Concert Ensembles

SYMPHONIC BAND

This ensemble expands upon each musician's former experience and introduces new practice techniques, fundamentals and skills as continuing musicians. We will work with composers and clinicians to further our study.

WIND ENSEMBLE

This auditioned ensemble continues the foundation music study while pushing the boundaries of our successes. We will travel to festivals and conferences to share our work with the larger region and medium. In 2022 we commissioned composer Roger Zare to write a work for three flutes and this ensemble. At the 2023 Chicagoland Invitational Festival, we were heralded for our work in spite of the pandemic and encouraged to move forward in our pursuits. 

PERCUSSION STUDIES 

This course allows each incoming and returning percussionist to expand their skills on the multitude of instruments required in repertoire. We will develop a fundamental skill set and enhance our musicianship each semester by working with clinicians and challenging ourselves with percussion ensemble and curricular band repertoire.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE 

An extracurricular auditioned ensemble, this group prepares repertoire for Fox Valley Conference Jazz Festival, various Festivals in the Chicagoland Area and performs 2-3 concerts per school year. Led by Jeff Crylen, this group studies a variety of sub-genres, styles and chamber-style performance. Eligibility for this group requires academic good-standing, and enrolling in a curricular ensemble such as Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Percussion Studies. 

PIT ORCHESTRA

An extracurricular auditioned ensemble, this group prepares repertoire for the Spring Musical productions. Comprised of instrumentalists from across the school, Pit is an elite group of musicians that study the craft of chamber music and the intricacies of live performance. Eligibility for this group requires academic good-standing, and enrolling in a curricular ensemble such as Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Percussion Studies. 

DISTRICT 7 ILMEA & ALL-STATE 

As a member of the band area, students have the opportunity to submit an audition for the annual District 7 Festival (early November) which brings the best musicians from across several neighbor counties. If their District audition meets the requirements, students may be considered for All-State in late January. This is available for Band, Orchestra, Jazz and Choir. 

MCHENRY COUNTY HONORS BAND

The 2025 school year brings the 51st festival of this county-wide tradition. Live auditions take place in mid-November with the festival taking place in January. PR is proud to have exceptional musicians participate in this ensemble each year!  

NOMINATION ENSEMBLES

Beyond these annual offerings, students may be nominated by their Director for additional ensembles. PRHS students have attended the following: 

Vandercook College of Music, Dallas Brass Honor Band

University of Illinois at Chicago Honors Band 

Ball State University Honors Band