Ensembles

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8th grade Concert Band
1 Credit
Grade 8
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the Middle School level is required.

This class is designed for students with no, or very limited, band experience. Students enrolled in this class will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental concepts necessary for playing a band instrument and will develop the skills needed to perform in a concert band ensemble. Students will be expected to provide their own instruments and method books as prescribed by the Director of Bands. Students will be given assistance in selecting a band instrument that matches their particular interests and that is suitable for their individual characteristics. Basic musicianship/music reading,, small ensemble and solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course. Students may earn extra credit by auditioning for the Wise County Pace and All-District Bands.

Students are expected to practice an average of 20 minutes per day beyond the regular class time. This is a performance-based class and requires participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.

Concert Band
1 Credit
Grades 8-12
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the Middle School level is required.

Emphasis is on mastering the skills necessary for the performance of Grade III - V band literature. Students will participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events such as All-District auditions and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students may earn extra-credit by auditioning for PACE and All-District Bands. Concerts of traditional and contemporary band works at the Grade III to V level will be prepared and performed. Small ensemble and solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course.

Students are expected to practice an average of 20 minutes per day beyond the regular class time.  This is a performance-based class and requires participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.

7th grade band
Pre-requisite: Beginning band experience at least 1 semester of previous band experience.

This class is designed for students with no, or very limited, band experience. Students enrolled in this class will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental concepts necessary for playing a band instrument and will develop the skills needed to perform in a concert band ensemble. Students will be expected to provide their own instruments and method books as prescribed by the Director of Bands. Students will be given assistance in selecting a band instrument that matches their particular interests and that is suitable for their individual characteristics. Basic musicianship/music reading,, small ensemble and solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course. Students may earn extra credit by auditioning for the Wise County Pace and All-District Bands.

Students are expected to practice an average of 20 minutes per day beyond the regular class time.

Jazz Combo
Grades 9 - 12
Audition Required
Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the High School level is required. Students will be required to pass a proficiency audition with the Director of Bands which will include all twelve major scales, chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument, a prepared selection and sight reading.

Jazz Combo: Emphasis is on performance techniques unique to jazz music and the history of jazz through the study of traditional and contemporary works of jazz music. Emphasis will be given to music theory as it relates to improvisation and jazz form and structure. Students will be involved in solo work and small ensembles. This class will be based on the traditional size of a jazz band, or "Big Band," and is limited in size to the instrumentation needs of the group. All rehearsal time will be after school hours and posted on the band room wall.

Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day beyond the regular class time.

Beginning Band
6th grade
Pre-requisite: Must be enrolled in a band class for the semester. Have taken a music aptitude test from the band director and be accepted into the beginning band program.

This class is designed for students with no band experience. Students enrolled in this class will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental concepts necessary for playing a band instrument and will develop the skills needed to perform. Students will be expected to provide their own instruments and method books as prescribed by the Director of Bands. Students will be given assistance in selecting a band instrument that matches their particular interests and that is suitable for their individual characteristics. A band instrument dealer will be available for purchase or rental of band instruments. Basic musicianship/music reading,, as well as music theory and history will be components of this course.

Students are expected to practice an average of 20 minutes per day beyond the regular class time.

Marching Band
1 credit
(fees required)
Grades 8 – 12
Pre-requisite: Instrumentalist should have at least one year of middle school band experience. All instrumentalist must be enrolled in a regular band class.
Auxiliary members (Color Guard, etc.) audition for positions in May of each year and must attend a summer training camp.

The members of the Central Warrior Marching Band will soon establish themselves as an integral part of the pride and spirit of Central High. This dynamic group of young musicians performs regularly at all home football games. The band provides the excitement and pageantry that is a vital part of the high school Friday night experience. The band works with the cheerleaders and football team in providing an exciting, charged atmosphere for the entire school community.

The Central Warrior Marching Band will also compete in field show competitions and parades during the fall season, representing Central High School across the state of Virginia. Students and parents should plan on three to five Saturday events during late September and throughout October. Additional scheduling information can be found here.

Members of the Central Warrior Marching Band will also have the opportunity to travel for a major performance in the spring of each year. Only students who are fully involved in the marching band and remain in good standing throughout the school year will be allowed to participate in the Spring Trip.

Marching Band rehearsals begin in mid-August. For more information on the summer band rehearsal schedule, click here. The marching band will rehearse Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:45 to 5:30 after school from the beginning of school until mid-November. Monday afternoons may be used for sectional rehearsals or student staff meetings. Most Friday evenings are performance nights at Central High School football games. Students who are a part of the marching band will choose that as their "fall activity” and must commit to the time requirements specified.

Membership in the Central Warrior Marching Band is open to any student enrolled in a band class. In addition, the pageantry of the band is enhanced with the help of an auxiliary unit, or Color Guard, which is open to any student at Central High. Auditions for this exciting group are held in May of each year.