Bands
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Concert Band is a year-long course that is open to freshman wind and percussion instrumentalists. This band studies standard ninth-grade band literature and related concepts and techniques, performing in three formal concerts throughout the year. A major emphasis of the class is learning the fundamentals of performance, theory, and terminology through discussion, rehearsal, and written work. Each quarter students perform two playing tests outside of class and write reflections and evaluations of their rehearsals & performances. Regular practice outside of class is expected, and private lessons are recommended. Attendance at all public performances is required.
Symphonic Band is a year-long course that is open to sophomore, junior and senior wind and percussion instrumentalists. This band studies standard high school band literature and related concepts and techniques, performing in four formal concerts throughout the year. Over a three-year period, students study the music of many composers and cultures, performing both standard wind & percussion repertoire alongside recent compositions. Each quarter students perform two playing tests outside of class, reflect on their performance weekly and at performances. Regular practice outside of class is expected, and private lessons are recommended. Attendance at all public performances is required.
Wind Ensemble follows the same curriculum as Symphonic Band but plays literature that is one to two grade levels higher in difficulty and requires an audition. Band students audition in late March for the following year.
Jazz Band is a year-long course that is open to sophomore, junior, and senior instrumentalists by audition only. Members must be concurrently enrolled in another music performance course unless approved by the director. The band studies jazz style, theory, and improvisation through classic small-group tunes, which the students arrange into their own unique versions for performance in six formal concerts and festivals throughout the year. Jazz Band students audition in early April for the following year.
Marching Band is an all-volunteer group consisting of DHS band students, freshman through senior. We practice two to three days a week before school and one evening a week. The band performs at home varsity football games, the homecoming pep rally, the Deerfield Memorial Day parade, and at our season-ending Bandorama concert. The band performs a patriotic pregame show and different halftime shows throughout the season. Our music ranges from rock and jazz to Hollywood and Broadway. During the games, the band and drumline is an integral part of the the DHS football Warrior spirit!
