CONCERT BANDS

Concert Band

Concert Band is designed to teach teamwork, self-discipline, and develop higher level thinking skills necessary to express one's self through music. Instruction will build on the student’s fundamental playing skills to develop intermediate to advanced skills.

Students will perform in a minimum of two concerts a year. Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular performing ensembles such as district honor band, district solo and ensemble festival, pep band, pit orchestra, etc.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is designed to teach teamwork, self-discipline, and develop higher level thinking skills necessary to express one's self through music and builds on the student’s fundamental playing skills to further develop and progress towards advanced musicianship. This course better prepares students for participation in a wide variety of musical genres.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is designed to teach teamwork, self-discipline, and develop higher level thinking skills necessary to express one's self through music. Instruction will build upon the student’s advanced playing skills to further develop and progress towards consummate musicianship. This course is designed to prepare students for further collegiate study and careers in music and a wide variety of performance opportunities.

Jazz Ensemble

This auditioned ensemble performs standard and contemporary jazz literature and exposes students to improvisation. Students enrolled are expected to participate in concert band with the exception of instruments such as guitar and keyboard. Class size will be limited to balance the instrumentation required for jazz arrangements. Jazz Ensemble will present at least two public performances a year. The Jazz Ensemble may also enter competitions, play for school and/or district activities, and perform at community functions including the all Howell Jazz Night in February. Students also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular performing ensembles such as district honor band, district solo and ensemble festival, pep band, pit orchestra, etc. Students will need to complete additional requirements for honors credit.

Standard Instrumentation includes; 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4-5 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, bass, drums and piano, and occasionally a vibe player.

Pep Band

The Viking Pep Band is an ensemble of music students that plays at basketball games to entertain the crowd, promote school spirit, and help everyone to have fun by playing popular songs.