Washington High School Bands

Symphonic Band

Concert Band

Varsity Band

Symphonic Band plays at the highest level of our three concert bands at Sioux Falls Washington High School, and membership is by audition only. Members of this group rehearse during one of their class periods. This ensemble participates in our Incoming 8th Graders Concert (along with Jazz I), our Fall and Spring Band Concerts, Prism Concert, Showcase Concert, Large Group Contest (along with Concert Band) and plays at the WHS Graduation Ceremony. Members of this ensemble may participate in Solo/Ensemble Contest and/or All-State Band, and may also have the opportunity to accompany our Orchestra or Choir programs for their performances.

In this course, students will improve proficiency in all aspects of reading and performing instrumental music. Through the rehearsal and study of quality wind band literature, students will strengthen individual playing techniques and skills; learn about the theory, history, and vocabulary of music; demonstrate confidence and poise during public performances; and learn to work collaboratively as a member of the ensemble. This course emphasizes the importance of participation, appreciation, and support of music for life.

Members of this ensemble (who are not a member of marching band or jazz band) are expected to fundraise a target amount of $75 by the end of the year to help cover costs associated with the program. Several fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year to make this goal attainable.

Concert Band is our second auditioned band at Sioux Falls Washington High School. Under the direction of Ben Harder, members of this group rehearse during one of their class periods. This ensemble participates in our Fall and Spring Band Concerts, Prism Concert and Large Group Contest (along with Symphonic Band). Members of this ensemble may also participate in Solo/Ensemble Contest and/or All-State Band.

In this course, students will improve proficiency in all aspects of reading and performing instrumental music. Through the rehearsal and study of quality wind band literature, students will strengthen individual playing techniques and skills; learn about the theory, history, and vocabulary of music; demonstrate confidence and poise during public performances; and learn to work collaboratively as a member of the ensemble. This course emphasizes the importance of participation, appreciation, and support of music for life.

Members of this ensemble (who are not a member of marching band or jazz band) are expected to pay a target amount of $75 by the end of the year to help cover costs associated with the program. Several fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year to make this goal attainable.

Varsity Band is our non-auditioned ensemble at Sioux Falls Washington High School. Members of this group rehearse during one of their class periods. This ensemble participates in our Fall and Spring Band Concerts and Prism Concert. Members of this ensemble may also participate in Solo/Ensemble Contest and/or All-State Band.

In this course, students will improve proficiency in all aspects of reading and performing instrumental music. Through the rehearsal and study of quality wind band literature, students will strengthen individual playing techniques and skills; learn about the theory, history, and vocabulary of music; demonstrate confidence and poise during public performances; and learn to work collaboratively as a member of the ensemble. This course emphasizes the importance of participation, appreciation, and support of music for life.

Members of this ensemble (who are not a member of marching band or jazz band) are expected to pay a target amount of $75 by the end of the year to help cover costs associated with the program. Several fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year to make this goal attainable.

Marching Band

Approximately 80 students make up the Washington High School "Warrior" Marching Band from Sioux Falls, SD. We seek to produce innovative and exciting marching shows and to provide a sense of "warrior pride" for the students, families and friends at Washington. Our students work hard during the summer and into the school year to provide engaging productions for our audiences at marching band competitions and home football games.

Jazz 1

Jazz I is our top jazz band at Sioux Falls Washington High School. It is made up of experienced jazz performers, with an emphasis on improvisation. Under the direction of Ben Harder, this ensemble meets for half of a lunch period for 4 days each week, in addition to a longer morning rehearsal on Thursdays. This group performs at the Incoming 8th Graders Concert (along with Symphonic Band), Pop, Popcorn and Jazz Concert, Prism Concert and Dessert and Jazz Concert. This group also competes at several jazz band competitions in the region. Members of this group may also participate in All-City Jazz and/or All-State Jazz. In addition to the normal concerts and festivals, Jazz I members may be asked to perform in the local area.
Members of this ensemble (who are not a member of marching band) are expected to pay a target amount of $100 by the end of the year to help cover costs associated with the program. Several fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year to make this goal attainable.

Jazz 2

Pep Band

Our second jazz band at Sioux Falls Washington High School is made up of jazz performers at all experience levels. We place emphasis on learning lots of different styles and learning how to play them accurately. This ensemble meets for half of a lunch period for 4 days each week. This group performs at the Pop, Popcorn and Jazz Concert, Prism Concert and Dessert and Jazz Concert. Jazz II also performs and competes at several jazz band competitions in the region. Members of this group may also participate in All-City Jazz and/or All-State Jazz.
Members of this ensemble (who are not a member of marching band) are expected to pay a target amount of $100 by the end of the year to help cover costs associated with the program. Several fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year to make this goal attainable.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their instrument (and anyone you know who plays an instrument) to Pep Band! This group is made up of all band members, and plays at home girls and boys basketball games. Extra credit points are awarded to those who participate, and attending five or more games will earn a Pep Band pin for your band letter.

Show Choir Band- "Quacko"

The show choir band, "Quacko," supports the varsity show choir "Classic Connection" as well as the unisex show choir called "Stage Lights" at Sioux Falls Washington High School. Quacko travels with our show choir to each competition and includes a full jazz band instrumentation. Participating in show choir band is the closest thing to being a professional musician as we travel, play, and then get on-site critiques to keep our show changing and growing throughout the entire season. For more information about show choir or the band, please email Mr. Spencer.
Jeffrey Spencer, Director of Choral Activities: Jeffrey.Spencer@k12.sd.us

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