BAND
Marching 100 is a music athletic activity that is open to all wind instruments, percussionists, dancers and color guard members. This ensemble meets during the summer and fall of the school year. The emphasis of this class is to give students an opportunity to perform music in motion and to experience teamwork, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. Marching 100 performs at least 15 shows per year which include parades, local performances, and occasionally travel around the country to participate in activities at various venues.
Contact: Matthew Banks mbanks@altonschools.org 474-2236
Concert Band is an instrumental ensemble consisting of brass, woodwinds, percussion which meets 1st hour everyday as a class. The emphasis of this class is the development and improvement of fundamental band techniques: tone, intonation, breathing, posture, basic music theory, and rhythmic stability. Concert Band performs at least six concerts a year, including IHSA Organization Contest and Midwest Music Festival. Concert Band students are encouraged to audition for and participate in the IMEA District VI festival and IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. The Students must have prior experience playing a band instrument.
Contact: Matthew Banks mbanks@altonschools.org 474-2236
Symphonic Band is a wind ensemble of select musicians. The band meets 7th hour everyday as a class. An audition is required to enter Symphonic Band. The goal of this ensemble is to achieve a more advanced level of performance. Students study and perform challenging literature and are required to know fundamental music theory. There is a high expectation placed on the students’ playing ability and work ethic. The Symphonic Band performs at least six concerts a year, including the IHSA Organization Contest and Midwest Music Festival. Symphonic Band students are encouraged to audition for and participate in the IMEA District VI Festival and the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. Juniors and Seniors who excel may audition for honors credit.
Redbird Rhythm is the band that plays at boys and girls basketball games. This ensemble plays music from various genres such as pop, hip/hop, classic rock and funk. Redbird rhythm meets after school for 5 to 6 rehearsals and 10 to 12 basketball performances. In addition to performing at basketball games, the band is sometimes ask to play at assemblies, pep rallies or post season tournaments for Alton High School. This ensemble is a requirement for all band students.
Contact: Matthew Banks mbanks@altonschools.org 474-2236
Jazz Band is an audition ensemble open to all band students. The group meets after school on Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00 and studies various jazz styles like swing, blues, jazz/rock, ballads, Latin and standard jazz charts.
Contact: Tim Jarden tjarden@altonschools.org 474-2200
