Concert Band

The group performs in two to three concerts per year. Emphasis is placed on music fundamentals such as scales rhythms, tone. The group performs at the Regional Band Festival in April usually playing grade level 3-4 music on a scale of 6.

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Symphonic Band

The organization performs 3-4 programs per year. Emphasis is placed on Tone, Technic, Control and more exposed playing as well as scales and intonation. This band also performs at the Regional Band Festival and students are encouraged to participate in auditioning for the WV All-State Band and participating at the Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival. many of these students also participate in the MHS Pep Band. The band generally plays music graded at levels 4,5,and 6, on a scale of 6.

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Wind Ensemble

This Ensemble performs 5-7 programs per year. This groups concert dress is Formal tux and gowns. The ensemble regularly submits honor recordings for various state and national auditions such as WV State honor Band, Mid-West International Band and Orchestra clinic. Students participating in this ensemble bring a high level skill set. Emphasis in placed on musicianship. The group participates in the Regional Band Festival yearly at a grade 6 level, which is considered College level literature.

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Percussion Ensemble

This class is for all percussionists. Students rehearse various technical and musical issues for the drum line as well as percussion ensemble. Students are expected to read music and be able to play mallet keyboards, timpani, snare, bass, and accessory percussion instruments. Students participate in both small and large group ensembles. They perform separately and with the Marching Band. Students are engaged in self directed and student led instruction. This class also provides all needed percussion for all concert ensembles as needed.

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Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is a class designed for musicians with an interest in learning and performing jazz as well as music from the 20's-90's in a somewhat traditional big band setting. No audition is required for this class, and any instrument can be accepted, even if it isn't a traditionally used instrument in the Jazz genre. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students take private lessons on their instrument. The class will learn a wide range of musical repertoire as well as gain a fundamental understanding of improvisation and basic jazz theory, and may participate in public performances (which could include formal and informal public concerts, and competitions). The class is considered a “co-curricular” class, which will require both in school and after school activities including after school rehearsals and performances. Attendance at all after school activities including rehearsals and performances is mandatory. 

 

Advanced Jazz Ensemble

The Advanced Jazz Ensemble class is designed for musicians with an interest in further developing and performing jazz in a traditional big band setting. We will take 5 Saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, and 1 bari), 4 Trumpets, and 3 Trombones, 1 Guitar and/or Piano, 1 Bass, and 1 Drumset player. We may expand instrumentation based on the audition process. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students take private lessons on their instrument. The class will learn a wide range of musical repertoire and will prepare for a number of public performances (which will include formal and informal public concerts, and competitions). The class is considered a “co-curricular” class, which will require both in school and after school activities including after school rehearsals and performances. Attendance at all after school activities including rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Admission to the class is by audition only. Auditions usually take place in March for the next school year. All current members of the class must re-audition for the next years class.