Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble rehearses during 1st period. This ensemble is the first of three ability based concert groups in the Harlan School Band and performs high level, contemporary high school concert band literature. The Wind Ensemble is designed to focus on developing and reinforcing fundamental wind and percussion skills at the highest musical level on campus. Membership in this organization carries the following responsibilities:
- Performance of marching contest music by memory
- Participation in marching band
- Preparation of All-State music during the fall, with recorded and/or live tests assigned periodically throughout the first three months of school
- Audition for All-Region Band
- Performance of a solo and/or small ensemble in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
- Performance of concert music as assigned by the director
- Attendance at section rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals before or after school
- Full participation in all performance activities, including approved travel.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band rehearses during 2nd period. This ensemble is the second of three ability based concert groups in the Harlan School Band and performs mid-level high school concert band literature. The Symphonic Band is designed to focus on developing and reinforcing fundamental wind and percussion skills, while also pushing members to excel to the next level of musicianship.
Membership in this organization carries the following responsibilities:
Membership in this organization carries the following responsibilities:
- Performance of marching contest music by memory
- Participation in marching band
- Preparation of All-State music during the fall, with recorded and/or live tests assigned periodically throughout the first three months of school
- Audition for All-Region Band
- Performance of a solo and/or small ensemble in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
- Performance of concert music as assigned by the director
- Attendance at section rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals before or after school
- Full participation in all performance activities, including approved travel.
Concert Band
The Concert Band rehearses during 3rd period. This ensemble is the third of three ability based concert groups in the Harlan School Band and performs mid-level high school concert band literature. The Concert Band is designed to focus on developing and reinforcing fundamental wind and percussion skills. Membership in this organization carries the following responsibilities:
- It is expected that every member practices a minimum of four or five times a week
- Performance of a solo and/or small ensemble in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
- Attendance at section rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals before or after school
- Every member must arrive prepared to each rehearsal. This includes musical preparation in addition to physical preparation (punctuality, functioning equipment, music/ pencil etc).
Jazz Band
Jazz Band will have the opportunity to rehearse during the already scheduled summer band camp to help introduce students to jazz. This is an opportunity to learn a new instrument, learn music theory, improvisation, and focus on the development of your individual skills for your solo and all region preparations.
In the future, we would like to see Jazz Band participation and interest increase so that we can pursue gigging opportunities throughout the community. Attendance to all rehearsals and membership in the Harlan Marching Band is required to be in Jazz Band, unless a student plays an instrument that is not in the marching band. There is no "audition" to be in the Jazz Band (yet), just sign up for the course and you are in! The Jazz Band performance schedule is the most fluid due to high demand of this ensemble. It is because of this that we are understanding and work with your schedules.
In the future, we would like to see Jazz Band participation and interest increase so that we can pursue gigging opportunities throughout the community. Attendance to all rehearsals and membership in the Harlan Marching Band is required to be in Jazz Band, unless a student plays an instrument that is not in the marching band. There is no "audition" to be in the Jazz Band (yet), just sign up for the course and you are in! The Jazz Band performance schedule is the most fluid due to high demand of this ensemble. It is because of this that we are understanding and work with your schedules.