This course is a two-semester commitment open to any wind or percussion student at NPHS. Students enrolled in this ensemble will receive foundational instruction in wind band literature and performance concepts. Previous instrumental music experience is recommended but not required for enrollment in this course.

Students will present multiple formal and informal performances throughout the school year.

Attendance at all outside of school day rehearsals, performances, and concerts is mandatory unless excused by the director in accordance with department policy. This group performs at the ISSMA organizational festival, and participation in ISSMA Solo and Ensemble is strongly encouraged. Students perform literature off the group III and IV ISSMA Concert Band List.

• Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course is a two-semester commitment open to any wind or percussion student by audition or the recommendation of the NPHS or NPJH band director. Students enrolled in this ensemble will receive accelerated instruction in intermediate wind band literature and performance concepts. Previous instrumental music experience is required for enrollment in this course.

Students will present multiple formal and informal performances throughout the school year.

Attendance at all outside of school day rehearsals, performances, and concerts is mandatory unless excused by the director in accordance with department policy. This group performs at the ISSMA organizational festival, and participation in ISSMA Solo and Ensemble is strongly encouraged. Students perform literature off the group I and II ISSMA Concert Band List.

• Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

• Recommended Foundational Courses: Beginning concert band

This course is a two-semester commitment open to any wind or percussion student by audition only. Students enrolled in this ensemble will receive advanced instruction in high-level wind band literature and performance concepts. Previous instrumental music experience is required for enrollment in this course.

Students will present multiple formal and informal performances throughout the school year.

Attendance at all outside of school day rehearsals, performances, and concerts is mandatory unless excused by the director in accordance with department policy. This group performs at the ISSMA state qualification contest, and participation in ISSMA Solo and Ensemble is strongly encouraged. Students perform literature off the group I ISSMA Concert Band List.

• Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

• Required Foundational Courses: Beginning concert band and/or Intermediate Concert Band

Percussion ensembles take place during assigned concert band periods. These ensembles are learned during class periods and performed during our Chamber Unit in January and/or February.

Percussionists perform on our Night of Percussion in late January or early February. The night is comprised of large percussion ensembles, small percussion ensembles, and percussion solos.

It is our belief that these concert opportunities are a vital part of a well rounded performance curriculum intended to develop our musicians holistically. Solo and ensemble work is some of the most challenging and rewarding musical work we do at the secondary level.

Chamber ensembles take place during assigned concert band periods. These ensembles are learned during class periods and performed during our Chamber Unit in January and/or February.

Woodwind and brass students perform on our Chamber Night in late January or early February. The night is comprised of large woodwind or brass ensembles, small woodwind or brass ensembles, and woodwind or brass solos.

It is our belief that these concert opportunities are a vital part of a well rounded performance curriculum intended to develop our musicians holistically. Solo and ensemble work is some of the most challenging and rewarding musical work we do at the secondary level.

All NPHS Band Students should expect to participate in performances outside the school day/classroom including:

CONCERT PERFORMANCES: NPJH Nights, Fall Pops, Winter Gala, Chamber Nights, Organization Festival (Concert Band and Symphonic Band), State Qualifications (Wind Ensemble), State Finals (Wind Ensemble)

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES: All band students are required to participate in a minimum of one ISSMA Solo or Ensemble contest piece. This can be performed at ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival or during our Chamber Nights.

ISSMA CONCERT FESTIVAL: Spring festival for each group with performance ratings & recognitions

OPTIONAL BAND TRAVEL: Extended band trips happen every 2 years with opportunities to fundraise.  Most recently, the bands have traveled to Nashville, TN (May 2024) and New York City, NY (November 2025). Our next trip will be announced during the 2026-2027 school year and will take place during the 2027-2028 school year.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Beyond concert music students work on ALL major scales, sight reading, rhythm counting, and chamber ensemble playing.