The Mandan High Bands
The MHS Bands program is composed of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Prep Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensembles. Membership in each of the bands and performing organizations is by annual audition.
Concert Band I
Concert Band I plays level IV, V, and VI music and is composed of the more experienced musicians. The Wind Ensemble performs frequent concerts for audiences. The band is often called on to play for special events, such as performing at the NDEA conference or various functions at the state capitol. Students from the Concert Band I along with the Concert Band II and III make up the Parade Marching Band.
Concert Band II
Concert Band II plays levels III, IV and V music and includes musicians who are earlier in their musical development. It is typical that a student who shows interest and works hard to improve his or her musical skills will move from Concert Band II to Concert Band I during his or her high school career. Students from Concert Band II along with Concert Band I and III make up the Parade Marching Band.
Concert Band III
Concert Band III plays level III and IV music most of the year and is comprised of Freshman who did not make Concert Band I. Continued work on scales and technique along with the use of method books will be a part of the coursework. Students from Concert Band III along with Concert Band I and II make up the Parade Marching Band.
Jazz Ensembles
The MHS Jazz Ensembles are composed of talented woodwind, brass, percussion and keyboard musicians from any of the three concert bands at MHS. During the winter and spring months, the Jazz Ensembles will appear in concerts ant travel to local and
regional festivals.
Parade Marching Band
In the Fall and the Spring Concert Band I, II, III form the MHS Parade Marching Band. The Marching Band performs at the Autumnfest Parade and the Band Night Parade along with a few other functions throughout the year.
Field Marching Band
In the Fall students Concert Band I, II, III and 8th grade students from MMS form the MHS Field Marching Band. The Field Marching Band performs at home football games in the fall and is an extracurricular activity.
Pep Band
All MHS Band musicians perform in the Pep Band. The MHS Pep Band performs at select Boys and Girls basketball and volleyball functions throughout the school year.
Co-Curricular Band Experiences
Mandan High School has developed an active and respected co-curricular music program. Participation opportunities include Jazz Band II (Jazz I is held as a class during the regular school day), clarinet choir, flute choir, saxophone ensemble, horn choir, trumpet ensemble, trombone choir, percussion ensembles, brass choir, pit orchestra, and the annual West Region Solo and Ensemble Contest. A vast majority of students in the Band program choose to participate in one or more of these experiences. It has been our experience that students who become involved with co-curricular music groups seem to gain the most enjoyment from our program.
The role of all Mandan co-curricular music groups is to provide students with an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge and experiences.
Pep Band
One of the responsibilities of the Mandan High Band is to support various school activities. Students will be given a list of Pep Band performances at the beginning of the school year. As part of basic band membership, all MHS Band members are expected to perform at all Pep Band events. Participation in Pep Band counts towards a Band letter and is part of the Band grade. The Band provides entertainment for home sporting events. It is usually committed to no more the one event per week. Students are encouraged to exhibit school spirit and will wear the MHS Pep Band T-shirt. Several events are scheduled each fall/winter. The events at which the Band performs are determined by the Band Directors and the Athletic Director.
Jazz Bands
The Jazz Bands are open to any MHS student who plays any instrument and can read music and is a part of one of the concert bands. We especially are in need of Bass Guitar players who read music! Enrollment in Jazz I, Jazz II is determined by audition.
Jazz Band II meets weekly (October-March) outside of the school day (rehearsal time is determined by the agreed consensus of each band's members, based on their after school schedules, availability, etc.) Jazz II: Is intended as an opportunity for students with less experience in jazz bands, and with an emphasis on medium-level music and having fun while learning about playing in a Jazz Band. Improvisation (the "heart & soul" of jazz music) will be introduced, studied and made fun!!!
The music is scored for saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm section (piano, bass guitar, drum-set & guitar) and participation is limited to these instruments. The student must also participate in one of the schools concert bands to be
eligible to participate in Jazz Ensemble.
Jazz I: Is intended for students with more advanced playing skills, and having had more playing experience in jazz bands in past year(s). The music will be at a more advanced level, and is scored for saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm section
(piano, bass guitar, drum-set & guitar) and participation is limited to these instruments. Improvisation (the "heart & soul" of jazz music) will be studied and included in most rehearsals. As MHS’s top" jazz band. The group will perform at scheduled jazz concerts occurring at MHS. This group is a part of the regular school day and is graded accordingly. Uniform for this group is
ALL BLACK.
