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 curriculum.

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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.

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Symphonic Winds (Period 2)

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.

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Symphonic Bands (Periods 1 and 8) 

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

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Percussion Ensembles

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

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Wind Symphony (Period 5/4) 

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.  The Wind Symphony class and the Wind Ensemble class also combine to perform as the Wind Orchestra. Members in the Wind Symphony are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of technique classes.

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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. All students perform in quintets, quartets, and other small ensembles.

 All students in Wind Ensemble must take private lessons. The teachers listed on the private instructor tab to the left are those who have a studio at Neuqua Valley. These teachers have passed a background check administered by the Naperville police department. They also passed an audition and interview process. However, students are NOT required to take lessons from teachers on this list. There are exceptional area teachers who maintain studios outside Neuqua Valley. Scholarship money is available for students unable to pay for lessons.  

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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.

 

 

 

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There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent studying 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