Band

Concert Band

• Grades 9-12

• Non-auditioned ensemble

This is a Level II high school instrumental music class. Some playing experience is necessary to enroll in this class. This band is a training group to prepare students with skills necessary to participate in a Level III (Symphonic) band class. Literature is geared to the member's abilities with emphasis being placed on improvement of tone quality, reading skills, musicianship, and technical proficiency. This band may participate in music festivals and contests at the discretion of the director and performs for school and community events throughout the school year. Attendance at scheduled performances, sectionals, and additional rehearsals is required and is part of the student's grade.

Symphonic Band

• Grades 9-12

• Auditioned ensemble

This band is designed to help prepare students with skills necessary to participate in Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. Literature is geared to the members' abilities with emphasis being placed on improvement of tone quality, reading skills, musicianship, and the technical proficiency required for more advanced literature and performance. Symphonic Band is also part of the marching/pep band and performs at pep assemblies, half time at home football games, parades and community events. This band may participate in music festivals and contests at the discretion of the director and performs for school and community events throughout the school year. Attendance at 29 scheduled performances, sectionals, and additional rehearsals is required and is part of the student's grade.

Wind Ensemble

• Grades 9-12

• Auditioned ensemble

Wind Ensemble is a select ensemble of 35 - 52 members selected from the marching band. Wind Ensemble is the concert group of the marching band. Membership is by audition only and is open to those members of marching band who demonstrate the highest level of technical skill, musicianship, and dedication. Wind Ensemble is a very demanding performance-oriented ensemble that meets fall and spring semesters. Membership in this group is subject to the Director’s approval and any member will be removed if the Director deems their requisite skills and their apparent dedication as substandard at any time. Participation in concerts during the regular school day, evenings, at community events, as well as Large Group Festival are part of the requirements and are a part the student’s grade. 

Marching Band

• Grades 9-12

• Prior band experience & director's approval

This after-school section is the competitive marching band at Palmer. This select group competes in CBA marching competitions around the state and at the Director’s discretion, also competes in out-of-state festivals and competitions. The marching band performs at half-time for home football games as well as various parades and community functions. Due to performance demands and requirements, Marching Band rehearsals, band camps (both locally and out of town, usually on a college or university campus) and practices begin up to two weeks prior to the opening of school. These practices and rehearsals are mandatory and part of the regular schedule. Members are required to attend all rehearsal and practices that are scheduled after school, on ‘teacher work days’, and on some Saturdays. The Color Guard is a part of Marching Band and has the same requirements listed above plus additional Guard practices and clinics. All rehearsals, practices, sectionals, and performances are part of the student’s grade.

Jazz Band

• Grades 9-12

• Director's approval. Audition may be required.

This is a Level II high school instrumental music class. Some playing experience is necessary to enroll in this class. Only those students who demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of their instruments will be considered for inclusion in this group. Basic instrumentation includes saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, and trap set. Jazz ensemble performs at jazz festivals, assemblies, concerts, and community events. This band provides an opportunity for the student to study and perform music in the jazz idiom. Attendance at scheduled performances is required and is considered part of the student's grade. Ability to perform on an instrument at Level II or beyond. Ability to read Level II musical notation. Ability to write basic musical notation. Ability to identify and understand musical structure.

Percussion Ensemble

• Grades 9-12

• Non-auditioned ensemble

This course is designed for those students who have selected percussion as their instrument of choice. The students in this class will make up the marching band drum line. Drum set instruction will be very limited.

Contact

Please contact Mr. Ward if you are interested in joining one of our bands!

Mr. Kaelinn Ward

kaelinn.ward@d11.org

719-328-4755