High School Marching Band
The Wildcat Marching Band is the most visible instrumental music ensemble at Montgomery County High School. The ensemble performs at all home football games as well as playoff games. Additionally, this band will perform in parades. The primary focus of this band is to teach music and entertain audience members while marching to drill. The marching band rehearses during class time first hour.
High School Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band consists of the finest instrumental musicians at Montgomery County High School. Students begin playing concert band music following the fall marching band season. All members of this band are involved in the Wildcat Marching Band. The Symphonic Band performs a variety of music including overtures, lyrical ballads, symphonies, orchestral transcriptions, traditional marches, movie soundtrack and Broadway selections as well as newly composed music.
Students who are selected to perform in this group are very dedicated and have reached a high level of musical achievement through individual work and previous study in the middle school bands. They are also expected to be of the highest level of character. The highest level of commitment and performance standard is expected of members of this organization as they prepare for all concerts and Music Festival in the spring. Many of the members of this ensemble will become members of the Northeast All-District Band and the Conference Band. Most of the members of Concert Band are involved in solo and/or small ensemble work during District and State Music Festival time in the spring.
Students who are selected to perform in this group are very dedicated and have reached a high level of musical achievement through individual work and previous study in the middle school bands. They are also expected to be of the highest level of character. The highest level of commitment and performance standard is expected of members of this organization as they prepare for all concerts and Music Festival in the spring. Many of the members of this ensemble will become members of the Northeast All-District Band and the Conference Band. Most of the members of Concert Band are involved in solo and/or small ensemble work during District and State Music Festival time in the spring.
High School Pep Band
The Wildcat Pep Band will perform at many home basketball games in support of the high school basketball teams and to entertain audience members.
Recordings: Gimme Some Lovin', Seven Nation Army, Smoke on the Water
Recordings: Gimme Some Lovin', Seven Nation Army, Smoke on the Water
Conference, District, & State Auditions
Students will have several opportunities throughout the school year to audition for the honor of playing with a select band. District band auditions will be November 10, 2018, State band auditions will be December 1, 2018, and Conference band auditions will be January 19, 2019. Auditions will consist of scales, prepared music, and sight reading. Interested students should let Ms. Garner know of their interest and set up a plan to ensure preparation. If students are chosen they will prepare concert music and participate all day in a rehearsal with a guest conductor and they will be seated in a band of students from the entire conference, district, or state. Then after an entire day of rehearsal they will perform a concert in the evening showing their hard work in rehearsal that day. Parents you are welcome to the concerts as they are free. We would love for you to be a part of this special day in honoring your student's talents, motivation, and dedication to music.
Solo & Ensemble Music Festival
Students that display dedication and interest may choose to prepare a solo and/or a small ensemble for spring music festival. Interested students will be given an appropriate solo by Ms. Garner. Students will be required to play for Ms. Garner at least twice to receive feedback and twice practice with the school provided accompanist in advance of the festival and must display necessary preparation to ensure that this is a positive experience. Once a week after school lessons are offered and recommended in the six weeks leading up to the music festival. Students will perform for a judge and receive a rating and written critique and praise. Parents and fellow students are encouraged to attend each individual performance.
Guitar
The Guitar class meets second hour and is open to all high school students (no prior experience is required). Students will learn to read music notation and tab while learning how to play a variety of styles of music individually and as a group.