Instrumental music classes are offered each semester of the school year. Students are strongly advised to take band both semesters in order to not get behind in their yearly progress. IMPORTANT: If students must choose a semester during any year to not take band class, it should be during the fall semester. The spring semester is more important due to festival performance opportunities. Students should ALWAYS discuss with Mr. Underwood if there are schedule conflicts. Do NOT settle without trying. There are very few reasons that students cannot take band class when they want it. Listed below are the band classes taught at North Lincoln High School. NOTE: Ninth-grade band students are STRONGLY encouraged to take band BOTH semesters so as not to get behind and become discouraged!!
BAND I (Concert and Marching Band, 1st Semester, Third Period)
In this first semester class, BAND I will consist of only students participating in the marching band. Class time will be used to prepare show music, stand selections, music for parades and ballgames. In addition, this symphonic level band will prepare at least two concerts. Time spent participating in the marching band will result in extra credit for grading in this class. After school rehearsals and performances are required of this group. Many trips during weekends to competitions are required. Fees for uniforms, camps, extra instructors, and travel are required as a part of participation in marching band. Many opportunities to assist students in paying these fees are made available through the North Lincoln High School Band Boosters Association. See “Band of Knights” Marching Band below.
BAND II (Concert Band ONLY, 1st Semester, Fourth Period)
This first semester class is offered to students not electing to participate in marching band, but still wanting to play in concert ensemble. Band II performs in grade levels II, III, IV and V, and will give several concerts during the semester. Attendance at all after school performances and rehearsals (minimal) is required and graded. A uniform may be expected and explained at the beginning of the class.
SYMPHONIC BAND+ (Concert Band, 2nd Semester, Fourth Period)
This “plus” (+) level band course is a building level band for the NLHS Wind Ensemble. ALL freshmen band students will be a part of this band class (unless there is an exception deemed necessary by Mr. Underwood). Band II (receiving a full unit of credit) will attend State Concert Festival, performing in grade levels III, IV and V, and will give several concerts during the semester. Attendance at all after school performances (3 or 4 concerts) and rehearsals (minimal) is required and graded. A uniform will be expected and explained at the beginning of the class. The Symphonic Band has experience much success in festival and competitive performance over the past four years. Members have been offered the opportunity to combine with the Wind Ensemble to travel to regional and national festival events.
WIND ENSEMBLE + (Selected Concert Band, 2nd Semester, Third Period)
This “plus” (+) level band is the true “honor band” of North Lincoln High School. After the fall semester, and marching band, the Wind Ensemble becomes a selective (by band director) group that performs in State Concert Festival in grade levels V and VI. This organization is expected to have numerous performance opportunities, some may require over-night travel. All after school performances and rehearsals are required and graded. As a junior or senior member of the Wind Ensemble, students may elect to participate in the HONORS BAND A*+ or HONORS BAND B*+. These state approved honors classes and curriculum are a part of the Wind Ensemble and allow advanced students to do college level work and receive HONORS CREDIT for grading in the band setting.
COLORGUARD (Music Exploration, 1st Semester, Second Period)
The North Lincoln “Band of Knights” Colorguard is an active part of the Marching Band. This year colorguard meets in a separate class from the other marching band students so that Mr. Underwood has more time to work with guard and they have more class time to perfect routines and learn drill. All expectations of the BAND I class apply. Winter Guard is offered as an extra-curricular activity during the winter months.
“BAND OF KNIGHTS” MARCHING BAND
Marching band is a mostly extra-curricular activity at North Lincoln. Though class participation is expected during both semesters, students may participate, with permission where problems in class scheduling occur. This MUST be approved by Mr. Underwood prior to the semester. The marching band is the largest single organization at North Lincoln High School. In our first four years, the “Band of Knights” has been finalist at seven regional level competitions and won eight Grand Champion titles. Though marching band requires after school time from August thru November, the rewards of participating are worthwhile. It is a close “family” of students who really make the high school experience more enjoyable. Marching band gives many students “a place to belong” which is very important in today’s society. Rookie Training for new marching band members will be held two weeks in May, each day 3:30-5:00. Students will receive information about this and other marching band related events around March. There are many exciting travel opportunities available for the Band of Knights next year.
“BAND OF KNIGHTS” JAZZ BAND, WINTERGUARD, PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, and other solo and ensemble opportunities The “Band of Knights” offers many extra-curricular organizations who meet after school throughout the school year. Students wishing to participate in these groups should be enrolled in a band class (unless otherwise approved by Mr. Underwood). We also provide the “Pit Orchestra” for the Spring Musical. Band students at North Lincoln can be as involved in as many band activities as they choose. |
