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About Husky BandsEau Claire, WI
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Course Offerings
Concert Bands
Concert bands are the backbone of all band programs. These classical groups focus on classical band repertoire and are the primary vehicle for musical development in band. All concert bands perform at the Holiday Concert, Mid-Winter Concert, and Spring Pops Concert. All students in NHS Bands must be enrolled in one of the following ensembles and are also an integral part of our large marching band.
Concert Band (Entry Level)
“Concert Band” is our entry level concert band consisting of 9-12th grade students. This course begins the high school level of musicianship and lays the foundation necessary for success in the upper division bands. Emphasis is placed on student engagement and on solid fundamentals for instrumental techniques as practiced through music performed and curricular study of the text “Count Me In” by Darcy Vogt Williams. Music performed is typically of a 2.5 to 3.5 difficulty or Easy to Medium-Easy.
Symphonic Band (Intermediate Level)
“Symphonic Band” is the first of our two upper division bands and is a noticeable step upwards in musical difficulty and in expectations. Enrollment in Symphonic Band is earned through audition or by being appointed to the band by the director. If a student does not submit an audition video, then entry will be based on the student's performance in daily class only. . Some additional commitments are required of students enrolled in Symphonic Band including but not limited to involvement in solo and ensemble festivals and clinic experiences. All students enrolled in Symphonic Band are to participate in the annual Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble for WSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. Symphonic Band students are encouraged to also participate in a solo, duet, or other additional event to show their commitment to progress.
Emphasis is placed on growing the musicianship and individual responsibility of its members as practiced through music performed and curricular study of the text “Count Me In” by Darcy Vogt Williams. Music performed is typically of a 3 to 4.5 difficulty or Medium Easy to Medium.
Those who audition for Wind Ensemble will have shown they are dedicated to the band and may still be placed in Symphonic Band. Many students will spend one or more years in each ensemble as they progress through the band program. Students who do not submit an audition may also be placed in this ensemble at the discretion of the director.
Wind Ensemble (Advanced Level)
“Wind Ensemble” is the second and most advanced of the two upper division bands and is another noticeable step forward in musical difficulty and expectations. Enrollment in Wind Ensemble is earned through audition only. Some additional commitments are required of students enrolled in Wind Ensemble including but not limited to involvement in solo and ensemble festivals and clinic experiences. All students enrolled in Wind Ensemble are to participate in the annual Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble for WSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students who participate in a solo, duet, or additional event need not re-audition for Wind Ensemble. Those in Wind Ensemble or who plan to be are strongly encouraged to audition for the WSMA State Honors Concert Band. (See Other Programming)
Emphasis is placed on growing the musicianship and individual responsibility of its members so the ensemble can successfully perform classic band repertoire and repertoire that helps move the tradition of concert band forward. This is done through practice of music performed and curricular study of the text “Count Me In” by Darcy Vogt Williams. Music performed is typically of a 3.5 to 5 difficulty or Medium to Advanced/Collegiate Repertoire.
Marching Band
All students enrolled in a band at NHS are required to march in the Pride of North High School “Husky Marching Band.” Our impressive marching ensemble performs a halftime field show at the home football games and marches in various parades in our school and community. Emphasis is placed on entertainment and fun, with shows typically sporting a popular and relatable theme for our audiences.
Jazz Ensembles
Jazz ensembles are curricular offerings for students enrolled in NHS Bands that are looking for additional challenge and performance opportunities. It is an extreme privilege to take jazz FOR CREDIT and during the school day. Therefore, it is our duty to continue the tradition of a robust jazz program at north high school. This means that if you consider yourself one of the best and most dedicated musicians in school, we need you enrolled in jazz. If you want to get better at music, we need you. It is for these reasons that the following steps are taken in constructing the jazz program:
All jazz students must be concurrently enrolled in a concert band or concert orchestra. All instruments are welcome, however traditional jazz instrumentation is encouraged. The Jazz ensembles perform at the Fall Jazz Concert, Winter Jazz Concert, The Big Band Bash, and at various jazz festivals throughout the region. Routine in-town gig nights are considered required performances as well as they are the way that we practice the skills needed for successful performance in jazz.
Jazz 2 (Entry Level)
“Jazz 2” is the entry level jazz ensemble open to 9-12 students by signup. Emphasis is placed on the widely accepted basics of swing 8th notes and jazz articulations. Emphasis is also placed on the basics of improvisation through the study of the text “Timing is Everything” by Dr. Ryan Heinlein. Students frequently compose solos and improvise over what they have learned. Music performed is typically of a 2 to 3.5 difficulty or Easy to Medium.
