Congratulations to the CHHS Symphonic Band and Concert Band for receiving distinguished ratings at KMEA Concert Festival this Spring!  The Symphonic Band performed La Fiesta Mexicana as its graded selection, and the Concert Band presesnted Masque as its graded selection.  Both groups received a rating of Distinguished - marking the 6th straight year of Distinguished Ratings! 

Notes about Concert and Symphonic Class –

q       Students must have a good quality instrument (often times the middle school instrument is fine, but if you have questions – ask the band director)

o       Some instruments may not be acceptable if they are in poor repair or are inappropriate

q       Woodwind players must use good quality, real cane reeds.  Plastic reeds are not acceptable.  WW players should also have no less than 3 good reeds at all times.

q       Brass players may need to purchase mutes depending on the music being performed (the band owns a limited number of mutes)

q       Percussion students must own a pair of all wood drum sticks (Vic Firth SD-1 or Innovative Percussion CL-1) and a practice pad.

*All students will also need a spiral bound notebook for notetaking and journaling exercises.

CONCERT BAND is a year-round ensemble.  Rehearsals are a part of the regular school day, and students must be scheduled in a band class in order to be a part of the group and participate in KMEA solo and ensemble and All-District/All-State festivals and auditions.  After school rehearsals are required on occasion and attendance is mandatory.  Concerts are mandatory and are held once or twice a semester.  Students in Concert, percussion, or Symphonic class can earn A&H credit.

Wind Ensemble (listed as Symphonic Band in schedule of courses) is a year-round ensemble. This is the PREMIER instrumental ensemble at CHHS.  Students for this ensemble are selected through an audition process and by appointment by the band director. Rehearsals are a part of the regular school day, and students must be scheduled in a band class in order to be a part of the group and participate in KMEA solo and ensemble and All-District/All-State festivals and auditions.  After school rehearsals are required on occasion and attendance is mandatory.  Concerts are also mandatory and are held once or twice a semester. Students in this ensemble are expected to audition for All-District and All-State Band. 

 Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble students receive A&H credit after their third year being enrolled in band class.  During the class, we cover the A&H curriculum including art, dance, and music.