ABOUT
|
What is Symphonic Band?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.
|
|
When are rehearsals?Symphonic Band is a curricular class meeting 4th Block on B days. The ensemble counts as an arts elective and can be repeated every year on your schedule. Extra help and sectional time is also available upon request during the school day.
|
|
When are the performances?Winter Concert: Concert is held at Somerville High School. Performance usually happens around the last week of December before Winter Break.
Festival Performance: This performance varies year by year. On a trip year, we will perform at the premier location the music department travels to. On non-trip years, we typically before for a local festival such as CJMEA Concert Band Festival or William Paterson University Band Festival. Spring Concert: Concert is held at Somerville High School. Performance usually happens around the third week of May before Memorial Day weekend. This concert acknowledges Region/All-State Band members as well as graduating seniors. Graduation: Students will perform for the Somerville High School commencement in mid-June. |
Sections
Woodwinds
Piccolo / Flute
Oboe Bassoon Clarinet Bass Clarinet Alto/Tenor/Bari Saxophone |
Brass
Trumpet
Horn in F Trombone Euphonium Tuba |
Percussion
Battery
Aux Timpani Keyboard |
Auxiliary
Piano
String Bass |
If you have never been part of band, you can still join!
Choir / String Students: It is recommended to try percussion. About 90% of our cross-musical converts are play percussion with a few of them even being section leaders! Percussion is the most accessible and allows for each students to build technique at their own pace. We do allow bass players to play the double bass in band. Piano players can play percussion and double on piano if a piece allows for it. WE WILL TEACH YOU AN INSTRUMENT!
We supply the following rare instruments: Oboe, Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Tuba, and Percussion. For common instruments: we have a limited supply of alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and euphoniums. These are need based only.
If you need an instrument, please reach out to Mr. Ferguson.
Choir / String Students: It is recommended to try percussion. About 90% of our cross-musical converts are play percussion with a few of them even being section leaders! Percussion is the most accessible and allows for each students to build technique at their own pace. We do allow bass players to play the double bass in band. Piano players can play percussion and double on piano if a piece allows for it. WE WILL TEACH YOU AN INSTRUMENT!
We supply the following rare instruments: Oboe, Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Tuba, and Percussion. For common instruments: we have a limited supply of alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and euphoniums. These are need based only.
If you need an instrument, please reach out to Mr. Ferguson.
Sample Schedule
Above is a sample schedule of a current freshman student. Freshman are allowed to take two electives. This means students can be in both band and another class. Some students opt to take a second music class such as music technology or choir. Other elect to take a four program such as engineering or take a language such as spanish. Regardless, band can ALWAYS fit in your schedule so long as you're a full time SHS student.
If you are in VoTech for SALA, participation is dependant on your schedule. We have a significant portion of VoTech and SALA students who are able to make it work. If, for some reason, you cannot make band work with your schedule, please reach to Mr. Ferguson and the counseling office to see if there are alternative for you to get involved with curricular band.
If you are in VoTech for SALA, participation is dependant on your schedule. We have a significant portion of VoTech and SALA students who are able to make it work. If, for some reason, you cannot make band work with your schedule, please reach to Mr. Ferguson and the counseling office to see if there are alternative for you to get involved with curricular band.
How do I join?
To join Symphonic Band, you must reach out to a guidance counselor as soon as possible! The earlier you register, the easier it is to get you in class.
SMS Students
BCMS Counseling Office
SHS Students
SMS Students
BCMS Counseling Office
SHS Students
