BAND INFORMATION

Band is open to all students who play a band instrument. Various band groups will be formed within the ensemble period to order to accommodate individual differences in musical development. The course promotes the development of musical skills and understanding through involvement in playing a variety of band literature. All students enrolled in band are required to participate in co-curricular band, which meets after school and includes rehearsals, concerts, parades and field shows. Advance ensembles require an audition in January with the directors, Ms. Rupsis and Mr. Hanerhoff. Advance ensembles include Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz I, Jazz II, Jazz III and Drumline.

CHOIR INFORMATION

Choir is open to all students who desire to sing in a choir.  The course emphasizes voice development, learning to read music, and developing vocal independence through exposure to variety of vocal literature.  Advance classes require an audition with the instructor, Mr. Fisher.  Advance classes include Sunrise Singers, Madrigal, Jazz Vocal.

FAQ’s General Band Questions:

  • Do I have to audition to stay in band? 

No. You only need to audition if you would like to play in a jazz band OR would like to skip Freshman Band (Concert Band 2) /Concert Band 1.

  • How do I stay in band without an audition? 

Just register for Concert Band 2 or Percussion 2 if you will be a 9th grader. 10th, 11th, 12th register for Concert Band 1 or Percussion 2.

  • What if I want to do sports in HS? All of our band classes are part of the scheduled school day. The classes will not conflict with after school sports

  • But what about marching band and sports?  

There are typically no conflicts with sports and Freshman Band.  Sometimes conflicts arise with Marching Raiders. Email directors to discuss. 

  • What if I have a conflict with the January audition date?

Indicate that on your audition form and Ms. Rupsis will get in touch with you regarding make ups.

  • When and where will audition results be posted? 

They will be posted on the BHS Audition Classroom page no later than the Monday following auditions

  • What if I don’t make it into Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony? 

No problem, just register for Concert Band 2 (9th graders) or Concert Band 1 (10th, 11th, 12th graders)

  • If I drop my lunch period to take a band class, when will I eat?  

You can bring a sack lunch to school and eat during one of your band or choir classes.


FAQ Jazz  Band Questions

  • Can I only be in Jazz band? No, it is required that in order to be in a jazz band, you are also in a concert band (wind sym, sym band, concert band 1 or 2, or percussion)  Exceptions are made for (drumset, piano, bass & guitar students)

FAQ Marching Band Questions

  • What about colorguard? Typically, marching band & guard information goes out in the spring.  That information will be on this SAME classroom page so be sure to stay a part of that.  You do not have to be in an auditioned ensemble in order to be in colorguard.

  • How does PE Exemption work? If you chose to march, you don’t need to register for physical education because you will be exempt

  • What about Oboe for Marching band?  They should try to get their hands another woodwind instrument, join color guard, or look at percussion as option.

  • When can I expect to see Marching Band Information for next year? 

Signing up for marching band is separate from signing up for the class during the school day. We usually begin giving out information about marching band in March/April.

  • What if I want to do sports in HS? All of our band classes are part of the scheduled school day. The classes will not conflict with after school sports

  • But what about marching band and sports?  

There are typically no conflicts with sports and Freshman Band.  Sometimes conflicts arise with Marching Raiders. Email directors to discuss. 

FAQ for Incoming Choir Students

Do I have to audition for choir? You do not need to audition for all choirs.  Mixed Choir is a choir anyone can join regardless of experience.  All other choirs require an audition each year.

  • When are auditions? Auditions for the next school year are generally in December for the following school year.

  • Can I do a sport or other activity and choir? Yes!  Most choirs only have 4 after school commitments per semester.  If you have a game on the day of one of our rehearsals you would be excused from rehearsal.  Other conflicts can be worked out on a case by case basis. 

  • What does an audition look like? For Bella Voce and Sunrise, students need to sing “America.”  This does not need to be memorized and music will be provided at the audition.  You may be asked to show whether you can read music as well. For VIBE, students can select any song that shows off their voice.  For Madrigals, students need to learn the song “Wassail”

  • I am not sure if I am ready for choir. Part of choir is learning how to improve your voice.  If you want to sing, there is a choir for you.