Instrumentation:
Jazz 2 is open to all 9-12 saxophonists (9 maximum), Trombonists (6 maximum), Trumpeters (6 maximum), Pianists (2 maximum), Guitarists (2 maximum), Bassists (2 maximum), and Drummers (2 maximum). In the event that more students are interested, auditions may be held at the discretion of the director. Previous enrollment in either jazz ensemble does not guarantee continued enrollment--see Audition Information for further details.
Jazz Orchestra (Advanced Level)
“Jazz Orchestra” or “ECNJO” is the advanced level jazz ensemble open to 9-12 students by audition. Emphasis is continued on the widely accepted basics of swing 8th notes and jazz articulations through the study of the text “Effective Etudes for Jazz” by Mike Carubia and Jeff Jarvis. Emphasis is also placed on the basics of improvisation through the study of the text “Timing is Everything” by Dr. Ryan Heinlein. Students frequently compose solos and improvise over what they have learned. Music performed is typically of a 3 to 4.5 difficulty or Medium-Easy to Medium-Advanced. Those in Jazz Orchestra or who plan to be are strongly encouraged to audition for the WSMA State Honors Jazz Band. (See Other Programming)
Instrumentation:
Jazz Orchestra is open to all 9-12 students by audition. For winds, a traditional big band instrumentation is sought after as outlined below. Exceptions to this philosophy are at the discretion of the director. Previous enrollment in either jazz ensemble does not guarantee continued enrollment--see Audition Information for further details.
Alto Saxophone - 2
Tenor Saxophone - 2
Baritone Saxophone - 1
Trombone - 4
Trumpet - 4
Non Traditional Jazz Instruments: Flutes, Clarinets, French Horn, etc are accepted at the discretion of the director.
Rhythm Section Instrumentation:
Pianists (2 maximum), Guitarists (2 maximum), Bassists (2 maximum), and drummers (2 maximum).
Other Programming
Many opportunities are available for students to further extend their devotion and experiences in band. Here are a few to get you started:
https://www.musfestivals.com/Programs/Great-American-Marching-Band/
Concert Bands
Concert bands are the backbone of all band programs. These classical groups focus on classical band repertoire and are the primary vehicle for musical development in band. All concert bands perform at the Holiday Concert, Mid-Winter Concert, and Spring Pops Concert. All students in NHS Bands must be enrolled in one of the following ensembles and are also an integral part of our large marching band.
Concert Band (Entry Level)
“Concert Band” is our entry level concert band consisting of 9-12th grade students. This course begins the high school level of musicianship and lays the foundation necessary for success in the upper division bands. Emphasis is placed on student engagement and on solid fundamentals for instrumental techniques as practiced through music performed and curricular study of the text “Count Me In” by Darcy Vogt Williams. Music performed is typically of a 2.5 to 3.5 difficulty or Easy to Medium-Easy.
Symphonic Band (Intermediate Level)
“Symphonic Band” is the first of our two upper division bands and is a noticeable step upwards in musical difficulty and in expectations. Enrollment in Symphonic Band is earned through audition or by being appointed to the band by the director. If a student does not submit an audition video, then entry will be based on the student's performance in daily class only. . Some additional commitments are required of students enrolled in Symphonic Band including but not limited to involvement in solo and ensemble festivals and clinic experiences. All students enrolled in Symphonic Band are to participate in the annual Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble for WSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. Symphonic Band students are encouraged to also participate in a solo, duet, or other additional event to show their commitment to progress.
Emphasis is placed on growing the musicianship and individual responsibility of its members as practiced through music performed and curricular study of the text “Count Me In” by Darcy Vogt Williams. Music performed is typically of a 3 to 4.5 difficulty or Medium Easy to Medium.
Those who audition for Wind Ensemble will have shown they are dedicated to the band and may still be placed in Symphonic Band. Many students will spend one or more years in each ensemble as they progress through the band program. Students who do not submit an audition may also be placed in this ensemble at the discretion of the director.
Wind Ensemble (Advanced Level)
“Wind Ensemble” is the second and most advanced of the two upper division bands and is another noticeable step forward in musical difficulty and expectations. Enrollment in Wind Ensemble is earned through audition only. Some additional commitments are required of students enrolled in Wind Ensemble including but not limited to involvement in solo and ensemble festivals and clinic experiences. All students enrolled in Wind Ensemble are to participate in the annual Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble for WSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students who participate in a solo, duet, or additional event need not re-audition for Wind Ensemble. Those in Wind Ensemble or who plan to be are strongly encouraged to audition for the WSMA State Honors Concert Band. (See Other Programming)
Emphasis is placed on growing the musicianship and individual responsibility of its members so the ensemble can successfully perform classic band repertoire and repertoire that helps move the tradition of concert band forward. This is done through practice of music performed and curricular study of the text “Count Me In” by Darcy Vogt Williams. Music performed is typically of a 3.5 to 5 difficulty or Medium to Advanced/Collegiate Repertoire.
