Experience the Music World with Boardman Band

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THE BOARDMAN BANDS

Varsity Band Grades 9-12: both semesters, 1 credit. Includes both marching band and concert band.

Prerequisite: previous year’s participation in Boardman or audition. 

Spartan Marching Band - The Spartan Marching Band is the representative marching unit of the Instrumental Music Department. The Band performs at all regularly scheduled Varsity football games, and various other events including, but not limited to: band festivals, pep rallies, community parades and events, college and professional football games, and national parades and events. The educational goals of marching band focus on coordinating physical movement with music, showmanship and entertainment value, performance etiquette and stage presence, and professional and life skills. The Spartan Marching Band may have as many as 25 performances in a school year.

Extra-Curricular Marching Band – Available to some MCCTC and STEM Academy students ONLY.  Students who are in good standing in the BGJHS Band or the BHS Band will be eligible to participate in the extra-curricular component of the Boardman Band. They must attend all scheduled summer band and all performances of the Spartan Marching Band. 

This participation may necessitate some after-school band rehearsals. Such rehearsals will be mandatory for these students.

Concert Bands – Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band begin rehearsing and performing at or just before the end of marching band/football season. Placement is determined by audition. Because the groups are smaller than the marching band, they offer students opportunities to explore instrumental music in greater depth and detail than in marching band. There are fewer performances for the concert bands than the marching band. The educational goals of the concert bands deal with individual musical achievement, refined knowledge of one’s instrument, greater exploration of the elements of music, knowledge and appreciation of band literature, performance etiquette and stage presence, and basic music theory and history.  The concert bands perform two evening concerts per year. Wind Ensemble also participates in District Band Contest and Boardman’s Memorial Day Ceremony each May.

Placement in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble is determined by audition. Audition requirements and music will be made available in September of each year. Recordings and/or live auditions will be due by a specified date and time in October.  

Additional Band Ensembles

Many other smaller groups are formed out of marching and concert band including but not limited to:  Basketball Pep Band, BHS Drumline, Christmas Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Instrument Demo Groups, Brass Choir, Flute Choir, and many small instrumental ensembles.

The jazz program is for students who desire training and experience in exploring and performing America’s musical art form. The jazz ensembles perform at concerts in the school and in the community, and at high school and college jazz festivals. The educational goals of the jazz program include appreciation of jazz history, theory, composers, performers, performance etiquette and stage presence, and various jazz styles. The program also encourages individual creativity via improvisation. Students should schedule an audition with the Band Director prior to requesting Jazz 1 or Jazz 2. 

Jazz Ensemble 1  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; both semesters, 1 credit

Prerequisite:  Concurrent band membership; audition

Jazz Ensemble 1 is the top group at Boardman and one of the best high school jazz ensembles in the state. The group has performed at numerous high-profile jazz venues including many well-known jazz clubs in the country. It has hosted and performed with many famous jazz artists and groups. Jazz 1 plays mostly professional and college level music.

Jazz Ensemble 2  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; both semesters, 1 credit

Prerequisite:  Concurrent band membership; audition

Jazz Ensemble 2 is the secondary jazz group with similar goals and activities as Jazz 1, but with fewer performances and medium-easy to medium-advanced level jazz literature. 

2kxx Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; after school, no credit

Prerequisite:  Concurrent band membership; audition

2kxx is a pop/rock group with electric rhythm section, horns, and vocals. This after-school ensemble is open to Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 students. Band students not enrolled in a jazz class may audition to get into the group. The group rehearses on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. 2kxx performs at jazz concerts and community events/venues.