Join the Somerville Bands!
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.
Student #1
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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.
