Students who desire to participate in the NVHS Band Program must meet three general requirements:

• Meet the musical minimum as listed on the audition sheet.
• Meet the instrumentation requirement determined by the directors.
• Demonstrate a good attitude and willingness to conform to the Band Department philosophy. 

Concert Winds (Period 4)

This is a freshman level auditioned group.  Members of this ensemble will engage in an accelerated curriculm.

Concert Bands (Periods 6 and 7)

The Concert Bands are comprised entirely of freshman, performing repertoire that provides formative experiences in developing musicianship (musical knowledge, aural skills, and technical abilities).  Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of the technique class curriculum. 

Symphonic Winds (Period 1)

This is an auditioned ensemble which includes band members in grades 10-12, and concentrates on sophisticated repertoire for high school level symphonic band.  Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of technique classes. 

Symphonic Bands (Periods 2 and 5)              FINAL EXAM ESSAY

The Symphonic Bands include band members in grades 10-12, and concentrate on standard repertorie for high school level symphonic band.  Members are expecteed to advance their musicianship through completion of technique classes.

Percussion Ensembles

These ensembles are formed from each curricular band's percussion section.  Percussion ensembles meet during band class and durin option periods.  These ensembles will perform music specific to the world of percussion.

Wind Symphony (Period 7/8)

Wind Symphony is open to grades 9-12 by audition only.  This ensemble provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of masterworks for winds and percussion.  Members are expectd to advance their musicianship through completion of technique classes.  

Wind Ensemble (Period 3/4)

Wind Ensemble is open to grades 9-12 by audition only.  This ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college level works for winds and percussion.  Due to the soloistic nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performances.  Private study with a professional on principal instruments is required.  Scholarship money is available for students unable to pay for lessons.  All studnets perform in quintets, quartets, and other small ensembles.   

Honors Wind Ensemble

Senior electing Wind Ensemble for Honors Credit will be required to serve in leadership positions and complete additional projects during the year.  They will receive weighted grades for their work.

There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent stydying the arts.  Those who studied the arts four or more years scored 60 points higher oin verbal and 41 points higher on math portions of the SAT than those students with no coursework or experience in the arts for a combined total of 101 points higher.  ~The College Board 

The very best engineers and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry are, nearly without exception, practicing musicians.  ~The Center for the Arts in Basic Curriculum

The University of Illinois's famed Marching Illini involves 350 student musicians from every college on campus.  Annually, almost half of its members are engineering majors; one of the most challenging engineering degree programs in the country.  ~University of Illinois Office of Admissions/Department of Bands