Instrumental Ensembles

5th Grade Band
The class meets twice a week and focuses on how to play and perform as an ensemble. The group performs works from various genres and cultures including new pieces and concert standards. The 5th Grade Band performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Music in the Parks competition in the spring.

Maroon Band
The ensemble studies a wide variety of music including music from different cultures. The class meets twice a week and refines ensemble playing as well has how to balance individual needs with those of a large group. The 6th Grade Band performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Music in the Parks competition in the spring.

Gold Band
The Gold Band is the most advanced concert band at HBW. The ensemble studies both traditional and nontraditional concert band music and concepts of tone and intonation are polished. The Gold Band performs at the concerts and Music in the Parks.

Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is an advanced group that students may join by audition. We study contemporary jazz and popular music as well as traditional big band standards, latin, and funk music. Students also learn the skills of basic improvisation. Auditions are in September and the Jazz Band performs at the concerts and Music in the Parks.

Chamber Group
The Chamber Group is made up of students in grades 6, 7 and 8. It meets once a week after school and plays a collection of holiday music at Verona's Fair in the Square and in the HBW lobby on the day before December break.

Graduation Band
This ensemble rehearses to a performance at the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony. It consists of 6th and 7th grade Gold Band members and other students with approval from Mr. Halpern and/or Mr. Michalowski.

Spring Band
This is an ensemble for students who want to continue playing their instruments after our competition and concerts. We will sight-read new pieces, play some well-known music (classical and pop), and continue learning about instrumental technique and fundamental musicianship. Any student is encouraged to attend rehearsals.

Vocal Ensembles

HB Voices
HB Voices is the 5th grade chorus class at HBW.  All students in grades 5 with an interest in singing are welcome to join at the beginning of the school year.  Class meets twice a week during Period 0. They learn a variety of music in two or three parts.  HB Voices performs in the winter and spring concerts as well as at the spring competition and trip to Great Adventure.

Acoustics
Acoustics is the chorus for grades 6-8 at HBW. All students in grades 6-8 with an interest in singing are welcome to join at the beginning of the school year.  Class meets twice a week during Period 0.  They learn more advanced music in three or four parts.  Acoustics performs in the winter and spring concerts as well as at the spring competition and trip to Great Adventure.