FRESHMAN PROGRAM OPTIONS FOR CREDIT
Thank you for your interest in the Band program! Listed below are the options available to incoming 9th graders. Each of these groups meet as a graded class during the school day; passing one of these classes for the year will count as your Fine Arts credit (every student in West Virginia needs one to graduate) or as an an elective if you have already gotten the Fine Arts credit. Four-year Band members will complete their Fine Arts credit and three electives just for playing in Band.
SMHS Band
This is the major performing ensemble of the Band program. It includes students in grades 9-12 who started playing in middle school. The Band year is divided into two parts: "Marching season", which runs from August until the football team is either eliminated from the playoffs or wins the State Championship, and "Concert season", which is the rest of the school year. The seasons are named after the events the band is preparing for, so marching season is dedicated to football games, parades, and marching competitions. Concert season is for preparing the Winter and Spring concerts, the WVSSAC Band Adjudication festival, and Graduation. Participation in both seasons is required, including practices and performances outside the school day. Band members who successfully complete one marching season will earn a Varsity letter.
Beginner Band
This class is a training group for players who either did not participate in band in middle school or dropped out and want to rejoin. This is the class to build your basic music skills with the goal of preparing you to join the SMHS Band in the future. Beginner Band members are encouraged to participate in marching season activities; you will start by performing the Alma Mater at football pregame shows and adding additional songs as your skills increase. As an incentive, participating at a football game will excuse you from that week's playing quiz! School instruments available are baritone, clarinet, trombone, and trumpet; you may also provide your own flute or saxophone. This class will combine with the rest of the band at the Spring Concert.
Percussion
This is Beginner Band for percussion instruments. You will learn to play instruments from the four major percussion areas - drums, mallet instruments, timpani, and accessories.
FRESHMAN PROGRAM OPTIONS FOR NO CREDIT
Color Guard
This is the flags and dance part of the Marching Band. No experience or instrument is required. Guard members are included in all marching season activities. Attendance at Band Camp and Tuesday/Thursday after school practices are required. Because this is strictly an after school activity, guard members will not receive a grade on their report card or graduation credit. Guard members are eligible to earn a Varsity letter.
