Concert Band
Concert Band is open to all students. This course focuses on the development of basic skills and knowledge of instrumental music (wind and percussion). Members will focus on tone production, rhythm, scales and sight-reading. Students will study and perform music of various genres and grade levels. This course is ideal for students with no previous band experience and for those who are switching instruments (at the discretion of the director). Concert Band performs at VBODA Concert Assessment in March. All members of the Concert Band participate in the Marching Titans.
Prerequisite: Middle School Band or Director Approval
Jazz Bands
The focus of this course is to develop skill and knowledge in jazz performance and styling. Students will learn elements of jazz improvisation and be exposed to a variety of styles. The jazz combo is a dynamic group that performs all over the Washington metro area. Students in combo must be members of the jazz band and will be selected by the director.
Co-requisite: Must be currently enrolled in a Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band, or director approval
Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band is our intermediate concert band. Members develop musicianship and theoretical knowledge through rehearsals and performances that prepare them for more advanced literature. Students will study and perform music of various genres and grade levels with a strong focus on wind band literature grades III-V. The band performs at VBODA Concert Assessment in March. All members of the Symphonic Band participate in the Marching Titans.
Prerequisite: Middle School Band & Successful Audition
MARCHING BAND
Marching Band is one of the most visible organizations at Alexandria City High School. Students in marching band perform at football games, competitions, parades and pep rallies. The marching band is an ensemble made up of students from all band classes. Each year this ensemble presents an exciting new field show and performs for thousands of people. In addition, this ensemble performs at the VBODA State Marching Assessment each year.
Marching Band is a part of each band class.
Color guard and Winter Guard
The Alexandria City High School Color Guard is an essential part of the Marching Band, growing in talent and numbers each year. Led by Lisa Norman, the team is made up of dedicated student athlete-performers who spin and toss flags, rifles, and sabres to provide a visual element to the marching band and indoor performance for winter guard. Their work brings dynamic visual energy to the Marching Band’s field show, elevating every performance. This will be our first year competing in winter guard, and we couldn’t be more excited! We’re thrilled to have you join us as new members as we begin thisjourney together. Here’s to an incredible season ahead!
What is color guard?
Color guard is a performing arts activity that incorporates the use of flags, rifles, sabers, and various props, along with elaborate costumes, to provide a visual interpretation ofmusic by using choreography, movement, and dance. It is typically performed in 8th grade (middle school), high school, college, and independent performance organizations during halftime shows, parades, and indoor competitions. Color guard teams typically wear stylized and embellished uniforms that enhance the competitor’s movement and performance on the floor.
Do I need experience to audition or join color guard?
ACHS is proud to support all that are interested in joining our color guard/winter guard team. We welcome all levels and proudly support competitors of all levels, from beginner to advanced. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy and discipline of color guard, and we strive to help people reach their competitive goals through training, mentoring, and performance opportunities. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and have different levels of experience, but we are united by our passion for artistic excellence, fostering an inclusive community, and our commitment to providing quality experiences. Our vibrant and ever-growing community works together to develop skills, build confidence, and create memorable performances. ACHS is proud to cultivate a welcoming community with positivity and passion and to play a role in catapulting today’s youth into a brighter and braver tomorrow.
If you have any questions about the Color Guard or Winter Guard programs contact the Guard Director, at karleasia.geter-norman@acps.k12.va
Wind ensemble
Wind Ensemble is the premier band at ACHS. Students perform esteemed literature from traditional and contemporary styles at the grade V-VI level. Members of this ensemble develop sensitivity to musicianship, aesthetics, and historical practices. As the premier wind band in the school, members are expected to practice regularly and attend sectionals as needed; although not required, students are highly encouraged to take private lessons. Membership in the Wind Ensemble is open to students who qualify based on audition. All members of the Wind Ensemble participate in the Marching Titans.
Prerequisite: Audition
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble and Advanced Percussion Ensemble are classes that focuses on the development of playing technique for a variety of percussion instruments. In addition, these ensembles perform a diverse selection of percussion literature. Percussion ensembles perform a minimum of one percussion concert each school year. In addition, all members of Percussion Ensemble and Advanced Percussion Ensemble perform with either Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble. All members of Percussion Ensemble and Advanced Percussion Ensemble participate in the Marching Titans.
Other Performance Opportunities
Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to audition and perform at a variety of musical events, including All-District and All-State Band, Solo and Ensemble, as well as other events in the community.