ARROWHEAD UNION HIGH SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
ENSEMBLES
CURRICULAR ENSEMBLES
The Arrowhead High School Instrumental Music Curricular Program is comprised of five band classes. Placement into these ensembles is based upon individual performance level, audition results, instrumentation needs, and the directors' recommendation. An education and understanding of music will provide students with a lifelong appreciation of one of the world’s greatest art forms. Both part placement and ensemble auditions are essential in providing the best possible music-making environment for all students. It does not matter what chair a student sits in. It matters what that student does in the chair!
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Course Objectives:
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Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of performance practices by showing continuing improvement in tone production, intonation, balance, articulation and bowing, technique, interpretation, fundamentals, and ensemble awareness
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Perform quality and challenging repertoire from a variety of style periods and composers
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Become proficient in sight-reading difficult materials through continued practice
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Exhibit a thorough knowledge of musical construction, including musical terms, key signatures, interval construction, types of scales, musical style periods and composers, and compositional techniques
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Prepare and perform music at a high level
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Full band rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, concerts, and festivals are considered an extension of the classroom and a part of the curriculum. These events are graded.
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Members of curricular ensembles (with the exception of chamber strings) will be assigned to perform at one football game for their first semester performance grade, and three scheduled Pep Band games for their second semester performance grade.
Every student in a curricular ensemble will be assigned to a pep band. Students are required to perform at three scheduled pep band performances which will be administered through the “performance” section of their second semester ensemble grade. If any team advances to the Playoffs/State Championship, we will assign students on a voluntary basis or allow for makeup opportunities. Students will be responsible for season band assignments and clearing their calendar for assigned performances.
EXTRACURRICULAR ENSEMBLES
Marching Warhawks
The Arrowhead High School Marching Warhawks are made up of wind and percussion members and is a voluntary, non-competitive ensemble, drawing from students involved in the instrumental music program. The AHS Marching Warhawks have regularly performed at home football games, community seasonal parades, UW-Madison "Band Day," the award-winning Milwaukee Holiday parade, and several halftime performances in the State Football Championships at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. Members of this ensemble must be enrolled in a curricular band in order to participate.
3 O’Clock Jazz Band
The 3 O'clock Jazz Band meets once a week on Thursdays at 3:00pm (starting in October) and is an extracurricular, voluntary ensemble. All instruments are welcome and there is no audition necessary. In this ensemble, students focus on building musical skills within the jazz genre and develop improvisation techniques, rhythm, listening skills, and historical knowledge. Members of this ensemble must be enrolled in a curricular band in order to participate or based on instrumentation needs or director recommendation.
Percussion Ensemble
The Arrowhead Percussion Ensemble consists of members of the Arrowhead Instrumental music percussion sections. This ensemble is voluntary and rehearses once a week after school beginning in November. The Arrowhead Percussion Ensemble offers percussionists a chance to develop their technique and musicianship through the performance of percussion repertoire. Members of this ensemble must be enrolled in a curricular band in order to participate or based on instrumentation need or director recommendation.