Band for parades, and Panther Pep Band for select football and basketball games. Home practice is mandatory in this class as well as sectionals once a week before school, after school, or during lunch. Although private lessons are not required, they are strongly encouraged.

Percussion Ensemble & Panther Drumline

Focuses on mastering a variety of techniques specific to many different percussion instruments and styles. Students enrolled in Percussion class may perform with Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, in addition to forming Percussion Ensembles & Panther Drumline. Students will be required to work towards completion of a curriculum on all percussion instruments including snare drum, timpani, mallet instruments, and accessories. The class will focus on the development of specific percussion techniques and musical expression. Because of the range of ability levels in the group (grades 9-12) it is critical that percussion ensemble students be responsible, team oriented, focused, dedicated, and flexible. Music will focus mostly on drumline for Panther Marching & Pep Band in the fall & spring; During the winter, solo performance, well-rounded percussion fundamentals, chamber/percussion ensemble and wind band music. Percussion ensemble students are required to attend all band concerts, the regional band festival, solo & ensemble festival, the end of the year percussion ensemble concert, and all related performances/festivals to their assigned concert ensemble.

Jazz Bands 

Focusing on learning and applying skills specific to the jazz idiom, notably improvisation, students will learn the concepts of swing, Latin, funk, rock, and more! Please note that Jazz is a zero-hour class and meets before the regular six period day. Attendance is taken promptly at 6:30 AM (T, W, Th, F), with Combos/Sectionals meeting before school on Mondays. There are officially two jazz divisions:

• Panther Studio Jazz Band (“Jazz A[1]”) — Auditioned; standard/traditional instrumentation; required Monday sectionals

• Jazz Ensemble (“Jazz B[2]”) — Non-Auditioned; open instrumentation (i.e., a French Horn & Oboe joining)

Auditions are held at the beginning of the year for all Jazz Ensembles, with materials traditionally posted in advance. Students strive for the highest level of musical achievement and performance in the spirit and style of swing, focusing on the traditions of Ellington and Basie, and exploring the innovations of contemporary composers. Jazz Ensembles require an additional level of commitment above and beyond concert ensembles. Since this is a zero hour class, more emphasis will be put on the attendance portion of the grade. Performances include the BLHS Jazz Invitational, the District Jazz Night, regional jazz festivals, before school commons performances, community gatherings/civic events, and more! Additionally, the Panther Big Band (Jazz A/1) will audition for competitions and will participate in numerous other performances and rehearsals. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a main-school-day instrumental music course to be able to take this class. When this class is combined for events like graduation, it goes under the title of the “Bonney Lake Jazz Band”

Bonney Lake Wind Band
All band students in grades 9-12 are required to participate in this co-curricular ensemble. This wind band is one of two ensembles that ALL students in the BLHS instrumental music program are automatically* members of. Essentially, it is the combination of Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble. This band performs at graduation, and performs some pieces together at various concerts and occasions.

Bonney Lake Big Band
All students in grades 9-12 who are in the zero-hour jazz course are required to participate in this co-curricular ensemble. This jazz band is one of two ensembles that ALL students in the BLHS instrumental music program are automatically* members of. Essentially, it is the combination of the Panther Jazz Band (“Jazz A/[1]”) and Jazz Ensemble (“Jazz B/[2]”). This band performs at graduation, and performs some pieces together at various concerts and occasions.

