Algonquin Regional High School Band

Concert Band

Concert Band is for students in grade 9. It meets 5 periods per week and is a 5 credit Honors course. This band performs music of the highest quality from the standard band repertory as well as contemporary works. The literature selected is designed to provide a transition to the more difficult literature that the grade 10-12 band performs.

During the fall, the band performs as the Marching Band (see below). Students may combine band with Mixed Chorus and will divide their time between both groups as decided by the directors. Concert Band is conducted by Miss Johnson. Attendance at all public performances is required. Besides performing in 3 concerts per year, Concert Band members participate in the annual MICCA concert festival. They may also eligible to attend the annual Music Dept. Trip, usually in the spring. This will vary year to year, depending on where the trip being planned. All instrumental students are eligible to audition for a spot in the Central District Concert Band, Jazz Band, or Orchestra. Successful instrumentalists may be recommended for audition for placement in the All-State Band, Jazz Band, or Orchestra.

Marching Band

Required for all Grade 9 students who take part in Concert Band. Students attend a Summer Band Camp during the week before the start of school in August. Marching Band rehearsals continue during band practice in school through September. Students perform at all home football games, some away games and Thanksgiving Day game (home or away). The schedule of games is available before the start of the school year. (See http://www.arhsband.com)

The Algonquin Marching band also represents their school by participation in Northborough's Applefest parade in September, Southborough's Heritage Day parade on Columbus Day and in both towns' Memorial Day Parades.

Students march in uniform, provided by the school. They must purchase white shoes, white gloves and a lyre for their instrument.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is for students in grades 10, 11 and 12. It meets 5 periods per week and is a 5 credit Honors course.

Symphonic Band performs music of the highest quality from the standard band repertory as well as contemporary works. Students may combine band with Concert Choir and will divide their time between both groups as decided by the directors. Symphonic Band is conducted by Mr. Wrenn and Miss Johnson. Attendance at all public performances is required.

Besides performing in 3 concerts per year, Symphonic Band members participate in MICCA. They are also eligible to attend the annual Music Dept. trip, usually in the spring. All instrumental students are eligible to audition for a spot in the Central District Concert Band, Jazz Band, or Orchestra. Successful instrumentalists may be recommended for audition for placement in the All-State Band, Jazz Band, or Orchestra. This group is directed by Mr. Wrenn and Miss Johnson.

Jazz Band

ARHS is privileged to have two excellent Jazz Ensembles.

Jazz Ensemble A (or I) is a 5 credit honors course meeting during school and one evening per week. Membership is determined by audition in the fall. A member must also be concurrently enrolled in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra. The ensemble provides an opportunity for qualified students to perform contemporary music literature and to explore the art of jazz performance. Students are required to attend after school rehearsals, concerts and community functions. Jazz I is conducted by Mr. Wrenn. Jazz Ensemble B (or II) is an extracurricular activity open to students in grades 9 and 10. It meets one evening per week.

Both ensembles perform at community functions and attend several Jazz Festivals and competitions. Jazz II is conducted by Miss Johnson.

String Orchestra

String Orchestra is open to students in grades 9-12. It is a 5 credit Honors course and is an extension of the string instruction begun in earlier grades. It is open to any student who plays violin, viola, cello, or string bass. A balanced repertoire of music of the classical composers and popular music is presented. Attendance at all concerts is required. The course meets over the course of the entire year. All string instrumental students are eligible to audition for a spot in the Central District Orchestra. Successful instrumentalists may be recommended for audition for placement in the All-State Orchestra. The string orchestra is directed by Mr. Wrenn and Miss Johnson.

Full Orchestra

Full Orchestra is open to students in grades 9-12 playing an orchestral instrument. It is extracurricular and meets once per week after school. Students perform at school concerts throughout the year. The orchestra also plays for the annual school musical. This group is directed by Mr. Wrenn and Miss Johnson.