High School Bands

This instrumental program is designed to serve the diverse needs of band students at the high school level.  Considering the unique circumstances that allow a potential band member to enroll at Northwest Cabarrus High School from virtually any middle school within Cabarrus County Schools, each person has a differing level of experience on his or her instrument.  With this in mind, rehearsals are geared toward motivating students to find a new level of performance and to provide adaptive ways for any student to contribute to the group positively.  In addition, the selected literature seeks to help develop the skills required of pieces commonly within the high school setting.

Understanding that the initial curiosity of students can ignite into a passion for music, this band offers a variety of different ensembles/groups that can explore supplemental topics that are referenced/introduced within class.  Band can be a small part of a student's day or it can play a major role in his or her weekly activities - their level of involvement and enjoyment is up to them!  Many of our students choose to be involved in extra activities to seek out additional studies that they are interested in and/or passionate about.

Aside from all of the brain-based research favoring participation in band, this class will also

immerse your student into a culture of high achievers – those committed to high standards of behavior and character. On a daily basis, our musical performance curriculum delves into themes of teamwork, commitment, accountability, discipline, perseverance, and dedication – all topics vital for personal growth. It is our goal that these values and skills will guide your student to success in any path they choose to pursue.

CLASS BAND

This curricular ensemble meets during the school day as 1 of the 4 courses a student will take during the fall (concert) and/or spring (symphonic) semester.  Students will explore a variety of musical materials within the scope of this class - fundamental exercises, supplemental studies, solo/ensemble pieces, and concert literature - that seeks to extend/develop the skills of the instrumental performer.  In addition, topics regarding music theory/analysis and ear training/aural skills are discussed as a means to understand the constructive aspects of music.    

MARCHING BAND

This extra-curricular ensemble meets outside the school day to rehearse (nearly all instrumental students participate in at least one semester of Class Band, but this is not required) and performs at football games, parades, and competitions.  This particular group features the collaborative efforts of three main sections:  wind instruments (woodwind/brass), percussion instruments, and the color guard.  Together these students create a show production that features musical and visual elements that coordinate to a particular theme that is customized each season for the group.

WINDS

This extra-curricular ensemble meets outside of the school day to rehearse and is a continuation of the concepts learned within the Marching Band.  The competitive activity fuses elements of choreography and instrumental performance to create a musical soundtrack to a visual presentation.  Students in this group have a command of basic movement skills and strive to combine these skillsets into polished routines. 

JAZZ COMBO

This extra-curricular ensemble will meet outside of the school day, learning components of jazz style and improvising/soloing in a small-group setting.  Additional instruction is provided about how the music theory learned in class coordinates with this particular topic, extending familiarity of harmony and scales, studying compositional tools within a well-paced solo, and practicing the ear training that can help students become more comfortable with playing by ear.  

COMPOSITION CLUB

This new group is devoted to the study of composing and arranging music and consists of students that have an active interest in the activity.  Aside from analyzing the new music created by its members, participating students will do exercises intended to develop the creative skills required to develop melodic, harmonic, and/or rhythmic material.  In addition, musical topics of analysis, theory, modern composers, notation, orchestration, and instrumentation will be discussed.