The Symphonic Band is the premier instrumental ensemble for the spring semester. The curriculum includes standard high school band literature. The course is designed to educate the student, with a scope of where middle school left off to preparing for college. The ensemble performs several times per year including, but not limited to, concerts, festivals and adjudications. Open to any student who plays a band instrument.   In addition to the traditional band content, this class also runs on a four year cycle, with each year diving deeper on a specific aspect of instrumental Music. 

  • Year 1 – Harmony
  • Year 2 – Rhythm
  • Year 3 – Melody
  • Year 4 – Acoustics

Band students are required to perform in evening concerts. Typically a Winter Concert in January and a Spring Concert in May. These are mandatory and make up a significant percentage of the grade for the class. This is a performance based class, so the performances are really important. Dates for these concerts usually be posted at the beginning of each school year so there will be lots of lead time, and can always be found on the CALENDAR page.

Band students will also have the opportunity to travel with the band on trips, perform at adjudication festivals, and audition for CMEA Regional/All-State ensembles.

For Advanced students, there is an Honors “Step-Up” level of this class. It meets concurrently so everyone is still part of the same symphonic band, but Honors students delve deeper into the topics and have some additional opportunities and responsibilities. The Honors level requires the student complete at least one full year of the non-honors class as a pre-requisite.

Resources:

EHPS Performance Calendar

Fingering Charts

All 12 Major Scales

Instrument Buying Guide

Music Theory