Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is Leesville’s premier audition-only band. The serious music student will explore the art of music from the classical “standards” by the Masters to pieces by contemporary composers. The student will learn advanced technique and musical concepts. The Symphonic Band has received Superior Ratings at the NCBA Music Performance Adjudication in Grade VI. It is the featured performance band at many school functions. The Symphonic Band merges music with movement and is Leesville’s Marching Band and performs at home football games, parades, and competitions. Further, every student is expected to attend all Performances, Band Camp in July, before school morning rehearsals as well as weekly section rehearsals. This ensemble (both Symphonic and Marching) meets during fourth period. Therefore in order to be in MARCHING BAND, you MUST be in the Symphonic Band. Typically only about 5-10% of freshman are ready for this ensemble when they enter high school. Most wait a year or two before joining Symphonic. This is an HONORS course.

Symphonic Band Camp

All members of Symphonic Band attend an annual work-study-training camp. Traditionally, the camp is held during the last week of July and the first week of August. Camp Dates can be confirmed on the Google Calendar. The first week, referred to as Pre-Band Camp, is held at LRHS from 8 am until 12 pm. The following week of Band Camp is held at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. This is a 30+ year LRHS Bands tradition!

Our time together is spent organizing and training the new and returning band members to perform together during the new school year. Our school and community have high expectations of the Symphonic Band and we’re extraordinarily lucky to have this opportunity for fellowship and bonding along with a lot of cool mountain air and physical activity!

To see LRHS Band Camp operates as a school function; school Rules and Regulations are observed at all times. Every aspect of our Band Camp is conducted with the highest regard for the health, safety, and welfare of every student member.

Since Band Camp is primarily getting our Marching Band Show ready for the new school year, it is critical for everyone to be present and participate. We work on getting INDIVIDUALS ready and getting the WHOLE BAND ready. We spend a great deal of time working on fundamentals — both the fundamentals of performing music and the fundamentals of marching.

We know that Band Camp is an investment. It’s expensive to transport, house, board, and get dedicated rehearsal space and field facilities for a week. We have high expectations for every member’s dedication and sacrifice to guarantee that the results are worth the investment. And it does — we see it pay off every year. Note: Band Camp is mandatory for Symphonic Band Members Only