BAND ORGANIZATIONS AND ADDITIONAL MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES

FIFTH GRADE BAND:  This group is open to any fifth grade student who desires to play a band instrument.  Students are required to purchase or rent an instrument as well as purchase several method books, including the “Essential Elements 2000” Book 1.  Learning any instrument requires dedication and determination.  Students are expected to practice regularly, attend class session and all group lessons.  Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, and alto sax) have class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Brass/Percussionists (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Percussion) have class on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  The fifth grade band will have their first concert in late October/early November, a Winter Concert in December, and the Spring Band Concert in May.

SIXTH GRADE BAND:  This group consists of sixth grade students who can demonstrate the ability to pass and review the “Essential Elements 2000” Book 1 method book, and move on to Book 2.  By the end of Sixth Grade Band, students must successfully pass final written theory and rhythm exams as well as be able to play their major scales through three sharps and three flats, as well as one octave Concert Bb chromatic scale both up and down before entering the 7th grade band.  Students also must demonstrate consistent practice and regular attendance in each class session.  The sixth grade band will perform in two major concerts, the Winter Band Concert in December and the Spring Band Concert in May. 

SEVENTH/EIGHTH GRADE BAND:  This group consists of seventh and eighth grade students who can demonstrate the ability to pass and review the “Essential Elements 2000” Books 1 and 2, and move on to Book 3.  A student must be able to play his/her major scales through three sharps and three flats before entering this ensemble.  The 7/8th grade band will perform at a football game in the fall, the Winter Band Concert in December, Pre-Festival Concert in February, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Festival in March, and the Spring Band Concert in May.  Each year, members of this organization must successfully pass written and playing exams.  The written exams will cover basic fundamentals of music playing all one-octave major scales on his/her instrument.  Auditions for chair placement will be held at least twice throughout the school year.  Auditions will consist of the following:

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL (Grades 7-12):  This is an opportunity for students to prepare a solo or small group ensemble and receive adjudicators’ comments regarding their strengths and weaknesses.  Students will receive a comment sheet, rating and medal for their performance (1st and 2nd division).  I strongly encourage students to participate in this optional musical opportunity.  It will enhance the student musically both as an individual while also strengthening our band program.   Private lessons are strongly recommended for participants.  Further information will be given out 2-3 months prior to the event.

C.H.S. COMET MARCHING BAND (Grades 9-12):  The marching band is made up of all students involved in the high school band program.  Evening rehearsals are held from 6-9 p.m. on Monday nights and after school starts rehearsals are held Tuesday nights.  Performances include all home football games, several parades, the MSBOA Marching Festival, and two invitationals.  Attendance at band camp is mandatory and should be considered every band member’s top priority at the end of the summer.  Students should plan work, vacations, sports camps, etc. around band camp to ensure that the band can get off to a great start each school year.  A list of planned future marching band camp dates is included to help assist in planning future schedules (summer vacation, etc.).  This schedule of future marching band camp dates is subject to change on a yearly basis.  Every attempt will be made to give notice of a schedule change during the previous school year.

Proposed Future Marching Band Camp Dates:
2011       August 1-5
2012   July 30-August 3

H.S. CONCERT BAND:  This ensemble is made up of all students involved in the high school band program.  This ensemble begins rehearsal at the culmination of marching band season.  Auditions for chairs will be held after the marching band season is completed.  Rehearsal will begin following marching season and are held during 4th hour.  Performances for this ensemble are listed on the band calendar.

H.S. JAZZ BAND (Grade 9-12):  Students must successfully pass an audition to be accepted to fill an open position.  Rehearsals will be focused about learning different styles of jazz.  Jazz Band begins after marching season has been completed and rehearsals are typically on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m.  Openings for auditions will be posted in October.

H.S. PEP BAND:  The pep band is required for all high school band students, and will perform at most home girls and boys basketball games in January and February.  Pep band dates and times will be posted before winter break.

H.S. ALL STAR/ALL STATE HONORS BANDS:  There are several All Star and All State Bands that perform throughout the school year.  Colleges or other musical organizations within the state usually sponsor these.  Information regarding auditions for these groups will be posted on the front bulletin board throughout the year. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES