Band Classes

The following pages are designed to help the Band student and their parents better understand the Band/Music courses offered at Jordan HS. This listing is separated into semester classes and the periods in which they are typically taught. While I know that this can be very confusing, it is my hope that this listing will help alleviate the confusion and assist you in your band class scheduling throughout your HS years. Here we go and good luck!

First Semester

First Period- Concert Band

Concert Band 1 – This class is the first band class that a freshman should be enrolled in. It meets every day for the first semester. The Concert Band performs at the Holiday Concert as a Freshman Concert Band.

Concert Band 2 – This class is designed to give our second year band student a performing opportunity if they choose not to be a member of the Marching Band. Typically this class will be for sophomores but any student who is in their second year of band and does not want to be in the Marching Band, should be enrolled in this class.

Concert Band 3 - This class is designed to give our third year band student a performing opportunity if they choose not to be a member of the Marching Band. Typically this class will be for juniors but any student who is in their third year of band and does not want to be in the Marching Band, should be enrolled in this class.

Concert Band 4 - This class is designed to give our fourth year band student a performing opportunity if they choose not to be a member of the Marching Band. This class will be for seniors who are in their fourth year of band and do not want to be in the Marching Band.

All of the Concert Band students will be in the same class period, regardless of their year in HS and this typically has been first semester, first period. The Concert Band is predominantly made up of freshmen, however, students who are in the 10th-12th grades and do not wish to be members of the Marching Band are welcomed to be a part of the Concert Band in order to continue their musical education.  Music performed by this group is usually Level III-IV.    Students taking this course are provided with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the concert band, which develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.  Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas.  Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to: (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) analyzing music, and (7) studying historically significant styles of music literature.  Experiences include, but are not limited to, improvising, conducting, playing by ear, and sight-reading.  Students are given opportunities to develop the ability to understand and convey the composer's intent in order to connect the performer with the audience.

Students may also have the opportunity to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day.  Time outside of the school day may be scheduled for dress rehearsals and performances.  A limited number of public performances may serve as a culmination of daily rehearsals and musical goals.  Students are required to participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom.

Second Period – A/B Music Theory & Jazz Combo

Music Theory – Music Theory is typically for Juniors and Seniors only, as freshmen and sophomores have other required classes they must take. Music Theory meets A/B all year, in other words, every other day both semesters. Music Theory is an upper level music class where advanced topics in music are explored. These include, ear training, rhythmic, harmonic and melodic dictation, 4-part writing, sight singing, advanced rhythmic training, active listening, score study, and music history to name a few. While this is not an Advanced Placement class, the topics covered in this class are taken directly from the AP exam. They are not explored as in depth as an AP class but an understanding of music and music related topics are necessary to succeed in this class.  

Jazz Combo – This is an upper echelon performing group and is an honors level class for individuals who excel on their instruments and have shown great desire to perform and study advanced level Jazz.  Jazz Combo meets A/B all year, in other words, every other day both semesters. Typically, this is a 2 year class, where the students will receive one Honors Credit for one of their years in the combo. This is a credit bearing class where the students learn advanced concepts in Jazz.  This course is open to a highly selective group of students (typically 6-8 students), usually in grades 11 and 12. They are appointed by the Director only. Sometimes an audition will take place but this is by a need only basis and does not typically occur. Students are invited to be a member of the Jazz Combo by the director, by being an active member of the Band program, and excelling on their instrument of choice in the performance of Jazz. Interest in Jazz as an art form is not enough. Students must be enrolled in a band class in order to be a member of the Jazz Combo.  The only exception to this rule would be for the non band instruments which are: Piano, Guitar and Bass Guitar.  However, these instruments are based on a need basis, one that is determined by the director.  This group will be expected to carry a heavy performance load and a dedication to individual practice.  In addition to the performances, individuals will be studying theory and arranging.  Students taking this course develop musicianship and specific performance skills through group and individual settings for the study and performance of the varied styles of instrumental jazz.  The instruction includes the study of the history, formative, and stylistic elements of jazz.  Students develop their creative skills through:  (1) improvisation, (2) composition, (3) arranging, (4) performing, (5) listening, and (6) analyzing.  Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas.

Students are provided with opportunities to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day.  A limited amount of time outside of the school day may be scheduled for dress rehearsals and performances.  In addition, a limited number of public performances may serve as a culmination of daily rehearsal and music goals.  Students must participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend the learning in the classroom.  Performances will include Band Concerts, the UNC Jazz Festival and Jazz Combo Concerts, typically 3 or 4 per year.  The Combo also performs upon request for community events and school functions. 

Third Period - Marching Band

There are 3 different levels of Marching Band, each determined by the number of years in the Marching Band, regardless of the students’ year in HS.

