Concert Ensembles
Concert Ensembles
The North Stafford High School Band program is a 26-time Virginia Honor Band and Hall of Fame Band, and has been honored as a Blue Ribbon Award School along with the NSHS Choir and Orchestra programs. In 2024 the Wind Ensemble received straight Superior scores with Grade VI repertoire at VBODA Concert Assessment.
Throughout the school year, our students perform classical and modern literature in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Bands at NSHS consistently score Superior in competition, and many of our student musicians earn a spot in County, District, and All-State Honor Bands.
The NSHS Band program began in 1981, when North Stafford was one of only two high schools in Stafford County. Under the direction of John Easley, the band immediately became well-known for their superior performances on the field and on the stage. The same principles of hard work, dedication, and good citizenship still guide the ensembles of the NSHS Band program today.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Curricular equivalent: Band Level II
BACKGROUND
One or more years of previous band Experience. The Woodwind Class, Brass Class and Percussion Class combine for all performances.
DESCRIPTION
Emphasis is on mastering the skills necessary for the performance of Grade IV-V band literature. Students participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events such as All-District auditions and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Concerts of traditional and contemporary band works at the Grade IV and V level will be prepared and performed. Small ensemble and solo work as well as music theory and history will be components of this course. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day.
This is a performance-based class and involves participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Curricular equivalent: Advanced
BACKGROUND
One or more years of high school band experience. Admission by audition only.
DESCRIPTION
This is an advanced-level course. Emphasis is on traditional and contemporary works for concert band and wind ensemble at the Grade V-Vi level. In addition, students participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events such as All-District Band auditions, Solo & Ensemble Festival, District Concert Festival and All-County Band auditions. Small ensemble and solo work as well as scales, etudes, music theory, ear training, sight-singing/reading and music history will be components of this course. The class is based on the size of a traditional Wind Ensemble and is limited in size to the instrumentation needs of the group. This class is for students who are serious about the study of instrumental music. Private lessons, while not required, are strongly encouraged for members of this ensemble.
Students are expected to practice 30 minutes per day. This is a performance-based class and involves participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.
Grades: 10, 11, 12
BACKGROUND
One or more years of high school band experience. Admission by audition only.
DESCRIPTION
This is an advanced-level course. Emphasis is on performance techniques unique to jazz music and the history of jazz through the study of traditional and contemporary works of jazz music. In addition, students participate in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events such as All-District Band auditions, Solo & Ensemble Festival and the District Jazz Festival. Some emphasis will be given to music theory as it relates to improvisation. Students will be involved in solo work and small ensembles. This class will be based on the traditional size of a jazz band, or “Big Band”, and is limited in size to the instrumentation needs of the group. Private lessons, while not required, are strongly encouraged for members of this ensemble.
This is a performance-based class and will involve participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
BACKGROUND
Previous band experience is required.
DESCRIPTION
This class is designed to meet the unique needs of the first year percussion student at the high school level. The Woodwind Class, Brass Class and Percussion Class combine for all performances. Emphasis is on mastering the techniques required for playing the full spectrum of percussion equipment including drums, mallet instruments, timpani, and the various hand-held “trap”instruments. Special emphasis is placed on the Percussive Arts Society list of 40 rudiments, keyboard proficiency, note and rhythm reading skills, music theory, music history, ear training and sight-reading. Students are required to provide appropriate drum sticks and practice pad for this class. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Select students in Percussion Ensemble will accompany the Symphonic Band in concert performances.
