About Our Program
The instrumental music department is made up of two different components: Band (Brass, Woodwinds and Percussion) and Color Guard. Anytime you see or hear the words "instrumental music," we are referring to one of these two groups. Brief descriptions of each of our ensembles are given below along with the time of year the ensemble occurs. Also included is an indication of the time commitment involved with participation in that particular group. Students may be a part of one or more of these ensembles.
Time Commitment and Instrumental Music Ensembles
As a member of an ensemble, the student makes a commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances so that the group can achieve a high level of excellence. The different levels of time commitment required for each of our ensembles are listed above and described .
Level 1- Minimal outside of school day commitments, usually limited to concerts and some local festivals. Participation in sports and other activities are usually not an issue when participating in a level 1 ensemble.
Level 2- Significant outside of school day commitments including some rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and possible trips during the year. Participation in sports and other activities can be an issue from time to time, but conflicts and forward planning usually resolves these issues.
Level 3- Extensive outside of school day commitments including regular weekly rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and trips occur during the season of the year. Participation in sports or other activities concurrently can be challenging, but not impossible as long as students plan ahead and communicate extensively with both coach/group leader and the band director.
Marching Band
(Class Period, After School- Fall Only) (Level 3)
Marching Band is one of the most exciting performing experiences in our program. The fall is spent preparing the competition show for several competitions throughout October and November. All Marching Band students also participate in performances at football games, both on the field and in the stands. This band is open to all students with prior instrumental music experience or after auditioning for the color guard. Marching Band is mandatory for all first year band members.
Color Guard
(Class Period-After School- Fall) (Level 3)
Color Guard combines dance, drama, performance, and
the manipulation of flags, sabers, and rifles into one
magical display of pageantry. This outstanding performing
group is an intricate part of the Marching Band in the fall.
Students enrolled in Color Guard continue honing their
skills throughout the year as part of Winter Guard.
Winter Guard
(Class Period, After School-Nov to Apr) (Level 3)
Winter Guard is an indoor Color Guard activity performed in gyms and arenas. It Is expected that students of the fall
Color Guard continues with the Winter Guard program. This
group competes locally, and out of state, on the weekends
from February to April. No experience required. Auditions will be available to those who are not committed in guard during the fall season, but wish to join for the winter season.
Symphonic Band
(Class Period, November-June) (Level 1)
A premier concert band experience, the Symphonic Band
performs exciting concert band music throughout the
year. They perform in a Fall, Winter, and Spring Concert at
SPHS, and CMEA Band Festivals.
Winter Percussion
(Class Period-After School-Nov to April) (Level 3)
Winter Percussion is an indoor marching percussion
activity performed in gyms and arenas. All percussionists
Must participate in either Winter Percussion and Marching Band throughout the semester at SPHS to gain a well-
rounded experience in percussion.
Jazz Band
(Class Period- All Year) (Level 2)
Jazz Band plays outstanding big band music and has
several performances throughout the year on campus and
throughout the community. Students who play saxophone,
trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, flute, piano and drum set can be considered for enrollment. Enrollment in this class is by audition or teacher recommendation only. All Jazz Band students must have one year of experience in marching/symphonic band . Freshmen interested in Jazz band must be concurrently enrolled in both groups at the same time. Many of Jazz Bands rehearsals are done in class or before school, so enrollment into the Jazz Band class is highly encouraged but not mandatory.