Music

 

Music Department

Band students should have prior band experience and be comfortable
playing music of a difficulty of 2 years experience. Marching
band takes place the first 10 weeks of school. Students
participate in all home games, some away games, and in three
marching contests. There is a required Thursday afternoon
rehearsal, in order that the marching and concert band may rehearse
with the percussion section, which meets as a separate class.

The remainder of fall semester is spent preparing the Veteran's Day
and Winter Holiday Concerts. Spring semester band members participate in Spring Concert, and have opportunities for extra band activities including honor band clinics and solo-ensemble festivals. Band members can also participate in jazz band, which operates as a pull-out ensemble from the concert band.

The percussion is separated from the marching and concert band in order that students may acquire the specialized skills to excel in percussion performance. They practice with the marching and concert band on Thursday afternoons after school, and participate in all performances of the band.

Marching Drumline:  During marching season (fall semester), freshman percussion members are introduced to the world of a marching drumline. Each member is assigned an instrument (snare, bass, cymbals, etc.) Drum placement is designated by skill level. Normally, freshman and first year members start on an instrument such as bass or pit percussion (auxiliary percussion) and usually progress through out the months and years. Marching band is very exciting and we are sure to have plenty of work and playing to do with lots of fun to have as well! While being a member of the U.C.H.S marching band or drumline, you will go many places, like the Drum Corp International show in July and to competitions where the best of almost every band in the region is displayed!! We look forward to next marching season this coming fall and to incoming freshmen...we can't wait to see you there!!

Concert percussion section:   In concert percussion (during the spring semester) all percussionists who participate will play a variety of different drums and percussion, not just one. At the end of marching season, we prepare music for the upcoming veterans day and Christmas concerts that take place just before the spring semester begins; actual concert band begins only when the spring semester begins. The drums in the concert percussion vary from the drums used on the marching field and will be assigned differently as well. During marching season, each member is assigned one percussion instrument and they will play that until the season is over. In concert, the percussion instruments are divided equally, still according to skill level, for each individual song. Also during concert, more emphasis is put toward reading music. Learning to read music is an essential skill in playing and will help you not only here in the band but also down the road if you choose to pursue music in the future.

Chorus is for all singers who have the desire to better their
vocal skills. Even beginners may sign up for first semester
chorus. Students will learn to read music, expand their
vocal ranges and improve their ability to hear pitch.
There is a required Winter and Spring Concert performance.
Second semester chorus is for students who have been in
first semester chorus or the equivalent - such as
experience at another school, or in a prior semester at
UCHS. Students must be able to perform simple sight-singing
skills, and be willing and able to sing alone (although
not necessarily in a solo public performance.) Chorus
students perform both "classical" and "pop" style music,
participate in Choral Festival in the spring, and
possibly produce a Broadway-style musical if there is
sufficient interest in the group in putting in the extra
time involved in this type of performance. When interest
warrants, a special pull-out advanced group forms during chorus,
"Chorale", which involves extra rehearsal and effort,
and is for more advanced singers.

The rhythm section class meets concurrently with the percussion class. It is open to students by audition only or by agreement of the instructor and is for guitar, piano/keyboard, and bass musicians. Students will be most successful if they are able to read music on at least a first year level on keyboards, and guitarists should be comfortable with changing basic chords to a steady beat. Both bass and guitar players should own their own equipment (instrument and amp, if electric), know how to tune their instrument, and be familiar with the names of the strings and the different fretted notes. While reading notation is most helpful, students who do not read music will be accepted if they are willing to learn. Reading tablature is a good skill, but not particularly helpful for rhythm section class - students will develop the ability to read notes and chords

 
 
 

 

 

Revised: 01/31/08
Union County Public Schools
Copyright © 2001 [Union County Schools] 
All rights reserved

 

150 Main Street

P O Box 249

Maynardville, TN 37807

Office: (865) 992-5232
Fax: (865) 992-5724