Jazz Band Attendance
Jazz Band participation requires that students arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of rehearsal, to set-up equipment and warm-up. Any absence other than illness must be communicated and approved in advance by your Jazz Band Director. You are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Inconsistent attendance will result in dismissal from the group.
Performances
Jazz Band II will perform one Spring Jazz Concert, and participate/perform in the University of Mary Jazz Festival. Jazz I will perform often, and may travel to a regional jazz festival for performance and clinics (decided by group on an interest basis). Jazz I may have additional performances such as school assemblies or civic events.
A complete Jazz Band events calendar will be available at the first rehearsal for all Jazz Band participants.
Solo & Ensemble Contest (Throughout Year)
Throughout the year, Mandan High School students have the opportunity to attend West State Solo and Ensemble Festival. With the guidance of the instructor, students select and begin to prepare a piece to perform for a certified adjudicator. Two original
pieces or a full score are required for adjudication. This piece may be an unaccompanied/accompanied solo or an ensemble with other members of the Band. Students are scored on their performance and may achieve a rating of Star. Their performance is followed by a master class by the adjudicator. This contest is open to all Band members.
Musical "PIT Band"
This is the musical ensemble that performs actual Broadway musicals, collaborating with student actors singing and dancing on stage, in the annual Winter Musical Production. Expect daily after school practices.
All-State Band (Spring)
The All-State Band is sponsored by the ND Music Educators Association ( NDMEA) and is offered to students on an annual basis. The group is determined by statewide auditions through live auditions. All students grades 9-12 are eligible to audition.
Participants prepare provided scales, solo material, and sight-reading exercises. Deadline for entry is in November. Auditions are held in early January and results are generally known in early February. The All-state festival is held in the end of March and is always a phenomenal experience for all students involved.
Challenges
Band students who wish to try out for the next higher chair in their section may challenge the player currently holding the seat. The Band Director conducts the challenge. The players and the Director are separated by a screen. Player #1 (as determined by
the two students) plays the selected scales first, followed by Player #2. Player #2 then plays the selected music followed by Player #1. The Band Director decides the winning player. Two weeks must elapse before a re-challenge may take place.
The MHS Bands program is composed of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Prep Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensembles. Membership in each of the bands and performing organizations is by annual audition.
Concert Band I
Concert Band I plays level IV, V, and VI music and is composed of the more experienced musicians. The Wind Ensemble performs frequent concerts for audiences. The band is often called on to play for special events, such as performing at the NDEA conference or various functions at the state capitol. Students from the Concert Band I along with the Concert Band II and III make up the Parade Marching Band.
Concert Band II
Concert Band II plays levels III, IV and V music and includes musicians who are earlier in their musical development. It is typical that a student who shows interest and works hard to improve his or her musical skills will move from Concert Band II to Concert Band I during his or her high school career. Students from Concert Band II along with Concert Band I and III make up the Parade Marching Band.
Concert Band III
Concert Band III plays level III and IV music most of the year and is comprised of Freshman who did not make Concert Band I. Continued work on scales and technique along with the use of method books will be a part of the coursework. Students from Concert Band III along with Concert Band I and II make up the Parade Marching Band.
Jazz Ensembles
The MHS Jazz Ensembles are composed of talented woodwind, brass, percussion and keyboard musicians from any of the three concert bands at MHS. During the winter and spring months, the Jazz Ensembles will appear in concerts ant travel to local and
regional festivals.
Parade Marching Band
In the Fall and the Spring Concert Band I, II, III form the MHS Parade Marching Band. The Marching Band performs at the Autumnfest Parade and the Band Night Parade along with a few other functions throughout the year.
Field Marching Band
In the Fall students Concert Band I, II, III and 8th grade students from MMS form the MHS Field Marching Band. The Field Marching Band performs at home football games in the fall and is an extracurricular activity.
Pep Band
All MHS Band musicians perform in the Pep Band. The MHS Pep Band performs at select Boys and Girls basketball and volleyball functions throughout the school year.
Co-Curricular Band Experiences
Mandan High School has developed an active and respected co-curricular music program. Participation opportunities include Jazz Band II (Jazz I is held as a class during the regular school day), clarinet choir, flute choir, saxophone ensemble, horn choir, trumpet ensemble, trombone choir, percussion ensembles, brass choir, pit orchestra, and the annual West Region Solo and Ensemble Contest. A vast majority of students in the Band program choose to participate in one or more of these experiences. It has been our experience that students who become involved with co-curricular music groups seem to gain the most enjoyment from our program.
