Join the Somerville Bands!
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Department Offerings
The Somerville High School music department is incredibly diverse and offers a unique, dynamic experience to every student who wishes to be a part of our award winning music program. Below is a list of all music department offerings on the instrumental side. In the section afterward, you can see how these ensembles are scheduled throughout the year.
Curricular Ensembles
Somerville High School offers 2 curricular ensembles: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. These ensembles can be taken as a class during the day. If you are interested in joining one our daytime ensembles, please reach out to a guidance counselor to get it in your schedule today!
Symphonic Band is one of two curricular ensembles offered at Somerville High School. Symphonic Band is our main participatory ensemble consisting of students from grade 9-12 with a range of experiences. Anyone can join the Symphonic Band and it encouraged for all students to take Symphonic Band in conjunction with other music classes such as choir, music theory, and wind ensemble.
Wind Ensemble is the second of two curricular ensemble offered at Somerville High School. This ensemble is audition only and serves students from 10th to 12th grade. Students in Wind Ensemble can expect to perform high level music and perform multiple times a year. To be a part of this band, students must fulfill the following requirements: have participated at least 1 year of Symphonic Band, perform all 12 major scales at proficient level, have participated in 1 concert, and perform an excerpt from concert repertoire at a proficient level.
Curricular Music Classes
Somerville High School also offers 3 non-ensemble courses. Whether you are sharpening your music skills or learning music for the first time, these classes are designed to be accessible to a broad range of skill sets in music.
Music Theory and Composition is an entry-level class open to all students, regardless of prior musical experience, that explores the fundamentals of how music works. Students will learn to read and write notation, understand rhythm, scales, intervals, and chords, and apply these concepts through listening, analysis, and creative projects. A strong emphasis is placed on composition, giving students opportunities to create original music using both traditional notation and music technology. This course is highly recommended for students considering AP Music Theory, as it builds the foundational skills and confidence needed for success, while also serving as a welcoming and engaging introduction for anyone interested in music.
AP Music Theory is an advanced course designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of music through rigorous study and analysis. Students will develop skills in reading and writing notation, harmonic analysis, part-writing, ear training, and sight-singing, while exploring how music is structured across a variety of styles and time periods. The course emphasizes both written and aural skills, preparing students to think critically about music and communicate their ideas effectively. Students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to take the AP Music Theory Exam in May, which may earn college credit depending on their score and individual college policies. AP Music Theory is ideal for dedicated musicians and is strongly recommended for those considering studying music in college; students are encouraged to complete an introductory theory course beforehand to ensure success.
Music Technology explores how music is created, produced, and shared using modern technology. Open to all students, this class introduces the fundamentals of digital audio, recording techniques, MIDI, sequencing, and music production software. Students will create original projects such as beats, songs, and soundscapes while learning how to use industry-standard tools and workflows. The course emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and real-world skills, making it ideal for students interested in composing, producing, audio engineering, or exploring music in a contemporary, technology-driven way—no prior experience required.
Extra Curricular Ensembles
Somerville High School offers several ensembles that meet after school. Each ensemble is seasonal and students are allowed to be in as many ensembles as they want. Our belief is that music is for all. Therefore, if you audition for an ensemble, you will make that ensemble. We will find a place that works for you!
Marching Band is our most public facing ensemble. Open to students of all experience levels, marching band performs at football games, local events, and regional competitions throughout the fall season. Students develop musicianship, teamwork, and while being part of a supportive community. In addition to our football games and competition, the Marching Band also performs in premiere places such as MetLife Stadium, Virginia, and even main street at Disney!
Jazz Ensemble offers a comprehensive and tiered experience for students at all levels, with four ensembles designed to support growth and excellence: Lab Band (entry level), Villeharmonic (intermediate), Ville Big Band (advanced), and Jazz Combo (a student-led small ensemble). Students in the program explore a wide range of styles including swing, Latin, funk, and contemporary jazz while developing improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and strong ensemble skills. With multiple performances each year—including concerts, festivals, and state championship events in April—students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents and grow as confident, expressive musicians in a collaborative and high-energy environment.
VIPER – Ville Indoor Percussion Ensemble is Somerville High School’s Indoor Percussion ensemble, a winter activity open to any student—no prior percussion experience required. Similar to marching band, members rehearse, travel, perform, and compete throughout the winter season. While the ensemble features percussion instruments, many members are not primary percussionists, making it a welcoming and accessible opportunity for students interested in performance, teamwork, and pushing their creative and musical limits in an exciting competitive environment.
