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VIERA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 2010-2011
Information Page
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Current Eighth Graders
& New Members VHS BAND AND ORCHESTRA BOOSTERS (VBOB)
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Welcome 2010 Freshmen and New Members!
Current 8th grade band and orchestra students in the Viera High School boundaries should begin planning for their transition to high school. This page will help you understand your options within the VHS Instrumental Music Program.
BAND & ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
Welcome! The staff and students of the VHS Instrumental Music Program are already preparing for the next exciting school year! With state-of-the-art facilities, instruments, and equipment paired with quality instruction from a talented, POSITIVE team of professionals, you will feel 'at home' at VHS! The program is already known for its comprehensive approach to music education and its high-quality performances that are rehearsed in a fun, social, and musically rewarding atmosphere. The VHS Instrumental Music Program is the largest and most comprehensive in the county! We hope this website proves useful to you as you prepare to enter Viera High School. Please browse this site and let us know if you have any questions. To graduate from high school in Florida, 2010 freshmen are required to take one fine arts credit while in high school. If you already are in band or orchestra, it makes sense to continue with music in ninth grade. It is very difficult to put your instrument down for a year and pick it back up again in 10th or 11th grade (think about it - a junior playing at a freshmen level!) - so all fine arts teachers in all area high schools will strongly encourage students to continue with their middle school fine arts courses in ninth grade. Viera High School is anticipated to continue the mandatory 7-period day policy in the 2010-2011 school year. The VHS instrumental music department will offer three band classes, two orchestra classes, three jazz band classes, an Advanced Placement Music Theory class, and a chamber winds class. Two of the three band classes are anticipated to have 65 students each. The jazz bands are by audition only and will be capped at 20 students each. The jazz band classes are only open to students who are already in another concert band or orchestra class. The orchestra is expected to have 60 students divided between the two classes. Only string students may take orchestra.
The chamber winds class will be available to wind players and percussionists who wish to study advanced chamber literature and perform with the symphony orchestra. Students in this class must be enrolled in another band class and must audition for a spot. In the past, advanced ninth-graders have enrolled in the course as their second music elective.
The Advanced Placement music theory course is open to seniors who already have a strong background in music reading and some sort of instrumental or choral music experience. The course involves a rigorous curriculum in the area of music theory, ear training, and sight-singing. Only students involved in one of the VHS music programs may take the course, which will be capped at around 15 students.
All students must audition for placement within the program. Auditions will take place during the month of May at all VHS feeder schools. Students not in a VHS feeder school (private schools and students moving in from out of town) should contact the VHS directors to schedule an audition. The audition is a 'meet and greet' time for the director and incoming student and should not be an intimidating experience. Students will be asked to play as many major scales as possible (two octaves and memorized where applicable), perform any solo or passage from their current band/orchestra music, and sight-read a short piece of music. Everyone in a middle school feeder program 'makes' an ensemble! Students interested in jazz band should inform the director at the audition. Additional sight-reading material may be required for jazz band.
One of the most common questions in the Spring is "I want to join band or orchestra. What do I write on my VHS schedule form?" For now, put either "Band" or "Orchestra". Do not worry about a specific band or orchestra at this time. After placement auditions, the VHS directors will place students in the appropriate ensembles and make all necessary changes in the VHS guidance department. If you are interested in an additional class, like band and jazz band or band and orchestra, put both classes on your schedule. Make sure you have alternate classes listed at the bottom of your schedule form in case the three jazz bands meet their cap limits.
All incoming instrumental students should make plans to attend the first marching reherasal at 6pm on May 21st, and the Instrumental Music Registration day scheduled for May 22 in the Viera High School Band Room. Parents and student(s) only need to come for one hour during the registration time block. New students wishing to rent a large instrument (French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, and Bassoon) from Viera HS will be able to pick it up at registration. More information on registration day will be posted to this site later this year. The three concert bands will come together after-school in the fall to form the 200+ member Marching Band. Marching Band is mandatory for all band students. This policy is standard at most high schools in the county, although each school treats marching band differently. Marching Band only rehearses through the last week of October! As the largest student organization at VHS, the marching band is the best place for newcomers to VHS to make new friends. The marching band curriculum embraces the social nature of the activity to give students a chance to perform challenging literature while having a great time. The Marching Band begins rehearsals at the annual Band Camp about a week before school starts. The Band Camp is mandatory for all band students, so make plans to attend! Regular rehearsals take place once school starts on Tuesday's and Thursday's after-school at VHS. The Marching Band will perform at all home football games and most away games - most or all of which take place on Friday evenings. The band camp dates and performance dates are posted on the calendar page.
All ninth graders are required to take the semester long Career Research and Decision Making course, paired with the semester long critical thinking course. All band and orchestra students are given the opportunity to take the career course as a 0-period (7:50am-8:40am). This option will free your schedule and allow you to take all core classes, music, and 2 additional electives! This is especially important for students in two music classes (i.e. band and jazz band) or students who need remedial courses in math or English. The course is only one semester long and you can choose either the spring or fall semester. The critical thinking course, often scheduled as the second half of the Career Research class, is not required!
Viera High School offers the same number or more instrumental courses than any school in Brevard County! Viera HS also offers the very important, mandatory Career Research and Decision Making course in a special band/orchestra only setting in a 0-period time slot. This allows students to take more music courses, or have more room in their schedule for advanced academic courses!
The Directors will be more than happy to sit down with any student who is zoned for VHS who would like to discuss their options within the Viera HS Instrumental Music Program. The directors will assist the student and parents with creating a four-year instrumental music schedule for students interested in advancing in music, enriching their lives with music, or pursuing a career in music.
MARCHING BAND FAQ When is Marching Band Camp?
Who must attend Band Camp?
Where do students eat on the full day rehearsals?
When does Marching Band rehearse?
When does Marching Band perform?
Who performs in Marching Band?
When does Marching Band end?
Is Marching Band graded?
Does the Marching Band take any trips?
I don't play a traditional marching band instrument. What do I do?
I want to practice this summer - When do I get my marching band instrument?
Are there auditions for Marching Band?
Can I play in sports and still be in Band?
Does the band have carpools set-up?
Are there fees associated with Marching Band?
Click Here to Return to the VHS Instrumental Music Home Page
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