The Kettle Run Wind Ensemble is the premiere wind concert program with an audition and/or teacher recommendation. As stated in the FCPS1 Program of Studies: Wind Ensemble provides experiences for students who are proficient in their instruments and who desire to develop their skills to a higher degree. This course stresses a study of various styles of band literature and music theory, as well as refined ensemble performance. Students perform concerts at school, in the community, and participate in the District Festival/Solo and Ensemble. Students must devote much time and preparation and technical instruction; there will be frequent night rehearsals. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least four performances will take place during the school year. Participation in all concerts and the Virginia State Concert Assessment is required. Note: Students are expected to secure their own instruments. If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available and a rental fee is required. 

Auditions take place around April and May. 

Materials Need: 

• Pencil, music, and working instrument

• Foundations for Superior Performance

• Bach and Before for Band Vol. 1

• Reed Players: 4 reeds at all times in a case

• Brass Players: BERP

• Percussion: mallet bag, 1 pair of plastic mallets, Lalo Davila or 2B drum sticks

The Kettle Run Symphonic Band is offered to anyone who plays an instrument and prepares students for Wind Ensemble. As stated in the FCPS1 Program of Studies: Students will study and perform music in the literature of grade levels III and IV. Individual performance on a chosen instrument is stressed. At the end of the course, those students who have made significant progress are encouraged to audition for Wind Ensembles. At least four performances will take place during the school year. Participation in all concerts and the Virginia State Concert Assessment is required. Note: Students are expected to secure their own instruments. If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available and a rental fee is required. 

Materials Need: 

• Pencil, music, and working instrument

• Foundations for Superior Performance

• Bach and Before for Band Vol. 1

• Reed Players: 4 reeds at all times in a case

• Brass Players: BERP

• Percussion: mallet bag, 1 pair of plastic mallets, Lalo Davila or 2B drum sticks

The Kettle Run Concert band can be a beginning ensemble or percussion ensemble based on the semester and students involved.  As stated in the FCPS1 Program of Studies: This course provides an opportunity for high school students who were not able to begin band in the 6th grade to learn to play an instrument. Emphasis is on basic music fundamentals on the student’s specified instrument. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least four performances will take place during the school year and all concerts are required. Note: Students are expected to secure their own instruments. If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available and a rental fee is required. 

The Kettle Run jazz band is an extra-curricular ensemble that takes place from November to May.