The role of all Mandan co-curricular music groups is to provide students with an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge and experiences.
Pep Band
One of the responsibilities of the Mandan High Band is to support various school activities. Students will be given a list of Pep Band performances at the beginning of the school year. As part of basic band membership, all MHS Band members are expected to perform at all Pep Band events. Participation in Pep Band counts towards a Band letter and is part of the Band grade. The Band provides entertainment for home sporting events. It is usually committed to no more the one event per week. Students are encouraged to exhibit school spirit and will wear the MHS Pep Band T-shirt. Several events are scheduled each fall/winter. The events at which the Band performs are determined by the Band Directors and the Athletic Director.
Jazz Bands
The Jazz Bands are open to any MHS student who plays any instrument and can read music and is a part of one of the concert bands. We especially are in need of Bass Guitar players who read music! Enrollment in Jazz I, Jazz II is determined by audition.
Jazz Band II meets weekly (October-March) outside of the school day (rehearsal time is determined by the agreed consensus of each band's members, based on their after school schedules, availability, etc.) Jazz II: Is intended as an opportunity for students with less experience in jazz bands, and with an emphasis on medium-level music and having fun while learning about playing in a Jazz Band. Improvisation (the "heart & soul" of jazz music) will be introduced, studied and made fun!!!
The music is scored for saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm section (piano, bass guitar, drum-set & guitar) and participation is limited to these instruments. The student must also participate in one of the schools concert bands to be
eligible to participate in Jazz Ensemble.
Jazz I: Is intended for students with more advanced playing skills, and having had more playing experience in jazz bands in past year(s). The music will be at a more advanced level, and is scored for saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm section
(piano, bass guitar, drum-set & guitar) and participation is limited to these instruments. Improvisation (the "heart & soul" of jazz music) will be studied and included in most rehearsals. As MHS’s top" jazz band. The group will perform at scheduled jazz concerts occurring at MHS. This group is a part of the regular school day and is graded accordingly. Uniform for this group is
ALL BLACK.
Jazz Band Attendance
Jazz Band participation requires that students arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of rehearsal, to set-up equipment and warm-up. Any absence other than illness must be communicated and approved in advance by your Jazz Band Director. You are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Inconsistent attendance will result in dismissal from the group.
Performances
Jazz Band II will perform one Spring Jazz Concert, and participate/perform in the University of Mary Jazz Festival. Jazz I will perform often, and may travel to a regional jazz festival for performance and clinics (decided by group on an interest basis). Jazz I may have additional performances such as school assemblies or civic events.
A complete Jazz Band events calendar will be available at the first rehearsal for all Jazz Band participants.
Solo & Ensemble Contest (Throughout Year)
Throughout the year, Mandan High School students have the opportunity to attend West State Solo and Ensemble Festival. With the guidance of the instructor, students select and begin to prepare a piece to perform for a certified adjudicator. Two original
pieces or a full score are required for adjudication. This piece may be an unaccompanied/accompanied solo or an ensemble with other members of the Band. Students are scored on their performance and may achieve a rating of Star. Their performance is followed by a master class by the adjudicator. This contest is open to all Band members.
Musical "PIT Band"
This is the musical ensemble that performs actual Broadway musicals, collaborating with student actors singing and dancing on stage, in the annual Winter Musical Production. Expect daily after school practices.
All-State Band (Spring)
The All-State Band is sponsored by the ND Music Educators Association ( NDMEA) and is offered to students on an annual basis. The group is determined by statewide auditions through live auditions. All students grades 9-12 are eligible to audition.
Participants prepare provided scales, solo material, and sight-reading exercises. Deadline for entry is in November. Auditions are held in early January and results are generally known in early February. The All-state festival is held in the end of March and is always a phenomenal experience for all students involved.
Challenges
Band students who wish to try out for the next higher chair in their section may challenge the player currently holding the seat. The Band Director conducts the challenge. The players and the Director are separated by a screen. Player #1 (as determined by
the two students) plays the selected scales first, followed by Player #2. Player #2 then plays the selected music followed by Player #1. The Band Director decides the winning player. Two weeks must elapse before a re-challenge may take place.