Band and Guard
Marching Saints
In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show "significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12." This observation holds true regardless of students' socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time.
Catterall, James S., Richard Chapleau, and John Iwanaga. "Involvement in the Arts and Human Development: General Involvement and Intensive Involvement in Music and Theater Arts." Los Angeles, CA: The Imagination Project at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, 1999.
Nine out of ten adults and teenagers who play instruments agree that music making brings the family closer together.
BAND AND GUARD
Concert Band
Curricular ensemble open to all woodwinds and brass players. Class meets daily, and the students typically perform three-to-four concerts a year. Performances occur outside the normal school day (typically on weekends).
Percussion Ensemble
Curricular ensemble open to all percussionists. Class meets daily, and the students typically perform three-to-four concerts a year. Performances occur outside the normal school day (typically on weekends).
Orchestra
Curricular ensemble open to all orchestral string players. Class meets daily, and the students typically perform three-to-four concerts a year. Performances occur outside the normal school day (typically on weekends).
Jazz Band
Description: Extracurricular student ensemble with a specific focus on jazz performance and improvisation. The jazz band meets once a week after school between November and April.
Activities: Performance at designated school functions, such as the Christmas and Spring concerts. Off campus performances—such as the ISSMA Jazz Festival—may be scheduled as the opportunity arises.
Requirements: All instrumentalists must be enrolled in a curricular music class (or by special permission).
Marching Band
Description: Extracurricular student ensemble that combines music and movement to create a competitive Marching Band show featuring woodwinds, brass, percussionists and color guard.
Activities: The Marching Saints rehearse through out the summer months, during which time they participate in the 3-Rivers Parade and hold band camp. During the Fall Semester, this competitive ensemble competes at ISSMA Marching Band competitions throughout Northern Indiana. Competitions begin the first weekend of September and typically conclude the first weekend in November. The group also performs at most home varsity football games.
Requirements: All instrumentalists must be enrolled in a curricular music class (or by special permission). Color guard auditions will take place in May of the previous school year (before school lets out for the summer). Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
Pep Band
Description: Extracurricular ensemble dedicated to playing pep music at home varsity basketball games.
Activities: Perform at selected home varsity basketball games. Also provide music for pep sessions and other school events.
Requirements: All instrumentalists must be enrolled in a curricular music class (or by special permission).
Winter Guard
Description: Extracurricular student ensemble that combines dance and equipment work to create a competitive show that is performed at IHSCGA competitions throughout Northern Indiana during the Winter months.
Activities: Rehearsals begin in November (typically two to three nights a week). Competitions typically begin the last weekend of January and conclude in mid-to-late March. Additional performances at school functions may be scheduled.
Requirements: You must be a member of the fall Marching Saints (or by special permission). Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
Winter Percussion
Description: Extracurricular student ensemble that combines percussion music with movement to create a competitive show that is performed at IHSCGA competitions throughout Northern Indiana during the Winter months.
Activities: Rehearsals begin in November (typically two to three nights a week). Competitions typically begin in late January and conclude in mid-to-late March. Additional performances at school functions may be scheduled.
Requirements: You must be enrolled in a curricular music class or be a member of the fall Marching Saints (or by special permission). Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
Moderator: Don Cochran, dcochran@bishopwenger.com
