MS Concert Band:
Membership is open to all 6th grade students who have successfully completed a band class in the previous year. This course is designed to develop technique, articulation, balance, tone, intonation, and an understanding of the history of the music that we will be playing. Attention is also focused on introductory music fundamentals, technical achievement, and acquisition of performance and rehearsal skills through exposure to a variety of literature. The literature for this group will be selected for musicians of the beginning and intermediate playing level (or higher). The groups will perform in the autumn, winter and spring Concerts.
MS Symphonic Band:
Membership is open to 7th and 8th grade students only and is based on ability, interest, and experience. Students are acquainted with the great heritage of symphonic literature and are given the opportunity to develop high standards of musicianship. Emphasis is placed on artistic performance commensurate with the maturation level and experience of the group. Students will perform in the Autumn Concert, the Concert Band Festival, a Winter Concert, the Spring Concert, and on other occasions deemed appropriate. All band students will be provided with additional optional activities throughout the year.
MS Jazz Band (8th Grade):
Jazz band is open to all students playing jazz instruments in the eighth grade. It is a part of the High School instrumental music program. We rehearse weekly during Zero Period (before school) and perform jazz, rock, and swing styles of music on concerts and other appropriate engagements. Special techniques and rhythms as applied to the field of popular and jazz music and its style will be studied, discussed, and performed. There will also be emphasis on improvisation. This course is for music students that are already enrolled in another instrumental class.
SWWMEA MS/HS Solo/Ensemble Contest:
This competition happens during the winter and is open all students wishing to prepare a piece for performance. The opportunity to be evaluated as a soloist or member of a small ensemble is a wonderful learning experience. Although participation is not a requirement, we strongly encourage every interested musician to participate.
Requirements:
1. You select a chamber music piece (approved by the director).
2. You must provide an original score, for the judge.
3. You must provide an accompanist (piano player) if the piece calls for accompaniment (most of them do).
4. You must sign a contract with the Band Director to perform at Solo & Ensemble Festival. Once contracted for Solo & Ensemble performance, failure to perform at the Festival may result in the lowering of your grade. Choice of ensemble partners and accompanists becomes important because you must rely on members of your ensemble for your grade.
5. Students who perform and Solo & Ensemble Festival will receive extra credit points.
HS Symphonic Band:
Membership in this ensemble is open to all 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders wishing to continue performance and their experience in band. The purpose of this ensemble is to provide an experience for students to experience quality wind band literature and to develop their skills on their instruments. This ensemble will perform at three concerts during the course of the year, in addition to the Massed Band Festival, and Band Contest. This is not an auditioned ensemble, although auditions will take place in the fall for chair placement. Members of the Tenino Symphonic band also hold membership in the Beaver Marching Band.
HS Marching Band:
Membership of the Marching Band is composed of members of the Symphonic Band and members of the Colorguard squad. The Tenino High School Marching Band is the most publicly recognized ensemble at the school. Their performance at football games, basketball games, parades, and assemblies makes it the most viewed activity in the school. The Marching Band provides aural and visual stimulation for those in attendance at these events.
HS Jazz Band:
Jazz band is open to all students playing jazz instruments. We will rehearse weekly and perform jazz, rock, and swing styles of music on concerts and other appropriate engagements. Special techniques and rhythms as applied to the field of popular and jazz music and its style will be studied, discussed, and performed. There will also be emphasis on chord study and improvisation. This course is for music students that are already enrolled in another instrumental class, and is open only by audition. The jazz band will perform at selected jazz festivals around the area, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho, the seasonal band concerts, in addition to many special community gigs, such as Kiwanis, Rotary, or School Board.