Marching Band
All students enrolled in a band at NHS are required to march in the Pride of North High School “Husky Marching Band.” Our impressive marching ensemble performs a halftime field show at the home football games and marches in various parades in our school and community. Emphasis is placed on entertainment and fun, with shows typically sporting a popular and relatable theme for our audiences.
Jazz Ensembles
Jazz ensembles are curricular offerings for students enrolled in NHS Bands that are looking for additional challenge and performance opportunities. It is an extreme privilege to take jazz FOR CREDIT and during the school day. Therefore, it is our duty to continue the tradition of a robust jazz program at north high school. This means that if you consider yourself one of the best and most dedicated musicians in school, we need you enrolled in jazz. If you want to get better at music, we need you. It is for these reasons that the following steps are taken in constructing the jazz program:
All jazz students must be concurrently enrolled in a concert band or concert orchestra. All instruments are welcome, however traditional jazz instrumentation is encouraged. The Jazz ensembles perform at the Fall Jazz Concert, Winter Jazz Concert, The Big Band Bash, and at various jazz festivals throughout the region. Routine in-town gig nights are considered required performances as well as they are the way that we practice the skills needed for successful performance in jazz.
Jazz 2 (Entry Level)
“Jazz 2” is the entry level jazz ensemble open to 9-12 students by signup. Emphasis is placed on the widely accepted basics of swing 8th notes and jazz articulations. Emphasis is also placed on the basics of improvisation through the study of the text “Timing is Everything” by Dr. Ryan Heinlein. Students frequently compose solos and improvise over what they have learned. Music performed is typically of a 2 to 3.5 difficulty or Easy to Medium.
Instrumentation:
Jazz 2 is open to all 9-12 saxophonists (9 maximum), Trombonists (6 maximum), Trumpeters (6 maximum), Pianists (2 maximum), Guitarists (2 maximum), Bassists (2 maximum), and Drummers (2 maximum). In the event that more students are interested, auditions may be held at the discretion of the director. Previous enrollment in either jazz ensemble does not guarantee continued enrollment--see Audition Information for further details.
Jazz Orchestra (Advanced Level)
“Jazz Orchestra” or “ECNJO” is the advanced level jazz ensemble open to 9-12 students by audition. Emphasis is continued on the widely accepted basics of swing 8th notes and jazz articulations through the study of the text “Effective Etudes for Jazz” by Mike Carubia and Jeff Jarvis. Emphasis is also placed on the basics of improvisation through the study of the text “Timing is Everything” by Dr. Ryan Heinlein. Students frequently compose solos and improvise over what they have learned. Music performed is typically of a 3 to 4.5 difficulty or Medium-Easy to Medium-Advanced. Those in Jazz Orchestra or who plan to be are strongly encouraged to audition for the WSMA State Honors Jazz Band. (See Other Programming)
Instrumentation:
Jazz Orchestra is open to all 9-12 students by audition. For winds, a traditional big band instrumentation is sought after as outlined below. Exceptions to this philosophy are at the discretion of the director. Previous enrollment in either jazz ensemble does not guarantee continued enrollment--see Audition Information for further details.
Alto Saxophone - 2
Tenor Saxophone - 2
Baritone Saxophone - 1
Trombone - 4
Trumpet - 4
Non Traditional Jazz Instruments: Flutes, Clarinets, French Horn, etc are accepted at the discretion of the director.
Rhythm Section Instrumentation:
Pianists (2 maximum), Guitarists (2 maximum), Bassists (2 maximum), and drummers (2 maximum).
Other Programming
Many opportunities are available for students to further extend their devotion and experiences in band. Here are a few to get you started:
- Shell Lake Arts Camps: Devote a week of study to your main instrument, concert band, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, percussion, you name it. This is a live-in camp located in Shell Lake, WI. Information available at:
www.shelllakeartscenter.org - CVYS: The Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony is a regional youth orchestra made up of some of the best music students from the chippewa valley and surrounding schools. Winds and percussion players are needed to fill out the symphonic orchestra. Rehearsals take place at UW-Eau Claire each week on Tuesday night from 6-8pm.
- WSMA State Honors Program: Audition to be a part of the state honors band, orchestra, choir, or jazz ensemble. Ensembles consist of the top high school musicians from across Wisconsin. Auditions are held in February each year and available to all students, grade 9-11. Students accepted participate in a summer rehearsal camp and perform at the WMEA State Conference in the fall. Information on the honors program is available at:
https://wsmamusic.org/hs-honors/
https://www.musfestivals.com/Programs/Great-American-Marching-Band/