Panther Marching [& Pep] Band (aka “PMB”)
All band students in grades 9-12 are required to participate in this co-curricular ensemble. This band is an ensemble that ALL students in the BLHS instrumental music program are automatically* members of. The Panther Marching Band participates in parades (Football Game “Panther Prowls”, Rodeo, Homecoming, Vets Day, Santa, Daffodil, etc), performs the pregame patriotic sequence at Football Games, certain halftime shows that are joint-efforts (with Cheer & Dance/Drill; or Daffodil Showcase & Rose Parade Bandfest with Sumner), and serves in the capacity as the “Panther Pep Band” at various BLHS occurrences including but not limited to assemblies, community ceremonies (Convocation, Graduation, etc) and athletic events (Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling, etc). The PMB integrates energy, spirit, musicianship, leadership, camaraderie, service to the community, and a variety of musical styles into performances at home varsity games. There is the possibility of away playoff games if schedule and opportunity allow. Students are allowed to miss games ‘if’ there are unavoidable conflicts. Students will only be excused if absences are communicated at least two weeks in advance. During the winter season from late December through early February, students will have the opportunity to perform at home basketball games. Students must commit to about half of the season (8 of 16 games), a couple of after school rehearsals, and the possibility of playoffs in the ‘post-season’. Students are expected to know and be able to perform their music at a high level. Appropriate uniforms must be worn at each event. Uniform requirements vary based on the events and are communicated well in advance. Uniforms in the past have included “flood out”, “holiday out”, ugly sweaters, camo, and school colors (among others). Students must be concurrently involved with a classical/concert band ensemble to be able to participate in the Pep Band at basketball games. Open to all grades and instruments 9-12. The PMB also can take the shape of the “Bonney Lake Wind Band” for formal concert-style occasions (the attire for this would be “concert black” instead of marching/pep clothing).

Solo & Chamber Ensembles + Jazz Combos
All band students in grades 9-12 are required to participate in focus-groups at various points during the school year. These groups provide stellar opportunities for musical growth, and allow for students to have the option to compete at various festivals, play in cool community venues, and more! Solo & Ensemble + Jazz Combos will perform at our Chamber Music Marathon Concert, and students may opt in to pay and submit themselves and/or their group to compete at the local Solo & Ensemble Competition. If they place, they will have the opportunity to compete at the WIAA/WMEA State Level. Throughout the year (including Summer), students will have the opportunity to perform at special events with their small groups. 

Panther Field Show Band & Varsity Drumline + Show Guard (aka “FSB”) 

Considered a music-based entertainment sport/club/activity (similar to Cheer & Drill/Dance), students can waive their PE credit requirement because of their participation in the Panther Field Show Band. This ensemble showcases a new field show every year during football game halftimes; competes at marching contests, festivals, select parades; and travels to perform at varying venues. Students are expected to know and be able to perform their music at a high level. This band is FUN, CREATIVE, SPIRITED, and sometimes a little bit rowdy (in a positive “let’s go team” kind of way). Students must be concurrently enrolled in a main-school-day instrumental music course to be able to participate in this Extra-Curricular Club-Sport. Open to all grades and instruments 9-12. 

Musical Pit Orchestra
The Musical Pit Orchestra is an ensemble that provides live instrumental accompaniment for the Bonney Lake High School musical theater productions. In years that Mr. Cain isn’t the Pit Director, he still serves as the Pit Advisor. As a member of the pit orchestra, students will work closely with the cast and crew to bring the score of the musical to life. The ensemble will focus on sight-reading, ensemble precision, and dynamic performance, often adapting to the demands of live theater. Students will develop skills in collaboration, musicality, and adaptability as they perform a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to contemporary theater music. Participation in the pit orchestra will require rehearsals outside of regular school hours, especially as we approach performance dates. This experience provides a unique opportunity to play challenging music in a professional setting while supporting our school’s vibrant theater arts program. Open to all grades and instruments 9-12.

Pep & Parade Color Guard / Winter Guard

The Color Guard is a vital part of the visual performance within the marching band, combining artistry and athleticism through choreographed routines with flags, rifles, sabers, and dance. Mr. Cain does not teach the guard, because we have separate specialized coaches for this role. Throughout the year, the Color Guard performs alongside the marching band at football games, basketball games, assemblies, parades, competitions, and other school events. In the winter particularly, the group transitions to Winter Guard, where they perform independently indoors, focusing on intricate and expressive routines set to recorded music. Winter Guard International (WGI) is an American governing body that sanctions championship events for three competitive performing arts activities: winter guard, percussion ensembles, and indoor wind ensembles. Winter Guard International (WGI) is the premier organization for indoor Color Guard activity, providing a platform for high-level competition and performance. Our Winter Guard participates in WGI-sanctioned events, where students will develop advanced skills in precision, timing, expression, and teamwork. Members of Color Guard/Winter Guard gain a unique opportunity to enhance their performance abilities while representing Bonney Lake High School in competitive and non-competitive settings. Participation in this group may require after-school rehearsals and travel for competitions. 

Advanced Placement Music Theory

Guitar

Choir Program

Drama Program

After School Orchestra Program