Class Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions for Band Classes

Following is a brief description of each performing ensemble and the events they participate in.

Classes for Credit

Symphonic Wind Ensemble/Marching:     SWE Home Page                 LISTEN TO SWE

Course Numbers:  Year 1: 6400 Year 2: 6401 Year 3: 651M Year 4: 652M

GT Course Numbers:  Year 1: 638M  Year 2: 639M  Year 3: 640M Year 4: 641M 

Application and Director approval are required for enrollment in GT.

This is the top level (varsity) band at MRHS.  Entrance into this class is by audition only.  This group performs only the most challenging literature written for band.  This group also forms the Marching Unit, which runs from August to November.  The ensemble performs at all home varsity football games, competative marching shows, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Spring Trip, County Adjudication, and other special events.  There will be rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day.  Students must be available for Marching Band Camp which runs from August 13-17 from 8 am to 4 pm, and August 20-24 from 1 pm to 7 pm.  New marchers and section leaders must be available August 10.  Athletes involved in Fall Sports will split their time between athletic practice and band camp.  Students can do both band and athletics without major complications.  Each student is expected to attend one sectional a week during the school year.  Private instruction is highly recommended for students in this ensemble and is required for GT students.

Concert Band:     CB Home Page                   LISTEN TO CB

Course Numbers:  Year 1: 6280 Year 2: 6281 Year 3: 655M Year 4: 656M

This is the intermediate (junior varsity) level band at MRHS.  Entrance into this class is by audition only.  This group performs intermediate to advanced level literature written for band.  The ensemble performs at the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Spring Trip, County Adjudication, and other special events.  There will be rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day.  These are mandatory and part of students' grades.  Private instruction is recommended for students in this ensemble. 

Percussion Ensemble:

Course Numbers:  Year 1: 6460 Year 2: 6461 Year 3: 649M Year 4: 650M 

This class is for percussionists in Concert Band.  Percussionists in Symphonic Winds should enrole in Symphonic Winds class.  All other percussionists should enrole in Percussion Ensemble class.  This group performs percussion ensemble literature in addition to forming the percussion section of the Concert Band.  The focus of this class is to build percussion skills on all instruments of the percussion family.  There will be rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day. 

MRHS Jazz Ensemble Class    Jazz Home Page                      LISTEN TO COMBO

Course Numbers:  Year 1: 6284 Year 2: 6285 Year 3: 633M Year 4: 634M

Entrance into the Jazz Class is by audition and/or invitation only.  This class focuses on the study of the jazz from both a large and small ensemble perspective.  Students will develop improvisation skills, study the form of jazz, transcribe solos, create solos, and perform in many different settings.  All students are expected to be in the Big Band.  Select students will be in the Jazz Combo.  Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble is required for everyone except Piano, Guitar and Bass players.  There will be rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day.

MRHS Big Band:                     Jazz Home Page                      LISTEN TO BIG BAND

Entrance into the Big Band is by audition and/or invitation only.  Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble is required for everyone except Piano, Guitar and Bass players.  There will be rehearsal and performance commitments outside of the school day.