Wind Ensemble

1 Credit (fees required)

Grades 10 - 12

Audition Required

Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the High School level is required.  Students are 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.

Wind Ensemble is an advanced-level course.  Emphasis is on traditional and contemporary works for concert band and wind ensemble at the Grade V - VI level.  In addition, students are required to participate in All-County Band auditions and Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA)  sponsored events such as All-District Band auditions, District Concert Festival and Solo & Ensemble.  Small ensemble and solo work as well as scales, etudes, music theory, ear training, sight-singing/reading and music history will be components of this course.  The class is based on the size of a traditional Wind Ensemble and is limited in size to the instrumentation needs of the group.  This class is for students who are serious about the study of instrumental music.   Private lessons, while not required, are very strongly encouraged for members of this ensemble.  Students are required to pay a $25.00 Concert Attire cleaning and maintenance fee.  Students are expected to practice an average of 30 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.