Marching Band 2 – This class is for students taking Marching Band for the first time, regardless of their year in HS. Typically, this class will be made up of sophomores, but again this is the class that students should be enrolled in for their first year in the Marching Band regardless of their year in HS.

Marching Band 3 – This class is for the students taking Marching Band for the second time, regardless of their year in HS. Typically, this class will be made up of juniors, but again this is the class students should be enrolled in for their second year in the Marching Band regardless of their year in HS.

Honors Band 4 – This class is for the students taking Marching Band for the third time. Students enrolled in this class will be seniors only and will be given honors credit. Students taking Honors Band 4 must have successfully completed 2 years in the Jordan HS Marching Band and have received credit with a passing grade in those classes. 

 The Marching Band is a graded class, made up of students in grades 10-12.  The sections of the Marching Band include, wind players, percussionists, color guard members, and drum majors.  The Marching Band provides students with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the concert band as well as the Marching Band activity, which develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.  Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas.   Marching Band activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:  (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) analyzing music, and (7) studying historically significant styles of literature.  

Experiences include, but are not limited to, improvising, conducting, playing by ear, sight-reading, being a member of a team and a member of a Marching Band Family.  Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer's intent through music and motion, in order to connect the performer with the audience.  Students also have the opportunity to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day.  Time outside of the school day may be scheduled for rehearsals and competitions.  A number of public performances and/or competitions will serve as a culmination of daily rehearsal and musical goals.  Students are required to participate in all rehearsals, competition/performance opportunities, inside and outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom.  

Music that is performed is usually that of Level VI and professional quality and the band repertoire must be of the highest caliber.  Mastery of advanced wind band technique must be evident.  Areas of refinement consist of advanced techniques including, but not limited to:  (1) intonation, (2) balance and blend, (3) breathing, (4) tone production, (5) tone quality, (6) technique, (7) rhythm, (8) sight-reading, and (9) critical listening skills.  Evaluation of music and music performances is included.  

The Marching Band represents the high school at local, state, regional, and national competitions during the fall season.  The band also performs at home football games and in area parades. Every spring, the Marching Band takes a major trip. Prior trips have included a Bahamas cruise, New York, Disney, etc… Although we try to plan a trip every year, there is not a guarantee that there will be one. All instrumental and percussion students are encouraged to join the Marching Band.  Students are required to enroll in one of the concert bands during the second semester.  Students should be aware that the Marching Band rehearses approximately two weeks during the summer for our Band Camp.  Students and their parents are required to sign a Band program Commitment Contract, as well as a host of required forms to ensure safety and security during Marching Band season. Students are required to attend all summer and fall rehearsals, all sectionals, all performances and football games unless excused by the Band Director.  Excusable absences from rehearsals would be school related activities, such as school sporting events, or personal family emergencies. Work, private lessons or town/club sport leagues are not excusable. If students miss rehearsals, practices or sectionals their grade will suffer, they run the risk of being withheld from football games/competitions and or being dropped from the program. Students must be in good physical condition to participate in this group. 

Please note:  Parents should be aware of the financial responsibilities and support involved with the Marching Band.  The required fees for the Marching Band are currently set at $400 and cover the following expenses:  Uniform rental and cleaning, contest entry fees, busing, festival fees, music, drill, clinicians and staffing, as well as other incidental expenses.  Parents of Marching Band members are also expected to participate in fundraisers and other band program support activities, and can expect to be assigned dates to provide snacks/drinks for band members and/or other support roles. 

At the conclusion of Marching Band season, the Marching Band students form an ensemble called “Wind Symphony”. The Wind Symphony performs at the Holiday Concert in December of each year.  

This concludes the Band courses that are offered during the first semester at Jordan HS. Please continue to read for the Band courses that are offered during second semester.

Second Semester

First Period – Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band 1 - This is the second band class that freshman should be enrolling in. It meets every day for the second semester. The Symphonic Band performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May.  

Symphonic Band 2 – This class is for students who are taking Symphonic Band for the second time. It meets every day for the second semester. Students enrolling in this class will typically be sophomores. All sophomores who were in the Marching Band during first semester and did not successfully audition for Wind Ensemble should be taking this class (please see Wind Ensemble for a more in depth explanation). The Symphonic Band performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May.

Symphonic Band 3 – This class is for students who are taking Symphonic Band for the third time. It meets every day for the second semester. Students enrolling in this class will typically be juniors. All juniors who were in the Marching Band during first semester and did not successfully audition for Wind Ensemble should be taking this class (please see Wind Ensemble for a more in depth explanation). The Symphonic Band performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May.  

