BAND PROGRAMS

 

2008 VIRGINIA HONOR BAND!

2008 VMEA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL!

The Monacan High School Band is proud to be recognized as a 2008 Virginia Honor Band for achieving superior ratings at the state marching festival and district concert festival. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a high school band program by the VBODA.

In addition, Monacan has been recognized as a 2008 VMEA Blue Ribbon School for superior performances by the Monacan Symphonic Band, Chorus, and Orchestra at the district festival.

The Monacan Marching Chiefs are open to students who are enrolled in a band class and who have had previous musical experience by recommendation of the band director. Performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music skills as well as marching fundamentals. The Marching Band performs at all home football games, some away football games, band competitions during the fall, and some local parades. The Marching Band meets after school during the fall. Band camp is held during the last three weeks of August, and attendance at camp is mandatory. Students will be notified of band camp dates early in the fall semester so that vacations can be planned around camp.

Listen to the Marching Chiefs Show Music for 2009-2010-

Get Ready
Papa was a Rolling Stone
I'll Be There
Ain't No Mountain High Enough

The Color Guard functions as one of the most important visual elements of the marching band show. Guard members undergo rigorous training in dance and equipment work. All equipment will be provided by the school. Guard members may be responsible for paying part or all of the cost of their own uniforms which change yearly based on the type of show performed. The members of the Color Guard are selected by audition in the spring for participation in the group the following year.

The Concert Band is open to students who have had instrumental music experience and have been recommended by the middle or high school band directors. Concert performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as continuing to improve playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills. This class meets during the school day and occasionally rehearses after school in preparation for performances, which include concerts, District Concert Band Festival, and other events that may be scheduled as opportunities arrive.

Listen to the Concert Band perform at the 2009 Festival-

Lexington March (King/arr. Swearingen)
Legends in the Mist (Sweeney)
Aventura (Swearingen)

The Symphonic Band is open to advanced students by audition or by recommendation of the band director. Because this is an advanced ensemble, the requirements for participation are of the highest caliber. Students should be able to display a high level of playing ability and should exemplify the standards of the Monacan Band program. Students are expected to show a higher understanding of music theory, music history, and concepts of basic musicianship. Instruction will be designed to further enhance the individual and ensemble performance skills through the performance and study of some of the more advanced band literature. This class meets during the school day and occasionally rehearses after school in preparation for performances, which include concerts, District Concert Band Festival, and other events that may be scheduled as opportunities arise. Instrumentation is limited based on the needs of the ensemble as determined by the director.

Listen to the Symphonic Band perform at the 2009 Festival-

The Billboard March (Klohr/arr. Baleant)
Galop (Shostakovich/arr. Hunsberger)
New World Variations (Shaffer)

The Percussion Ensemble is open to students who have prior percussion experience in middle or high school band, including some skill on keyboard instruments, by recommendation of the band director. Concert performance skills are developed on a wide variety of percussion instruments through groups and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as basic playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills. This group performs for all Monacan concerts.

The Jazz Band is open to students with advanced musical skills either through audition or by the recommendation of the director. Students in the jazz band are expected to participate in one of the other band classes as well. This select group performs for special occasions as well as for Monacan band concerts. Instrumentation is limited based on the needs of the ensemble as determined by the director. This year the jazz band will also play with the competition show choirs.