The 2011 CHHS Wind Ensemble and CHHS Symphonic Band for receiving distinguished ratings at KMEA Concert Festival this Spring!  The Symphonic Band performed Cajun Folk Songs as its graded selection, and the Wind Ensemble presented Vittorio Gianini's Symphony No. 3 as its graded selection.  Both groups received  Distinguished Ratings for all judges - marking the 7th straight year of Distinguished Ratings for CHHS Ensembles! 

Notes about Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Class –

      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

      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.

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

      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 note-taking and journaling exercises.

Symphonic 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 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. 

 Symphonic 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.