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 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.
Instrumental Ensemble
This is a self-paced class students may sign up for if they have extra room in their schedule. Students will be expected to show a desire to improve on their instrument, as well as self-motivation, dedication, and responsibility. Students will be expected to focus on the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Etudes during the first semester, and a solo work of their choosing in the spring semester. It will be up to the students to prepare and rehearse the music that they have been given for any group. Students get the chance to work one-on-one with a Band Director every week - a huge advantage for students looking to really accel at their craft!
Student Expectations
The following will be expected of students for this course:
Student Expectations
The following will be expected of students for this course:
- ALWAYS on task. This is not a “free period”, a study hall, or homework time. Students are expected to be practicing on their instrument every day.
- Students will be asked to periodically perform in front of small groups, band directors, and the entire class.
- Students will be expected to reflect on their practice time and performances throughout the semester.
Music Theory AP
We offer a Music Theory AP Course here at Harlan High School! If you are interested in being a music major, music minor, or want to simply play your instrument in college, this would be a great stepping stone class for you! The Music Theory AP course will teach you about the fundamentals of how and why music works; composers don't just choose random pitches and get lucky when it sounds good - there is a reason why music sounds good!
Because Music Theory AP is an upper level course - there are a couple of "pre-requisites" for entry:
1. Students music know all of their major scales
2. Students must know how to read music
3. Students must have been in a varsity-leveled ensemble
If you meet these requirements, you can talk to Mr. Partida and he can get you approved to take this course and learn the magic of how music works! If you want to know more about this course, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Partida (steven.partida@nisd.net)
Because Music Theory AP is an upper level course - there are a couple of "pre-requisites" for entry:
1. Students music know all of their major scales
2. Students must know how to read music
3. Students must have been in a varsity-leveled ensemble
If you meet these requirements, you can talk to Mr. Partida and he can get you approved to take this course and learn the magic of how music works! If you want to know more about this course, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Partida (steven.partida@nisd.net)
Colorguard
Colorguard is a class that is taken as an elective, as well as participates in all after school activities. Learn more about the guard program on their own page HERE!