Winter Guard is a winter ensemble that focuses on Color guard in a competitive indoor setting. Open to all students—no prior experience required—Winter Guard focuses on building skills in movement, choreography, and equipment technique. As a member, you'll have the chance to perform in both local and international circuits, with opportunities to compete at prestigious events, including Regional and World Championships. Auditions take place in November, and the season culminates at the highly anticipated Main Championships in April.
Somerville High School offers 2 curricular ensembles: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. These ensembles can be taken as a class during the day. If you are interested in joining one our daytime ensembles, please reach out to a guidance counselor to get it in your schedule today!
Symphonic Band is one of two curricular ensembles offered at Somerville High School. Symphonic Band is our main participatory ensemble consisting of students from grade 9-12 with a range of experiences. Anyone can join the Symphonic Band and it encouraged for all students to take Symphonic Band in conjunction with other music classes such as choir, music theory, and wind ensemble.
Wind Ensemble is the second of two curricular ensemble offered at Somerville High School. This ensemble is audition only and serves students from 10th to 12th grade. Students in Wind Ensemble can expect to perform high level music and perform multiple times a year. To be a part of this band, students must fulfill the following requirements: have participated at least 1 year of Symphonic Band, perform all 12 major scales at proficient level, have participated in 1 concert, and perform an excerpt from concert repertoire at a proficient level.
Curricular Music Classes
Somerville High School also offers 3 non-ensemble courses. Whether you are sharpening your music skills or learning music for the first time, these classes are designed to be accessible to a broad range of skill sets in music.
Music Theory and Composition is an entry-level class open to all students, regardless of prior musical experience, that explores the fundamentals of how music works. Students will learn to read and write notation, understand rhythm, scales, intervals, and chords, and apply these concepts through listening, analysis, and creative projects. A strong emphasis is placed on composition, giving students opportunities to create original music using both traditional notation and music technology. This course is highly recommended for students considering AP Music Theory, as it builds the foundational skills and confidence needed for success, while also serving as a welcoming and engaging introduction for anyone interested in music.
AP Music Theory is an advanced course designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of music through rigorous study and analysis. Students will develop skills in reading and writing notation, harmonic analysis, part-writing, ear training, and sight-singing, while exploring how music is structured across a variety of styles and time periods. The course emphasizes both written and aural skills, preparing students to think critically about music and communicate their ideas effectively. Students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to take the AP Music Theory Exam in May, which may earn college credit depending on their score and individual college policies. AP Music Theory is ideal for dedicated musicians and is strongly recommended for those considering studying music in college; students are encouraged to complete an introductory theory course beforehand to ensure success.
Music Technology explores how music is created, produced, and shared using modern technology. Open to all students, this class introduces the fundamentals of digital audio, recording techniques, MIDI, sequencing, and music production software. Students will create original projects such as beats, songs, and soundscapes while learning how to use industry-standard tools and workflows. The course emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and real-world skills, making it ideal for students interested in composing, producing, audio engineering, or exploring music in a contemporary, technology-driven way—no prior experience required.
Extra Curricular Ensembles
Somerville High School offers several ensembles that meet after school. Each ensemble is seasonal and students are allowed to be in as many ensembles as they want. Our belief is that music is for all. Therefore, if you audition for an ensemble, you will make that ensemble. We will find a place that works for you!
Marching Band is our most public facing ensemble. Open to students of all experience levels, marching band performs at football games, local events, and regional competitions throughout the fall season. Students develop musicianship, teamwork, and while being part of a supportive community. In addition to our football games and competition, the Marching Band also performs in premiere places such as MetLife Stadium, Virginia, and even main street at Disney!
Jazz Ensemble offers a comprehensive and tiered experience for students at all levels, with four ensembles designed to support growth and excellence: Lab Band (entry level), Villeharmonic (intermediate), Ville Big Band (advanced), and Jazz Combo (a student-led small ensemble). Students in the program explore a wide range of styles including swing, Latin, funk, and contemporary jazz while developing improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and strong ensemble skills. With multiple performances each year—including concerts, festivals, and state championship events in April—students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents and grow as confident, expressive musicians in a collaborative and high-energy environment.
VIPER – Ville Indoor Percussion Ensemble is Somerville High School’s Indoor Percussion ensemble, a winter activity open to any student—no prior percussion experience required. Similar to marching band, members rehearse, travel, perform, and compete throughout the winter season. While the ensemble features percussion instruments, many members are not primary percussionists, making it a welcoming and accessible opportunity for students interested in performance, teamwork, and pushing their creative and musical limits in an exciting competitive environment.