Symphonic Band 4 – This class is for students who are taking Symphonic Band for the fourth time. It meets every day for the second semester. Students enrolling in this class will be seniors. All seniors who were in the Marching Band during first semester and did not successfully audition for Wind Ensemble should be taking this class (please see Wind Ensemble for a more in depth explanation). The Symphonic Band performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May.  

Symphonic Band meets during second semester for students in grades 9 through 12 wanting to continue their musical education and hone the skills that will enable them to successfully audition for the Wind Ensemble.  Students in this course are provided with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the concert band, which develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.  Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas.  Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship such as: (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) analyzing music, & (7) studying historically significant music literature styles.  

Student experiences include, but are not limited to, improvising, conducting, playing by ear, and sight-reading.  Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer's intent in order to connect the performer with the audience.  Students also have opportunities to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day.  Time outside of the school day may be scheduled for dress rehearsals and performances.  A limited number of public performances may serve as a culmination of daily rehearsals and musical goals.  Students are required to participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom.  

Music performed by this group is usually Level IV-V.  In addition, students perform, with expression and technical accuracy, a large and varied repertoire of concert band literature that is developmentally appropriate.  Evaluation of music and music performances is included.

Second Period – A/B Music Theory & Jazz Combo

Please see the information listed above under first semester as these classes are A/B and remain the same for both semesters. 

Third Period – Wind Ensemble 

Wind Ensemble 2 – This class is for students enrolled in Wind Ensemble for the first time. It typically will be for sophomores, but any student who successfully auditioned for Wind Ensemble for the first time should be taking this course. Please see below for an in depth explanation on the Wind Ensemble audition process. The Wind Ensemble performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May.

Honors Band 3 – This class is for the students taking Wind Ensemble for the second time. Students enrolled in this class will be both juniors and seniors and the students will earn one honors credit. Students taking Honors Band 3 must have successfully completed one (1) year in the Jordan HS Wind Ensemble and received credit with a passing grade in that class.  The Wind Ensemble performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May.  

Wind Ensemble 4 - This class is for students enrolled in Wind Ensemble for the third time. Students enrolled in this class will be seniors only, as this will be the third time the students will be in the Wind Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble performs at three events/concerts during the second semester, The Band Festival Concert in March, NCBA Festival also in March and the Spring “Pops” Concert in late May. 

The Wind Ensemble is the upper echelon concert band at Jordan High School and is considered to be an honors level class.  It is an auditioned class with limited instrumentation and only members of the Marching Band (Grades 10-12) may audition.  The audition process is as follows: All students in the Marching Band will audition for Wind Ensemble at the conclusion of the Marching Band season. The audition material (music) is posted in the band room at the beginning of the school year and distributed to the students at that time. The audition is a “blind” audition to ensure that each student is judged fairly. The students perform for a panel of judges who cannot see who is playing. The students are judged on their playing of scales from memory, a prepared piece or excerpt of a piece and sight reading. The results are tabulated and posted accordingly. Again the students are reminded of the limited instrumentation of the Wind Ensemble. They should come into the audition prepared. The Wind Ensemble provides students with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the concert band, which develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.  Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas.  Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to: (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) analyzing music, and (7) studying historically significant styles of music literature.  

Student experiences include, but are not limited to, improvising, conducting, playing by ear, and sight-reading.  Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer's intent in order to connect the performer with the audience.  Students also have the opportunity to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day.  Time outside of the school day may be scheduled for dress rehearsals and performances.  A limited number of public performances may serve as a culmination of daily rehearsals and musical goals.  Students are required to participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom.  

Music performed by this group is usually Level VI and professional quality, and the band repertoire must be of the highest caliber.  Mastery of advanced wind band technique must be evident.  Areas of refinement consist of advanced techniques including, but not limited to: (1) intonation, (2) balance and blend, (3) breathing, (4) tone production, (5) tone quality, (6) technique, (7) rhythm, (8) sight-reading, and (9) critical listening skills.  Evaluation of music and music performances is included.  

These are the band classes that are offered at Jordan HS. Students who wish to be a part of the program are encouraged to do so. If a student wishes to be a member of the Marching Band, they must be enrolled in a band class for both semesters of the year before. 

There are other performance opportunities through the Jordan HS Band program. These include but are not limited to:

• Jazz Ensemble

• Winter Color Guard

• Winter Percussion

• Pit Orchestra

• Brass Ensemble

• Woodwind Ensemble

• Percussion Ensemble

These ensembles are not credit bearing and are met on an interest basis. Please do look on our website for a more in-depth description of these ensembles as the information listed here is for the credit bearing band related classes offered at Jordan HS, only.  

I encourage all of our students to embrace the entire band program here at Jordan HS. We have many opportunities for our students to perform at so many levels and in so many different ways. It is a rewarding experience being a part of the Jordan band family, and one that I hope you will all take advantage of.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon.