What COVID-related protocols are in place to ensure the safety of students?
All wind players are required to play with a bell cover on their instrument at all times, and encouraged to wear a musician’s mask when indoors. These protocols, in addition to distancing, follow nationally recognized safety guidelines, and current state guidelines. These materials are currently provided for students
Is marching band required at gchs?
Marching band is a unit in our band curriculum. All band members participate in either the Woodwinds, Brass, Color Guard, or Drum Line/Front Ensemble during the Football season.
Are there any instruments that cannot march?
Oboe and Bassoon players are not able to march with their instrument. Instead, these students typically join the Color Guard or the Drum Line / Front Ensemble during the Marching Band season. French Horn players play the Mellophone. Frequently, Baritone Saxophone and Bass Clarinet players choose to switch to Alto/Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet, respectively, for the marching band season, but this also is not required.
Can students join the Color Guard and Drumline even if they play a marching instrument?
Yes. Interested students should speak with Mr. Geller prior to the start of band camp in order to get the proper information
How are instruments determined for percussion students?
All percussionists at GCHS gain experience on multiple percussion instruments. Through their time in the GCHS band program, percussion students will perform on snare drum, timpani, mallet instruments, bass drum and many other percussion instruments. Students do not specialize on a single instrument; instead they gain experience on a variety of instruments.
What kind of equipment will students need?
During the Marching Band season, students will need their instrument, music, gym shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle. During the Concert Band season, students will need their instrument, instrument care supplies (reeds, valve oil, slide grease, etc) and music (provided).
How is band graded?
Students in band receive grades in 4 categories, all worth 25% of their total grade: Individual technique, ensemble performance, responding/creating, and connecting. Grades are determined based on evidence that students submit for summative assignments. Evidence can come in the form of recorded/in-person performance, written reflections, compositions, observations, etc. Students will receive multiple summative assignments in each category that demonstrate the various skills required of musicians. Students may retake any summative assignment, without penalty, up until 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester
What’s the difference between Concert Band, Symphonic Band Honors, and Wind Ensemble Honors?
Concert band is the entry level band, freshmen will be automatically placed in concert band. Auditions into upper level courses is considered on a case by case basis with respect to the instrumentation needs of each upper level ensemble. The difficulty of the music played by each band is slightly different. Concert Band tends to play simpler music, Symphonic Band is slightly more complicated, and Wind Ensemble plays the most difficult music. Students who participate in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band also earn Honors credit.
How do students get into Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble?
Near the end of the school year, auditions will be held for students who are interested in moving to a higher band. Based off of these auditions, Mr. Geller will determine which students will move into a higher band.
How do students become members of the Leadership Team, Color Guard Captain, or Drum Major
At the end of the school year, Mr. Geller will put out an application for those interested in becoming members of the leadership team. Interested students will conduct an interview with Mr. Geller. A separate application will be released for interested drum major students
What instruments can join Jazz Band?
The primary instruments are saxophones (alto, tenor, and bari), trumpets, trombones (and bass trombone), piano, bass, and drums. However, students who do not play those instruments still have opportunities to play jazz music and should contact Mr. Geller for further information. Students interested in jazz band should look for audition information in September.
Do students need to be in Concert Band to be in Jazz Band
No.
Are band students required to attend every GCHS sports game?
Marching band students are expected to attend every home varsity football game in the fall. These games are on Friday nights at 7pm. In the winter, band students attend home varsity basketball games. Students will only be responsible for attending a few games depending on their schedules. A schedule of all basketball games will be provided by Mr. Geller