Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band
The Hershey Symphonic Band is a non-auditioned ensemble that focuses on the development of fundamental skills necessary to perform on their instrument in a group and individually. Study of wind band music will be enriched with the study of music theory, history, and composition. Students in Symphonic Band must demonstrate developing ability through performance of intermediate band literature, solo literature, major and chromatic scales, sight-singing, and sight-reading. Students in the Symphonic Band have represented Hershey in the DCMEA County Band and PMEA District 7 Band.
Dress Policy - Formal Concert Dress
ALL BLACK. Every piece of clothing must be solid, plain black. No patterns, no colors, nothing shinny. No t-shirts, polos, or other short-sleeved shirts. Sleeves must be at least 3/4 length and all bottoms must come below the knees when seated. Appropriate clothing includes: Long-sleeve black dress shirt, black blouse (3/4 sleeves), black jacket, long black dress, black skirt (with black leggings), and/or black dress pants WITH black shoes and black socks. Long, black ties are required when wearing a long-sleeve dress shirt. Any other accessories should blend in with your outfit - nothing flashy. You get the point - all black.
We are ONE band. Wearing proper black concert attire helps place audience member’s focus off of the individual and onto the ensemble and the music. Any student arriving for a concert not in proper concert attire will be asked to return/call home for the correct attire. Parents – thank you for your help in making sure your child is dressed appropriately for school concerts!
Band Lesson Requirements
Lessons will be scheduled in various cohorts, including by section, level, grade, or ensemble. This schedule will be posted quarterly.
Every student will be scheduled for a lesson once per cycle. Students are expected to attend scheduled lessons unless a lesson excusal card in signed by the appropriate teacher and handed into Mr. Buterbaugh. Students are required to attend a minimum of 4 lessons per quarter in worst-case scenario.
Students must attend 2 lessons by mid-quarter.
Lessons are designed to make each student a better player and to better ensure the student’s success in the ensemble.
The lesson schedule is arranged such that students can rarely miss the same class period more than twice per marking period.
It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with their teacher at least one day prior to each lesson. The student is responsible for all work and material for that missed class. This is an expectation.
2023-2024 CONCERTS
October 25th, 2023 – HHS Fall Band and Orchestra Concert, 7:00pm
December 4th, 2023 – Winter Dress Rehearsal, 6:00-9:00pm (BANDS TIME TBD)
December 6th, 2023 – HHS Music Dept. Winter Concert, 7:30pm
December 21st, 2023 – HHS Music Dept. Assembly, during school hours
March 19th, 2024 – DTSD All-District Bands Concert (***NEW***), 7:00pm
April 29th, 2024 – HHS Spring Bands Concert, 7:00pm
Other performance opportunities may be announced throughout the year. These supplemental opportunities are valuable for the school and community. These will be announced in advance and conflicts should immediately be communicated with Mr. Buterbaugh.
Wind Symphony may be asked to add an additional dress rehearsal prior to our performances, if deemed necessary. This will be communicated at least a month in advance so proper arrangements can be made.
Required student arrival times for all concerts will be announced in the weeks prior to each concert. For planning purposes, they will not be earlier than 6:30pm.