Buchanan Concert Bands

The Buchanan Concert Band program serves over 100 woodwind, brass, and percussion students in grades 9-12. Students are placed in one of two (2) co-curricular ability-based concert bands at Buchanan: Symphonic Band (2nd Fall/4th Spring) and Wind Symphony (2nd). All band students also participate in the Buchanan Marching Band and have the opportunity to join Symphony Orchestra.

*Percussion: Find your specific course information here.

Auditions

Auditions for Wind Symphony take place each spring.

All auditions must be submitted via Flip by 11:59pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

  • Within the same Flip recording session, you may record each section separately, choose the best take, and then move on to the next section.

  • Please trim your video to just the audition excerpt(s).

  • Do not submit multiple Flip videos.

  • The only sound in the video should be you playing your instrument. No metronome should be heard.

  • You may perform the piece a little bit faster or slower than the suggested tempo.

The Flip link will be posted to the BAND App and/or Google Classroom

Thanks and good luck!

Class Overview

In band, students will learn proper techniques on a selected instrument, musicianship, performance etiquette, music theory, aural skills, practice & organizational skills, citizenship, discipline, and teamwork. Band members will have the opportunity to perform in multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year!

We hope that through their participation in the BHS Band, students will develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music. If you have any questions that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact your director here.

Class Materials

  1. Instrument (Owned, Rented, or School-Owned),

  2. Pencil

  3. Music Organizer. Either a folder or binder with plastic sheets.

  4. Method Book (See below)

  5. Instrument Supplies (do a quick internet search for the basic supplies for your instrument.)

  6. Metronome/Tuner (Strongly encouraged! We recommend purchasing your own method book and Korg TM-60 Tuner w/contact mic. Both are available online or at your local music store.)

Instruments

We encourage students to rent or purchase* their own instrument from a reputable music instrument retailer. Purchasing or renting will ensure that your child gets to play his/her 1st choice of instrument. Talk to your director about making the best musical investment you can make!! To learn more, click here.

*Students are not required to purchase or rent an instrument to participate in band. However, due to limited availability, students may not be able to take school-owned instruments home to practice.

Method Book

Each student is encouraged to purchase their method book. The books we will use in class are listed below. You can purchase a method book directly from our online store, at local music shops, or online. Be sure you purchase the correct book for the instrument your student plays and the ensemble they are in.

Symphonic Band (Mr. Neu) - Foundations for Superior Performance

Wind Symphony (Mr. Lack) - Foundations for Superior Performance

Classroom Behavior and Guidelines

Please click here to review the expectations for students who participate in the Buchanan Educational Center Instrumental Music program.

Performance Calendar

Each Buchanan Band program performs several times a year. Please visit the calendar page for a complete, up-to-date, listing of performances.

Grading

Class Participation (10% of Grade)

Students are expected to remember their instruments and music on rehearsal days. Students will earn points by putting forth their best effort, participating in each rehearsal in an appropriate manner, and showing consistent improvement. Students are expected to have all necessary supplies with them each time they come to class and to take good care of their instruments.

Playing Tests/MakeMusic Cloud (30% of Grade)

Students will learn the fundamentals of their instrument, along with basic concepts in music theory, vocabulary, and notation. They’ll be expected to demonstrate proficiency in these areas by periodically completing both playing and written assignments and tests.

Performance Participation (50% of Grade)

Being a member of the Buchanan Band is a commitment to performing. It’s expected that band members will participate in all scheduled performances. In order to receive full participation credit, students should wear the appropriate concert attire and fully participate. As representatives of ASI, students are expected to demonstrate their best behavior at all performances. 

*Attendance at Concerts & Festivals, while not graded, fulfills any requirement to complete alternative assignments** given to those who do not attend our performances and festivals. If an absence is anticipated and pre-excused, the alternative assignment is due the day of the event. If you miss a concert or festival due to illness or a family emergency, the alternative assignment is due one (1) week after the date of the event or at the discretion of the director. 

**Alternative Assignment Research Paper will be 5 pages typed, 12 point/Times New Roman font, double spaced, with a works cited page included on a music topic assigned by the director. Research Papers will be graded and checked for plagiarism/authenticity. 

Concert Credit (10% of Grade)

See this page for an explanation of Concert Credit.

Grading Scale

A - 90.0% to 100.00%
B - 80.0% to 89.9%
C - 70.0% to 79.9%
D - 60.0% to 69.9%
F - 59.9% and below.

Software Used in Class (Provided)

Google Classroom Your child will be assigned a Google Classroom class to join, which we’ll use for all class announcements, assignments, and other information.

MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic) will be used to assess students’ development on their instruments. Access will be provided in class.

Flip will sometimes be used for seating evaluations and class placement.

Band

Orchestra