By audition only - The Symphonic Winds will be composed
of students with performing ability necessary for proper performances of
level 5 or 6 band literature. This is the primary performing organization
in the instrumental music department during the winter
and spring. In past years the Symphonic Winds have performed at
many music conferences and conventions. Invitational performances include
the Midwest Clinic, NAI and Carnegie Hall. In 2000 they were
the only band in the United States to be awarded the Sudler Flag of
Honor.
The Symphonic Band will be a performing
organization open to all students with the necessary performing
ability. Younger band persons should expect to be assigned to this
band unless their playing abilities far exceed the average level of
their experiences. This ensemble performs literature (III, IV & V)
commensurate with their grade level. The Symphonic Band has
performed at Irmo Band concerts, the South Carolina State Concert
Festival, the annual Spring Concert and the National Adjudicators
Invitational in Atlanta each spring.
CONCERT BAND
Concert Band is for all students who are not
interested in Marching Band, or students who did not qualify for the
Symphonic Winds or the Symphonic Band in the previous spring
auditions. All members of this band must have the consent of the
Director for participation.
Membership in the Marching Band requires strenuous physical
ability and the ability to play the literature encountered during
the marching season. All band members who are capable are expected
to perform in the Marching Band unless there is a physical problem
or a varsity fall sporting event. This is the primary performing
organization during the fall.
This is a precision drill/dance team composed of 9th to
12th graders selected in spring auditions. During
marching band season they perform as an integral part of the
Marching Band as well as serving as spirit boosters at pep rallies.
Following marching band season the Hi-Steppers perform at
basketball games and other events, and in spring and summer
competitions.
By audition only,
the Jazz Ensemble consists of saxophones, trumpets, trombones,
tubas, and a rhythm section. Wind members and the drummer must be a
member in a major performing ensemble. Other rhythm section members
may come from outside the band proper if there is not an available
member from the band proper.
In this course,
emphasis is placed on the student who is interested in preparing for
a career in music. Everyone performs in small ensembles as is
deemed by the enrollment. Emphasis is placed on musical language,
auditioning and interviewing. Rudimental and fundamental work on
rhythm, tone, intonation, style and interpretation is also a primary
focus. All members of this class must have the consent of the
Director for participation.
A course designed to
meet the needs of the advancing percussionist who is enrolled in
Band I, II, III, and IV. Emphasis is placed on fundamental
rudiments, small chamber ensemble performance, battery percussion
and mallet technique. All members of this class must have the
consent of the Director for participation.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
For beginning,
intermediate, and advanced levels. These courses can prepare
students for performance ensembles, improve concepts and abilities,
or prepare the serious musician for more advanced auditions, solo,
and ensemble playing. Members of the Advanced Techniques course
have won local concert competitions; earned numerous scholarships to
Furman, LSU, USC and UGA (to name a few) and placed in
All-State/Region and Honor Band of America.
MUSIC THEORY/HISTORY
Open to students throughout the school who
have previous music experience: band, chorus, piano, strings, etc.
This course is the study and analysis of the pedagogy and/or the
historical developments of music from the Middle Ages to the present
times.
ALL-STATE AND REGION BAND
Members of the Irmo High School band programs (registered in concert
band classes) are eligible to audition for the South Carolina
All-State and Region Bands. Auditions are generally held on two
weekends in January. The auditions are first held on a regional
level followed by a “finals” audition held on a state wide level.
The Region Band clinic and concert is held in February, and the
All-State Band clinic and concert are in March.
HONOR BAND OF AMERICA
Honor Band of America is an organization funded and
operated by the Bands of America Association and is held
each March in the Mid-West (thus far it has been in
Chicago and Indianapolis). Membership is by audition
only and you will be notified if the Director of Bands
feels you qualify for this event.
SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
Students in the Irmo High School bands are offered the
opportunity to perform for ratings and comments at the
SCBDA Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival held in April/May.
PRIVATE LESSONS
As one might expect, private
lessons on a musical instrument will result in increased advancement
of performance skills. The one-to-one approach allows the student
to benefit from the undivided attention of the private teacher
unlike in the traditional band class where the teacher is monitoring
a class numbering sometimes over 50 students.
A survey of students in the South
Carolina All-State Band revealed that over 75% of those students
performing with this band studied privately. The by-products of
private study go far beyond increased performance skills. Students
are generally more inclined to adopt a regular practice schedule
when faced with a weekly music lesson for which to prepare. The
Irmo Band Director will be more than happy to assist parents in
locating a private instructor that matches the ability and age level
of your child.
We offer a Mentor Program for younger
students. Those high school band members that are currently taking
private lessons, currently performing with the Irmo Symphonic Winds
and who have exhibited a high level of music education, performance
skills and a positive attitude toward the Bands of Irmo program may
be selected to participate as a mentor in the program.
OBJECTIVES OF THE BAND PROGRAM
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