Winter Guard is a winter ensemble that focuses on Color guard in a competitive indoor setting. Open to all students—no prior experience required—Winter Guard focuses on building skills in movement, choreography, and equipment technique. As a member, you'll have the chance to perform in both local and international circuits, with opportunities to compete at prestigious events, including Regional and World Championships. Auditions take place in November, and the season culminates at the highly anticipated Main Championships in April.
Scheduling
Students can choose to be part of as many ensembles as they'd like. During the day, we offer 2 curricular ensembles and 3 curricular music electives. Students who want to be part of the band during school will be signed up for Symphonic Band, giving them the option to audition for Wind Ensemble at the end of the year if they so choose. We also offer CP Music Theory, AP Music Theory, and Music Technology. We offer 4 extracurricular ensembles after school: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Ville Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and Winter Guard. Click on the links at the top of the page to learn to how to join each ensemble.
Interested in seeing what the next four years could look like for you? Below are two course sequence examples of current Seniors.
Interested in seeing what the next four years could look like for you? Below are two course sequence examples of current Seniors.
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Student #2
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Extra Curricular Schedules
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join the band program?
Everyone has a different reason for joining the program. For some, it's the unique family dynamic that carries throughout their four years of high school. For others, it’s the performance quality of every ensemble. For me, as the director, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. There’s a reason 94% of students stay in the band program all four years of high school.
If I want to play a new instrument, will someone teach me?
Yes! We are always willing to help. In fact, you may use your study hall or lunch period to come down to the band room for lessons. Many student take advantage of this and thrive because of it.
I play a string instrument. What options are available to me at SHS?
Unfortunately, there is no curricular string ensemble at Somerville High School. However, there is a string club that meets once a week. We recommend that string student still be part of the band program! In fact, we have a large amount of string students who thrive in the band environment. Most students choose to go with percussion as it translates really well and they can play parts based on their skill level. As for strings, we do allow upright bassists be part of the symphonic band as there are parts written for it.
What are some places the ensembles(s) travel to?
Here is a small list of our most recent destinations: MetLife Stadium, Pittsburgh PA, Norfolk VA, Disney World in Florida, Dayton OH, Rutgers University,, The College of New Jersey, William Paterson University, and many high schools in and around NJ, NY, and PA.
What if I’m not good enough?
Whether you are a veteran performer or new to an ensemble, there is a spot for you. Our program is about building students. Success for us isn’t just a trophy, it’s helping students become the best version on themselves throughout high school.
How do I balance band and school?
As with anything in life, being organized and good communication. Many students in the band program have proven that they can be successful in many parts of their high school career. Some of our best performers are AP students, on the board of of clubs, and captains of their sports teams. It is possible!
Any advice for incoming freshman?
Join everything you can. The only thing scarier than jumping right into a new experience is graduating with the regret of not joining sooner. This place are where you will make your closest, have the most memorable experiences, and allow you to be yourself.
Everyone has a different reason for joining the program. For some, it's the unique family dynamic that carries throughout their four years of high school. For others, it’s the performance quality of every ensemble. For me, as the director, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. There’s a reason 94% of students stay in the band program all four years of high school.
If I want to play a new instrument, will someone teach me?
Yes! We are always willing to help. In fact, you may use your study hall or lunch period to come down to the band room for lessons. Many student take advantage of this and thrive because of it.
I play a string instrument. What options are available to me at SHS?
Unfortunately, there is no curricular string ensemble at Somerville High School. However, there is a string club that meets once a week. We recommend that string student still be part of the band program! In fact, we have a large amount of string students who thrive in the band environment. Most students choose to go with percussion as it translates really well and they can play parts based on their skill level. As for strings, we do allow upright bassists be part of the symphonic band as there are parts written for it.
What are some places the ensembles(s) travel to?
Here is a small list of our most recent destinations: MetLife Stadium, Pittsburgh PA, Norfolk VA, Disney World in Florida, Dayton OH, Rutgers University,, The College of New Jersey, William Paterson University, and many high schools in and around NJ, NY, and PA.
What if I’m not good enough?
Whether you are a veteran performer or new to an ensemble, there is a spot for you. Our program is about building students. Success for us isn’t just a trophy, it’s helping students become the best version on themselves throughout high school.
How do I balance band and school?
As with anything in life, being organized and good communication. Many students in the band program have proven that they can be successful in many parts of their high school career. Some of our best performers are AP students, on the board of of clubs, and captains of their sports teams. It is possible!
Any advice for incoming freshman?
Join everything you can. The only thing scarier than jumping right into a new experience is graduating with the regret of not joining sooner. This place are where you will make your closest, have the most memorable experiences, and allow you to be yourself.
Want more information about our program? Click here.
