South County High School Concert and Jazz Bands

Ensemble Information

Concert Band
The concert band is an unauditioned ensemble that all members are welcome to join.  This class is designed for developing musicians who are looking to improve basic skills on their instruments.  Out of school practice is necessary and expected.  The class is split into woodwinds, brass, and percussion (all percussionists will be members of the percussion ensemble).  Prior experience on their instrument is not required, but HIGHLY recommended (South County does not have a beginning band class so if a student wishes to join with no experience, they will be required to learn the basics of that instrument on their own, and will be held to the same standard as all other members).  After-school rehearsals are a required part of the curriculum so that the full ensemble will have rehearsal time.

Symphonic Band
The symphonic band is the top performing ensemble of South County’s band program.  This ensemble is by audition only (auditions take place in late April/Early May).  The class is designed for advanced musicians who wish to play more challenging music.  Out of school practice is expected and necessary.  This ensemble is split up into winds and percussion (all percussionists will be members of the percussion ensemble).  After-school rehearsals are a required part of the curriculum so that the full ensemble will have rehearsal time.  Prior experience is necessary.  Mr. Engdahl will distribute audition materials in late February/Early March.  Students who wish to be a member of this ensemble must either A) Participate in marching band or B) Participate in a VHSL (school-sponsored) fall sport.

Percussion Ensemble
The percussion ensemble is for all percussionists in the band program, regardless of level.  With percussion being such a unique section in the band, a separate class is necessary for students to learn all of the necessary skills to perform well.  Out of school practice is expected and necessary.   After-school rehearsals are a required part of the curriculum so that the full ensemble will have rehearsal time.  Prior experience is not necessary, but recommended.

Jazz Band
The jazz band is ensemble that is open to all members of the band program.  This ensemble meets after school once the marching band season is over (beginning in mid-November).  This class is designed for students to learn about the different genres of jazz, including but not limited to swing, blues, latin, rock and funk.  The jazz program will operate with one or two ensembles, depending on interest.  Auditions are on year-to-year basis, and will be determined by the amount of interest.  Students will receive one credit for this ensemble.  Students will also be needed for piano, guitar and bass (students outside of the band program are welcome to participate on these instruments).  Students must need to play traditional big band instruments (saxophone, trumpet, trombone), or be willing to learn one of these instruments outside of rehearsal time.