The MHS Bands are directed by Mr. Tom Gard. All ensembles are playing traditional wind band literature while learning proper musicianship skills. Including but not limited to:
all major and minor scales, tone production, and various aspect of expression.
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Concert Winds
9th Grade or Consent of Instructor
1 Elective Credit
Year Long Course
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Prerequisites: 2 years of Middle school playing or at least 2 years of private lessons.
Concert Winds is an introduction to the high school band experience. Students will study and perform quality literature, as well as study
music theory and music history. Band members are encouraged to become involved in other musical ensembles and participate in the
WSMA Solo
and Ensemble festival. In addition to concerts, students are required to participate in four basketball games during the winter season
and the Memorial Day Parade in May. Grades are based on: three lessons per quarter, performance tests, concerts, written evaluations,
and minimal paperwork submission. Students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons from a qualified teacher.
Special note: Percussion students are assessed a $60.00 instrument usage fee and are expected to have snare sticks, mallets, and timpani/suspended
cymbal mallets.
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Symphonic Band
Grades 10-12
1 Elective Credit
Year Long Course
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Prerequisites: Successful completion of Concert Winds and consent of the instructor.
Symphonic Band consists of upperclassmen performing in a large band setting. Students will perform standards of wind band literature
and will focus on intermediate to advanced techniques on their primary instrument. Students are expected to participate in District Solo
and Ensemble Festival in Spring, will perform four to five concerts per year. In addition to concerts, students are required to participate
in four basketball games during the winter season and the Memorial Day parade in May.
Students will audition for chair placements in the spring prior to the school year. Grades are based on: three lessons per quarter,
performance tests, concerts, written evaluations, and minimal paperwork.
SPECIAL NOTE: Percussion students are assessed a $60.00 instrument usage fee and are expected to have snare sticks, mallets and tympani/suspended
cymbal.
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Wind Ensemble
Grades 10-12 by Audition ONLY
1 Elective Credit
Year Long Course
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Prerequisites: Membership into this ensemble requires both passing a performance audition and having the consent of the instructor.
The Wind Ensemble is an upperclassmen, advanced performance ensemble which performs the highest level of high school and college
literature. Instrumentation for the ensemble is at the sole discretion of the instructor and can change at any time. Students who
successfully audition for the Wind Ensemble for one year are NOT automatically entered into the ensemble for the next year, and are
required to re-audition. Students are expected to participate in District Solo and Ensemble Festival in Spring, will perform four to five
concerts per year.
In addition to concerts, students are required to participate in four basketball games during the winter season and the Memorial Day
parade in May. Grades are based on: three lessons per quarter, performance tests, concerts, written evaluations, and minimal paperwork
submission.
SPECIAL NOTE: Percussion students are assessed a $60.00 Instrument Usage Fee and are expected to have snare sticks, mallets and tympani/suspended
cymbal.
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Jazz I
Grades 10-12 & consent of Instructor
1 Elective Credit
Year Long Course
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Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor. It is strongly suggested that Jazz Ensemble members take private lessons on their instruments.
Membership is limited to the instrumentation characteristic of a traditional big band ensemble. Course will include a study of the
various forms of music in the jazz and big band idiom as well as individual improvisation. Students will perform at three to four
concerts/performances per year.
NOTE: Students must be enrolled for the course for the ENTIRE YEAR - enrollment for a semester only is not allowed.
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Jazz II
Grades 9-12
NO CREDIT
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Membership is open to any student enrolled in a performing music course. Rehearsals typically are in the morning as to avoid sports
and other activity conflicts.
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Marching Band
Grades 9-12
1/2 Elective Credit
Summer & Semester 1
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Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least one year of instrumental study at the middle school level and consent of the instructor. Any student will
be considered for color guard participation only if they have prior musical or dance experience. Every effort will be made to accommodate conflicts with
sports and other activities, but students need to know that this is a class. As a result, sports practices cannot be excused. Sport competitions can be
excused with
administrative approval.
Marching Band registration is part of summer school registration. Members of the Marching Band will receive training and application
experiences in concert band performance techniques, pep band performance techniques, parade marching techniques, and field show
marching techniques.
Marching Band members are required to attend sectionals, memorize drill, and music, and participate in all rehearsals, parades, field
shows, and home football games. Students are also required to purchase a lyre, shoes, and gloves. In addition, they are required to keep
their instruments in top working condition and are responsible for music, drill charts, and uniform cleaning which goes beyond normal
wear and tear.
A typical season for Marching Band includes, but is not limited to the following activities:
- End of year mini camp 4 Hours
- Summer Camp (10 days @ 8 hours apiece) 80 Hours
- Ten evening rehearsals @ 3 hours apiece 30 Hours
- Up to 6 Football Games with Rehearsals 24 Hours
- Homecoming parade 2.5 Hours
- Assorted Marching Band Festivals 8-16 Hours
- North Prairie Harvest Fest Parade with rehearsal 4 Hours
- Midnight Magic Parade with Rehearsal 4 Hours
A $45.00 summer band camp fee is assessed to all marching band students payable to Mukwonago Area School District.
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