Jazz
The jazz course is open to students of advanced proficiency selected through auditions. There are two different Jazz entities: a Wednesday chamber class, new for 2006-2007, and a Monday/Thursday band. Jazz Ensemble requires out-of-school practice and performances. Students study the literature, rehearsal and performance techniques of past and contemporary popular jazz music, including emphasis on improvisational techniques. The jazz ensemble performs around the Annandale community at concerts throughout the year.
Percussion
Percussion Ensemble is open to all students interested in learning more about percussion and requires out-of-school practice and performances. Percussion Ensemble is a study of rehearsal and performance techniques of modern percussion music, including some emphasis on improvisational techniques. The Percussion Ensemble performs with the Jazz Ensemble concerts throughout the year and may also compete in the Spring Trip.
Red
This course is open to all students through auditions held in the spring. The Red Band presents a balanced study of literature at the highest level attainable by the ensemble as determined by the conductor.
Gold
This course is open to all students through auditions held in the spring. This ensemble represents Annandale High School at the District Festival and at the competition during the Spring Trip. This group also performs at the Winter Holiday Concert, Pre-Festival Concert, and the Spring Concert. The Gold Band typically performs Grade 4 music at concerts and festivals.
Symphonic
Symphonic Band membership is drawn from the most advanced performers in the
band program. Students are selected through auditions held in the Spring by the
Director of Bands. The repertoire and performance of the Symphonic Band is
comparable to that of a fine college ensemble. The Symphonic Band represents
the school and band program at local, national, and international performances.
The Symphonic Band participates in District Festival and at competition during
Spring Trip. The Symphonic Band is the featured group in the Winter Holiday
Concert, the Pre-Festival Concert, and at the Spring Concert. The Symphonic
Band typically plays Grade 5/6 music at concerts and festivals. Members of the
Symphonic Band are required to be members of the Marching Atoms.