Band

Concert Ensembles

• 10-12 Wind Ensemble
• 10-12 Symphonic Band
• 10-12 Percussion Ensemble (Symphonic Band)
• 9 Grade Band (Winds)
• 9 Grade Band (Percussion)

The Central Dauphin High School Wind Ensemble is an in‐class ensemble (9th period) made up of brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 10‐12. This is a high achieving band and members are selected in the preceding spring by audition. The ensemble performs an average of five major concerts per school year, as well as numerous run-out concerts and events, and the students and/or ensemble can participate in local, district, regional, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

The Central Dauphin High School Symphonic Band is an in‐class ensemble (7th period) made up of brass and woodwind students in grades 10‐12. They perform an average of four major concerts per school year and the students and/or ensemble participate in local, district, regional, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

The Central Dauphin High School Percussion Ensemble is an in‐class ensemble made up of percussionists in grades 10‐12. This class presents the specific aspects of music that apply to playing all types of percussion instruments. Students in this ensemble will learn idiomatic music for the percussion ensemble as well as the music to perform as part of the Symphonic Band. The percussion ensemble plays an average of four major concerts per school year and the students and/or ensemble can participate in local, district, regional, state, and national concert festivals and contests

The Central Dauphin High School 9th Grade Band is an in‐class ensemble (4th period) made up of brass and woodwind students in grade 9. They perform an average of four major concerts per school year and the students and/or ensemble participate in local, district, regional, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

The Central Dauphin High School 9th Grade Band Percussion Ensemble is an in‐class ensemble (2nd period) made up of percussionists in grade 9. This class presents the specific aspects of music that apply to playing all types of percussion instruments. Students in this ensemble will learn idiomatic music for the percussion ensemble as well as the music to perform as part of the 9th Grade Band. The percussion ensemble plays an average of four major concerts per school year and the students and/or ensemble can participate in local, district, regional, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

The CD Jazz Orchestra is an in‐class ensemble (4th period) made up of students playing saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums in grades 10‐12. This is a high achieving ensemble and members are selected in the preceding spring by audition. There will typically be only 1 (sometimes 2) people per part to allow students to grow as individual players and grow within the unique responsibility of the group. The ensemble performs many concerts throughout the year both in school and in the community. The students and/or ensemble also participates in district, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

The 11 O'Clock Big Band is an in‐class ensemble (5th period) made up of students playing saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums in grades 9‐12. Members are selected in the preceding spring by audition or by director placement. They perform at concerts throughout the year both in school and in the community. The students and/or ensemble also participate in district, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

The 12 O'Clock Big Band is an in‐class ensemble (6th period) made up of students playing saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, and drums in grades 9‐12. Members are selected in the preceding spring by audition or by director placement. They perform at concerts throughout the year both in school and in the community. The students and/or ensemble also participate in district, state, and national concert festivals and contests.

Solaris is an extra-curricular vocal jazz ensemble made up of students of all voice parts.  This is a small ensemble (5-8 people) that is comprised of students grades 9-12 who audition in the fall.  The ensemble meets one evening a week.  They perform at certain jazz concerts throughout the year and at the Mansfield University Vocal Jazz Festival every spring.  The students also participate in district and state concert festivals.

The Marching Band is made up of brass, woodwinds, percussion, and color guard. Performances include football games, pep rallies, parades, and community events as well as several band shows. This ensemble is curricular, students receive a 0.5 credit and a grade, however most rehearsals and performances occur outside of the school day. Marching Band is open to all dedicated students grades 9‐12. The first rehearsals will be used as an audition to determine if “cuts” are necessary, however “cuts” typically only occur involving instances of behavior or attitude problems. The marching band meets in the summer and fall semester and once for a spring parade. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES!!! The school discipline policy remains in effect at all marching band functions. Also, marching band is athletic and requires its members to be in good physical health, students will be asked to perform stretches and exercises.

The Central Dauphin School District Indoor Color Guard and Percussion Ensemble are two extracurricular activities that begin in November and end in late April/early May. These ensembles are intended to further selected skills and abilities of those learned in marching band. Having a strong marching band helps indoor and having strong indoor units helps marching band. Each unit presents a visual and musical show in a gymnasium for audiences and judges at competitions in the spring. There are typically 2 rehearsals per week and competitions on most Saturdays, beginning in mid‐February. Listen for more information as November approaches.

Note: Participation in an indoor unit is typically limited to those who have elected marching band and completed the previous season.

The CD Band Boosters is a 501c3 non-profit organization responsible for supporting the entire band program and maintaining and staffing the many events we have through the year. If you're a parent and have a student in band, please consider joining the boosters! Your support is immeasurable in helping our program succeed!