Performing Ensembles

The Hickory Ridge Band program is made up of many performing ensembles.  The goal is to provide a varied, comprehensive approach to music education, and allow students multiple performance opportunities through curricular and extra-curricular ensembles.

BLUE REGIMENT MARCHING BAND

The Blue Regiment is one of the most active and visible organizations in our school.  This ensemble performs for all home football games, select away games, competitions, parades, school functions, and other special events each fall.  Membership in the marching band program requires the ability to play appropriate literature for the activity while also meeting the physical demands of playing while moving.  The ensemble is designed for all band students with an emphasis on presenting a dignified and appropriate approach to music and movement.  All marching band students are required to participate in at least one semester of a concert ensemble, and are strongly encouraged to participate in a concert ensemble during both the first and second semester in order to continue the development of musical skills.  Members attend spring and summer rehearsals, a mandatory band camp (prior to the start of school), and are required to be at all after school rehearsals and performances, as well as adhere to the behavior guidelines.  

CONCERT BAND

The Concert Band, or 9th Grade Band, is designed for the students with the performance ability necessary to play and perform Level IV music. The ensemble, which may be taken for Honors Credit, is offered as an introduction to band at the high school level, and is offered during both the fall and spring semesters. Students are highly encouraged to sign up for both semesters so they can participate yearlong. The course is designed to prepare students for participation in the Symphonic Band and/or Wind Ensemble in future semesters. This ensemble will perform several concerts during each semester, and will participate in South Central District Bandmasters Association Concert Band Musical Performance Adjudication (MPA). In addition, it may travel and compete during the spring of each year. Members will be expected to know major scales, the chromatic scale to a proficient range on the instrument, plus general proficiency in sight-reading. Most incoming freshmen band members will enroll in this course.

SYMPHONIC BAND

 The Symphonic Band is primarily made up of 10th-12th grade students and meets during the fall and spring semester. The course is designed as an intermediate level ensemble which performs Level IV and V music. Students are highly encouraged to sign up for both semesters so they can participate yearlong. The course is designed to further develop skills that prepare students for participation in Wind Ensemble, if desired, during future semesters. It will build upon the knowledge of music theory, music history, and ear training. Students may elect to take this course for Honors Credit, and will perform several concerts during each semester. This ensemble will perform several concerts during each semester, and will participate in South Central District Bandmasters Association Concert Band Musical Performance Adjudication (MPA). Members will be expected to know major scales, the chromatic scale to a proficient range on the instrument, plus general proficiency in sight-reading. Select freshmen may be eligible to audition for this ensemble if space is available in a particular section. To be eligible to audition, an incoming freshman must have been a member of the South Central All-District Band during their 8th grade year.

WIND ENSEMBLE

Wind Ensemble is primarily made up of 11th and 12th grade students and is the premiere performing ensemble of Hickory Ridge High School. Students are required to enroll in both semesters (fall and spring) in order to participate yearlong.  The course automatically receives Honors Credit and is designed for the advanced band student.  Students focus on advanced aspects of individual and group performance, and also strive to develop skills and use of music theory, music history, and ear training. The Wind Ensemble is designed to offer music students the opportunity to study and play music in a wide variety of performance venues, and will primarily play collegiate-level music from the Grade VI and Masterworks lists. This elite ensemble is made up of the most advanced and serious players, and will perform several concerts during the semester, as well as participate in South Central District Bandmasters Association Concert Band Musical Performance Adjudication (MPA). In addition, it may travel and compete during the spring of each year. Membership into the Wind Ensemble is through audition only. Members will be expected to know all major scales and the chromatic scale on the full range of their instrument, plus advanced proficiency in sight-reading. Each member will be responsible for purchasing his or her own formal concert attire. Select freshmen may be eligible to audition for this ensemble only if space is available in a particular section. To be eligible to audition, an incoming freshman must have been a member of the North Carolina All-State Band during their 8th grade year.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

Small ensembles may be formed after school or as a part of the daily concert ensemble rehearsals during the fall and spring semester. All band members are encouraged to participate. Possible groups are brass quintet, woodwind quartet or quintet, flute choir, saxophone quartet, tuba/euphonium ensemble, etc. These groups may be featured on concerts, may have a dedicated concert for their performances, and may perform for the Solo and Ensemble Festival held each spring.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Jazz Ensemble is open to saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, percussion, and bass players.  Auditions are held at the beginning of the season.  Students rehearse weekly after marching band season ends, and participate in several on-campus concerts, as well as off-campus jazz clinics and festivals in the spring.  

WINTER GUARD

Winter Guard is offered for students who are interested in the pageantry arts. Auditions are held at the concussion of the marching band season, and rehearsals are held two to three times each week. Members are introduced to the foundations of dance, spinning equipment (such as flags, wooden rifles, and sabres), and visual performance, and compete during the months of January-March. Members who wish to participate in the Winter Guard must also participate in the fall marching band.