Curricular Band Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college level works for winds and percussion. Due to the soloist nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performance. Private study on principal instrument is strongly recommended. Wind Ensemble performs at a minimum of four concerts. Members are expected to participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members will have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition. Consent of the instructor and attendance at performances are required. Wind Ensemble is available for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Director: Mr. Devany
Honors Wind Ensemble
Seniors enrolled in Wind Ensemble may be eligible to take one of these courses for weighted credit. In addition to meeting all the criteria for the standard course, senior students eligible for a weighted grade will create a performance and research portfolio which will include four small ensemble performances, with a comprehensive written critique, two evaluations of concert programs: and tangible evidence of leadership activities leading to substantial musical achievement. Students may prepare auditions related to college applications in lieu of the fourth small ensemble performance. Audition and instructor’s permission required. Honors Wind Ensemble is available for 12th Graders only.
Wind Symphony
Wind Symphony provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of master works for winds and percussion. Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of techniques classes. The Wind Symphony performs at a minimum of 4 concerts. Members may participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members may have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor. Attendance at performances is required. Wind Symphony is available for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Director: Mr. Schneider
Symphonic Winds
An auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Members are expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Students may participate in Solo and Ensemble. Participation in concert performances is required. Director: Mr. Kaminsky
Symphonic Band
A non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship experienced in Concert Band and 8th Grade. Members will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Attendance at performances is required. Students without previous band experience need instructor's permission before registering. Symphonic Band is available for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Director: Mr. Kaminsky
Concert Winds
An auditioned ensemble for students with advanced skills. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor. Concert Winds is available for 9th graders only. Director: Mr. Schneider
Concert Band
A non-auditioned ensemble that introduces freshmen to the high school band experience. This class provides important formative experiences in musicianship. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members may have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Attendance at performances is required. This class is available for 9th graders only. Director: Mr. Schneider
Wind Ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college level works for winds and percussion. Due to the soloist nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performance. Private study on principal instrument is strongly recommended. Wind Ensemble performs at a minimum of four concerts. Members are expected to participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members will have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition. Consent of the instructor and attendance at performances are required. Wind Ensemble is available for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Director: Mr. Devany
Honors Wind Ensemble
Seniors enrolled in Wind Ensemble may be eligible to take one of these courses for weighted credit. In addition to meeting all the criteria for the standard course, senior students eligible for a weighted grade will create a performance and research portfolio which will include four small ensemble performances, with a comprehensive written critique, two evaluations of concert programs: and tangible evidence of leadership activities leading to substantial musical achievement. Students may prepare auditions related to college applications in lieu of the fourth small ensemble performance. Audition and instructor’s permission required. Honors Wind Ensemble is available for 12th Graders only.
Wind Symphony
Wind Symphony provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of master works for winds and percussion. Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of techniques classes. The Wind Symphony performs at a minimum of 4 concerts. Members may participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members may have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor. Attendance at performances is required. Wind Symphony is available for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Director: Mr. Schneider
Symphonic Winds
An auditioned ensemble for students with highly developed skills. Members are expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Students may participate in Solo and Ensemble. Participation in concert performances is required. Director: Mr. Kaminsky
Symphonic Band
A non-auditioned ensemble that builds upon the formative experiences in musicianship experienced in Concert Band and 8th Grade. Members will be expected to develop their talents through completion of weekly technique classes. Members may participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Attendance at performances is required. Students without previous band experience need instructor's permission before registering. Symphonic Band is available for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Director: Mr. Kaminsky
Concert Winds
An auditioned ensemble for students with advanced skills. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Concert performance is required at a minimum of four concerts. Membership is determined by audition and the consent of the instructor. Concert Winds is available for 9th graders only. Director: Mr. Schneider
Concert Band
A non-auditioned ensemble that introduces freshmen to the high school band experience. This class provides important formative experiences in musicianship. Students will be expected to develop their talents through completion of technique classes. Members may participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contests. Members may have the opportunity to audition for IMEA district festivals. Attendance at performances is required. This class is available for 9th graders only. Director: Mr. Schneider
